La Mesa Depot Museum — Local services in La Mesa

The La Mesa Depot is a small but charming railroad museum that houses an iconic train in the area. It features the Mojave Northern Railroad (MNRR) No. 3, a Pacific Fruit Express refrigerator car (now used for storage), and an old Southern Pacific Caboose. Although the depot is small and doesn’t have much inside, train lovers will still appreciate the opportunity to see this historic set up close.

In addition to the depot, this hidden gem is located next to the La Mesa Trolley Station and a railroad crossing with a Safetran Hybrid Bell on its left signal, which surprised me since it hasn’t been replaced with an E-Bell yet.

I find it amusing that the depot refers to the MNRR No. 3 as the “American Thomas,” since the saddle tank locomotive has a 0-6-0 wheel configuration like Thomas the Tank Engine, and both locomotives carry their own water without the need...

Very nice display of railway history.. The museum is small but it adds interest and value to this community..

I was impressed with the train they feature as I was driving through La Mesa to meet up with a client, enough so I went back to visit when I was finished. The train is only three cars; the engine is so beautiful, really has the wow factor.. I would love to have that in my own yard.

Okay, it is a small "museum" but what a nice bit of historicity they are sharing with us. This museum is a nice compliment to a community that has a village feel with special restaurants and interesting shops nearby which I recommend that you include...

Home to the oldest building in California. A neat little park with a steam engine and a small string of rail cars you can climb onto and explore!

Near the track you pass by the ticket/waiting area and view the telegrapher’s station and a small exhibit area in the baggage room. This building and its past are a fascinating look at a bit of small-town railroading from yesteryear and its importance to the...