About the Museum
Rooted in efforts begun in 1937 by the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, who donated 30 historic locomotives to California State Parks. Authorized by legislation in 1970, the museum opened in 1976 in the restored Central Pacific Passenger Station, with the main building completed in 1981. Became a Smithsonian affiliate in 2017.
Located at the western terminus of America's first transcontinental railroad, this is one of the largest railroad museums in the world with 225,000 square feet of exhibits. The collection includes 19 steam locomotives (1862-1944), including the C.P. Huntington—built in 1863, shipped around Cape Horn, and used in transcontinental railroad construction.
Exhibits explore the role of Chinese immigrants in building the transcontinental railroad and the famous Golden Spike ceremony. The complex includes Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown (added 1992) and steam-powered excursion trains on the Sacramento Southern Railroad since 1984.
What to See
- 19 restored steam locomotives spanning 1862 to 1944, including the C.P. Huntington of 1863
- 225,000 square feet of exhibits in one of the world's largest railroad museums
- Exhibits on the role of Chinese immigrants in building the transcontinental railroad and the Golden Spike ceremony
- The restored Central Pacific Passenger Station at the western terminus of the first transcontinental railroad
- Connections to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown and steam excursion trains on the Sacramento Southern Railroad
Planning Your Visit
The museum is located at 125 I Street in Sacramento's Old Sacramento district, CA 95814, and can be reached at (916) 323-9280. Hours, admission, and excursion-train schedules vary, so confirm current details before you go on the official website at californiarailroad.museum. As a unit of California State Parks and a Smithsonian affiliate, the museum offers exhibits and programs suitable for railroad enthusiasts, families, and history researchers alike.
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