JAMESTOWN, Calif. – In partnership with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown will present a new season of weekend excursion train rides, starting on April 5-6, 2025. Historic No. 1265 diesel engine* will be in operation all weekend running the regular Mother Lode Cannonball schedule with excursion train ride departures for both days at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Weekend train ride guests will enjoy a memorable six-mile, 45-minute round trip ride on the Sierra Railway through the picturesque Mother Lode countryside. In addition to the train ride experiences, Park visitors are encouraged to observe train crew operate the turntable at the start and end of each day. For opening weekend, vintage railroad equipment will be on display with several open to walk through, such as Sierra Railway coach cars No. 5 and 6; these classic cars were featured in numerous movies and television programs including High Noon and Petticoat Junction.
Excursion trains, programs, and activities continue throughout the year and visitors are encouraged to take a train ride or plan a day at the Park to enjoy a tour of the historic roundhouse and shops, picnic, and/or leisurely stroll around the grounds. The Park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April through October (summer season) for self-guided or docent-led tours along with exhibits that include interpretive signage.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase excursion train ride tickets online in advance. If still available on the day of the train ride, tickets can be purchased at the Depot Store on a first-come, first-served basis. All paid train ride tickets include Park admission and cost $23 for adults, $18 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under. While not available for Opening Weekend, those who want to ride in the Sierra Railway Caboose No. 7 later in the season, ticket cost is $23 per person. Members can take an excursion train ride for free or at a reduced price based on their membership level.
More information and advance excursion train ride tickets are available via this link. For more information about Railtown 1897’s events and activities and the park in general, please visit www.railtown1897.org or call 209-983-3953. For more information about the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.
*Excursion trains will generally be pulled by No. 1265 diesel locomotive; motive power is subject to change without notice
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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About the California State Railroad Museum Foundation
The mission of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation (CSRMF) is to generate revenue and awareness on behalf of its destinations, while supporting the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of our railroad heritage. The Foundation provides funding for ongoing support of numerous programs, both at the museum's Old Sacramento location and at the historic park in Jamestown, Calif. For more information, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.