Programs - Railtown 1897 State Park

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Self-guided walking tours of the grounds at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park provide an overview of the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse complex. Complimentary self-guided tour maps are available at the Railtown Depot Store.

Several points of interest are called out, including an overview of the compressed air-powered turntable and locations where guests can look into the Shops and Roundhouse. Please note that, for safety reasons, access to portions of the Shops and Roundhouse is available only during Guided Roundhouse Tours. Please do not climb on the locomotives and railroad cars displayed, for your safety and for the protection of these artifacts. Certain areas of the Park grounds are off-limits to the public at all times.

Another highlight of a self-guided tour is the opportunity to view movie props and other artifacts used in the production of feature films, TV shows, and commercials. One of the most popular of these is the mock-up of an 1880s railroad caboose used in filming for “Back to the Future III.” A timeline exhibit shows the many movies and TV shows that were filmed on the Sierra Railway.

Click Here for Self-Guided Walking Tour PDF

Roundhouse Tour (Daily Park Tour)

One of the highlights of a visit to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is a guided walking tour of the Park’s authentic, working railroad roundhouse and air-powered turntable. Tours are offered year round during the week and weekends. Guests experience the locomotive repair area and view historic locomotives and cars in storage or undergoing repairs. Your tour guide explains the history of the facility and how repairs were accomplished.

Continuing on the tour, your guide will take you to view movie props and other artifacts used in the production of feature films, TV shows, and commercials. One of the most popular of these is the mock-up of an 1880s railroad caboose used in filming for “Back to the Future III.” A timeline exhibit shows the many movies and TV shows that were filmed on the Sierra Railway.

If touring on a weekend during our regular train season (April – October), we recommend that visitors come early and take a tour prior to their train departure. After the 3:00 pm train ride, on steam operating days, visitors can enjoy the opportunity to gather by the historic turntable and view the locomotive being put back in the roundhouse.

Tour availability is subject to change due to staff availability, weather conditions and special events. We recommend calling ahead for guided tour schedule: 209-984-3953.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program is a statewide educational program for children age 7-12. The program offers a creative and educational, hands-on experience, and will engage children’s interest and emphasize stewardship pertaining to California’s rich history and environment within these parks. Badges, certificates and patches are awarded to participants as they progress through the program. Children are able to discover the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in California State Parks through this exciting program.

The Junior Ranger Program is offered daily and is included with the purchase of park day use, $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-17.

School Trains

The working shops and roundhouse, operating steam and diesel locomotives and activities surrounding them give your students the rare opportunity to visit an historic, industrial work site. The shops of the Sierra Railway are a rare survivor—an example of the type of facilities once found in every medium-sized town, essential to the development of towns and cities, agriculture and industry in the state. The Sierra Railway, its ties to the logging and mining industries, and role in the building of many dams in the Sierras, including Hetch Hetchy, provide a tangible connection to the development of California. Students are able to compare and contrast everyday life in different times and places around the world and recognize that some aspects of people, places, and things change over time while others stay the same.

Tour the historic roundhouse. See 125 year old steam locomotives at work and the workers who operate and repair them. Learn about the movies filmed on the Sierra Railway and see locomotives and props used to create the movie magic. Enjoy outdoor activities on our expansive lawn and picnic area.

With the exception of special charters, trains run on weekends only, from April-October. If your school group is able to visit on a day when the trains are operating, the cost is $5 per person (adults or students) for a park tour and train ride. Charters can be arranged on weekdays, starting at $500. We will work with you to tailor a custom-experience for your group.

To arrange special park tours or charter train rides, any day of the year, call the park office at 209-984-3953.