Railtown 1897 State Historic Park — Attraction in Sonora

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, nestled in the charming town of Jamestown, CA, is a must-visit for anyone passionate about trains, history, or just looking for a unique and family-friendly experience. As a living history museum, Railtown 1897 offers a rare glimpse into the rich heritage of California’s railroad era, with meticulously preserved steam and diesel locomotives, historic buildings, and a working roundhouse.

For train aficionados like yours truly, the highlight is undoubtedly the excursion train ride. Offered on weekends and select weekdays, the train ride takes visitors through the scenic Sierra foothills, providing a serene backdrop that feels like a step back in time. The rhythmic chugging of the steam locomotive, combined with the knowledgeable commentary from the conductors, creates an authentic and immersive experience.

But the excursion train ride is only the icing on the cake. Railtown 1897 also boasts an impressive collection of vintage railcars, a fully operational turntable, and several exhibits that delve into the technical and cultural history of railroading. You can even take a guided tour of the roundhouse and machine shop, where you’ll see firsthand how the historic equipment is maintained and restored.

The park is also famous as a filming location for countless movies and TV shows, including Petticoat Junction and Back to the Future Part III. Walking around, it’s easy to see why Hollywood found this place irresistible. With its period-authentic ambiance and lovingly preserved details, it’s a living time capsule of the golden age of American railroads.

Whether you’re a casual visitor or a dedicated rail buff, Railtown 1897 has something to offer. It’s more than just a museum; it’s an experience that brings California’s railroad past to life in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a touch of nostalgia and wonder to...

We just had the most wonderful tour at Railtown. Unfortunately, our visit to Jamestown was too early by 2 weeks, as the trains don't start running until April. However, on Tuesday, they have a shop tour which were were lucky to catch. It probably helps that it's just before season opening, and they are all in the workshops getting the trains ready for next month, but I think any time of the year would be great to see the amazing restoration projects they have underway.

The tour guide, Leroy, is a treasure. Do try to catch one of his shop tours if you are around Jamestown on a Tuesday. If you're a mechanic, tinkerer, or train nut, you MUST take this awesome tour.

The tour started with a pretty lengthy presentation of the history of the trains and the maintenance and restoration projects. Then we went to the roundhouse to see the engines (and some other cars, but let's face it, it's all about the engines), where we got such great detail and background on the work being done, and the workshop required to do it (ever think about a train having tires? and how to change them? And the lifespan of those "tires?" Apparently it's about 200,000 miles) The tour took us through all the workshops and was filled with neat details and answers to any question-- it's clear that Leroy knows and loves everything about these trains and the work going on here.

Shop tours are on Tuesdays, except when it's super-hot, according to the gentleman working in the store. So, come in the spring to get the best tour. Saturdays, starting in April, to ride steam, and Sundays, starting in April to ride diesel. (hint-- you want steam. It takes them almost 4 hours to get the steam engines running, which is why they don't run...

Polar express FAIL. Save your time and money and go elsewhere! I will start by saying, this was my two kiddos first experience (4&6 years old) I’ve been in the past with my family not with my littles. We arrived an hour early to get the seats we wanted, so I thought! Once escorted into the train an unprofessional young lady had a terrible attitude when I told her I’d like to sit on the left hand side so my little kiddos can see the North Pole. She very disgustingly said, NO! You sit over there! Like I said. I got there an hour early from the Bay Area (2nd in line) with my family and I was treated unprofessionally. I was excited to be there but that feeling of making memories with my family disappeared! Shortly after the ordeal, a grandmother approached me and said this happened to her last year and they were far worse, they mocked and taunted her the entire train ride and stuck their tongues out at her. She said it was terrible and she was only there to be apart of her grandkids memories along with her daughter. I couldn’t believe my ears, not only has this happened to me, this poor grandmother and I’m sure there’s several others! The attitude and purposely nudging me as they walked by was so uncalled for, I sat on the aisle seat, you will eventually catch a lawsuit with poorly mannered hires! I wouldn’t recommend this ride to anyone! Save your money and go elsewhere I know I will! Never again! Also, if you’re going by to force people to sit in “assigned seats” it should be started on the ticket, I didn’t see that anywhere on written. Just sayin!...