Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
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Railtown 1897 SHP - by Richard Stovali on Google
Description
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park preserves the Jamestown locomotive and rolling stock maintenance facilities and parts of the original Sierra Railway of California. The park's section was a narrow-gauge logging railroad that operated into the 1960's and it is regularly featured in movies such as 'Back to the Future 3' - steam locomotives were retained for that purpose even after the railroad switched to diesel in 1955. Train rides are also available on certain days.
Access & Transport
Address: 10501 Reservoir Rd, Jamestown, CA Jamestown is 1h East of Stockton, half-way to the Yosemite National Park. Free parking is available onsite The grounds at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Certain exhibits and programs, including train rides (mobility lift is available), have limited accessibility.
Instructions & Recommendations
The train rides are scheduled at fixed times: 10h30, 12h00, 13h30 and 15h00 on weekends from April through to September. Between early June and end July there are also rides on Wednesdays at 10h30 and 12h00 (diesel locomotive). The price shown in the practical info section doesn't include rides. At the time of this review, rides cost $20/$15 (this includes the park admission) More info here: https://www.railtown1897.org/visit/excursion-train-rides
Environmental & Social
Repurposing of an existing infrastructure and assets so environmentally neutral besides the use of diesel engines (but that is seldom). Helps preserve the state's technical and region's historical heritages
Conclusion
Railtown 1897 has some of the best-preserved narrow gauge and steam engines you can see in California. Recommended if you are in the area (on the way to/from Yosemite NP) - not just for train enthusiasts. Kids will also love a ride if budget allows and schedule matches.
Key positive
Very photogenic locomotives
Friendly staff / docents
Key negative
A little out of the way
Suitability
For all ages and mostly accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h 20m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 16:30
TUESDAY09:30 - 16:30
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 16:30
THURSDAY09:30 - 16:30
FRIDAY09:30 - 16:30
SATURDAY09:30 - 16:30
SUNDAY09:30 - 16:30
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 15:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 15:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 15:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 15:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 15:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 15:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 15:00