logo
ic_menu

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown, California

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

Meta review

Not very famous internationally but reviews are quite good, including from families as children generally are quite interested in trains. If you are in luck you will get to see trains being coupled before a ride or decoupled, fuelled, watered and being taken out / put back in the roundhouse. Some positive comments about the movies related exhibits as well and many recommendations to do one of the 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 to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving, 25 Dec and 01 Jan

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:1h 20m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$5
Adult
18 - 64
US$5
Child
6 - 17
US$3
Infant
0 - 5
US$0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.