Family Guide to Northern California Railroads

By Linda Bottjer

Northern California railroads are steeped in historical significance, so there are several museums in the area where you can learn more about this once opulent mode of transportation. From the Sierra Nevada through the foothills to the Central Valley everyone from hardcore railroad buffs to Thomas the Train aficionados will find something fascinating in these facilities.

So hop aboard and get on track to family fun – and sneak in a little education while you're at it.

CBS Sacramento Insider Tip: Many of the museums are manned by volunteers, and located in places where weather can impact hours of operation. So it's always advisable to call ahead to make sure they're open.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
2148 Dunbar Road
Arnold, CA (museum is in nearby White Pines)
(209)795-6782
Open: Thursday – Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (year-round)
Price: Donation
sierraloggingmuseum.org/logging-history/local-mills/

Thanks to the immense forests of the Sierra Nevada, logging was big business in Northern California long before gold was discovered. And when the Gold Rush exploded so did the need for lumber. The immense forests of the Sierra Nevada fed logging businesses long before gold was discovered. The Gold Rush exploded the need for lumber. In time the trains and the railroad replaced mules and wagons. This museum, dedicated to those that "ate sawdust", has a restored Shay steam logging locomotive. From the 1920s to the 1940s No. 4 pulled loaded logging cars from the top of an incline down to the Yosemite Valley Railroad.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
5 Kidder Ct
Nevada City, CA
(530) 470-0902
Open: May 1 - October 31: Friday - Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November 1 – April 30: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Price: Donation
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
See CBS Local directory listing

During its heyday over $200,000.000 of gold was hauled from the local mining operations to the Central Pacific Railroad in Colfax and onto the world. Its passengers were also given the gold standard of accommodations in first class cars. Modern day visitors can see one of first California built steam powered car and a ride on the railbus the "Sarah Kidder". Restored, she's named for the first woman president of an American railroad who ran the NCNGRR at the turn of the 20th century.

Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Association
198 Wool Street
Folsom, CA
(916) 985-6001
Open: Saturday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Price: Donations
www.fedshra.org

In 1856 the railroad between Sacramento to Folsom began a long history of regional trains. The facts are preserved through volunteers of the FEDSHRA. The organization is rich in rolling stock including a Southern Pacific Pullman car and caboose. Many exhibits are listed with the National Register of Historic Places. A former Santa Fe passenger car serves as the museum's office and library. Frequently, the museum runs train excursions along the rolling hills of El Dorado County to Shingle Springs.

Colfax Heritage Museum
99 S Railroad Ave
Colfax, CA
(530) 346-8599
Open: Daily, except Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Price: Donation
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
See CBS Local directory listing

Colfax is still making train history. Daily, Amtrak's California Zephyr passes through while ascending the
formidable Sierra Nevada. Its history included becoming a major switching station and a maintenance site for both the Southern Pacific and Central Pacific railroads. The town's rich railroading past can be found at the Colfax Heritage Museum, and a self-guided walking tour. Call for details on the town's autumn Railroad Days.

Western Railway Museum
5848 State Highway 12
Suisun City, CA
(707) 374-2978
Open: Winter Saturday – Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: Adults $10 Seniors, over 65 $9 Children (2-14) $7
www.wrm.org/about/visitor_center.htm

In 1913 an interurban passenger railway began operation between San Francisco and Sacramento. Many miles of the rail line track passed through Solano County. The museum has captured much of the Bay through the Valley history with its vast variety of restored trains and other vehicles. Families especially will enjoy the 15-minute streetcar rides and a 50-minute interurban ride to Gum Grove.

California State Railroad Museum
125 I Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 445-6645
Open: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
See CBS Local directory listing

In Old Sacramento the Mecca for railroad enthusiasts exists.

The CSRM requires several hours to discover how America's westward expansion was accomplished with trans-continental railroads. California's agricultural riches that feed the nation are also explored. Special exhibits for children and rides on restored steam locomotives are highlights. Make plans to attend the museum's special events like the holiday season's Polar Bear Express