California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento More than Just Trains

Situated in a neighborhood known as Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is one of Northern California's most unique attractions. Part of the California State Parks system, this attraction thrills both young and old visitors, especially those who have a fondness for railroads and their rich history.

Throughout the year, museum patrons can experience a variety of railroad-oriented activities and exhibits, with displays changing from time to time in order to create a new experience with each visit. Exhibits are extensive and varied and cover a wide gamut of topics. These include social issues such as the woman's role in the railroad workplace and other displays of historical significance such as the building of the transcontinental railroad and the driving of the Golden Spike.

Children especially love Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains, an exhibit that showcases more than 1,000 vintage toy trains collected over the decades by Thomas Sefton of San Diego. This display covers 3,300 square-feet and includes information on the history of toy trains, interactive displays, and an operating toy train layout that visitors enjoy watching.

Railroad photography is always at the center of at least a few of the exhibits at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. The photos document the history of railroads in America and are often shot by some of the country's most prominent photographers of the past and present. Many of the temporary exhibits are on loan from some of the nation's most well-known museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. Temporary exhibits remain at the museum from one or two months to about a year.

During specific times, visitors can also tour the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, located onsite. Tours of the station are included with admission to the museum. In addition, guided tours of the rest of the museum and interpretive videos are offered daily.

From April through September, with some exceptions, museum goers can catch a ride on an old steam powered train, departing from the Central Pacific passenger station. Trains depart on the hour and offer a forty minute, six-mile round trip excursion atop the levees of the Sacramento River. Guests may choose from closed cars with cushioned seats or the open-air gondola type with wood bench seating and a great view of the scenery. Special "themed'' train rides are offered at various times of the year, including spooky excursions at Halloween and a chance for children to ride with Santa Claus in the weeks following Thanksgiving.

The California State Railroad Museum also hosts occasional Railfairs, events that include enormous displays of operating railroad equipment, interpretive exhibits and large theatrical railroad productions. One is expected to be held in 2011, when the museum completes its Railroad Technology section.

An onsite museum store sells a wide variety of railroad-related items, including books, DVDs, posters, souvenir clothing, and more. Kids can purchase Thomas the Tank Engine and Polar Express products here as well. There is no food service at the museum, but numerous restaurants are located in the Old Sacramento area.