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California State Railroad Museum

111 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916 445 6645
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Ranked #1 of 93 attractions in Sacramento
Type: Speciality Museums, History Museums, Museums
Activities: Arts and crafts
Description: North America's largest railroad museum draws more than 500,000 train enthusiasts annually.
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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463 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    365
    82
    14
    1
    1
Date Rating
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
105 reviews 105 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

I have visited many train museums, and while this is certainly well done, there are several that are much better. The big draw here is the "big boy" steam locomotive and some of the older steam locomotives. Upstairs are model trains on display. The gift shop was heavy into books & tapes, but few unique items, or things that you... More

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CA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

The museum was GREAT! If you love trains or even California history this is a must see! There are a few trains that you can walk on. One of them is on hydraulics so it simulates what a ride on the train feels like. The mail train was most interesting. The people who work there are friendly , helpful, and... More

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See 2 more reviews by allerimom for Sacramento
La Quinta, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

This museum is sure to please any train enthusiast! It has a little bit for everyone including children. If you want to see the male adult act like a kid again, bring him here. There are very nicely renovated BIG engines which look just as good if not better than they did originally. Big, shiny, and intact! The museum is... More

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Louisville, Kentucky
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013 NEW

You don't even have to like trains and you will enjoy this place! It's large and accommodating. And for the neophyte it's in chronological order!

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See 3 more reviews by Joe B for Sacramento
Rye, NY
Top Contributor
128 reviews 128 reviews
88 attraction reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

Since trains are not on the top of my "must see" list, I figured that I would wander around the museum and see some trains, maybe learn a little history and then leave. I was surprised to find that the design of the museum, the informational displays, and the thoroughly engaging guides turned the visit into a highlight of our... More

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See 4 more reviews by jj435Rye for Sacramento
new york
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

The California State Railroad Museum is enormous. It has features on the Transcontinental Railroad and the men behind it, a nice section on model trains, and a huge section devoted to beautifully restored locomotives and other specialty cars. It is easily worth a several hour visit.

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See 4 more reviews by bjohn435 for Sacramento
Castroville
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

We had a great time. Lots to see, the cost is minimal and the people were great.The out lining area has a couple good places to eat and shop.

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See 2 more reviews by riggerone for Sacramento
Daphne, Alabama
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
72 helpful votes 72 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

This museum has committed volunteers which are happy to share their knowledge about trains and help visitors in any way. There are full size trains, some set up to walk through. Great history about the trains in America. One of engines is set up so that visitors can sit in the driver's seat. Upstairs the preschool set can enjoy at... More

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See 2 more reviews by Pissaro for Sacramento
Bako
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Took my grandson here and it was very interesting to get a glimpse into the railway history of the US. Cost was very reasonable. There is an option of joining an informal tour where a volunteer provides education about everything from train construction to the building of the railways or others just browse through the trains and display cases.

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See 2 more reviews by DCyp_11 for Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

This is a very worthwhile museum for kids and adults alike. The trains themselves and their history are impressive. There's just something romantic and intriquing about trains and railways that appeals to people of all ages. Equally fascinating is the role trains and the railroad played in California history.

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See 8 more reviews by Shea G for Sacramento

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