COVID-19 update, as of November 11, 2020: Closed temporarily.Original Review (pre-COVID-19):Go.  You dont like trains?  Go anyway.  Your kids dont like trains?  Go anyway.  Just go.  This is a gem of a museum.  You dont have to love trains or history to love this place.  With wide open spaces, trains from every era to climb aboard and explore, interactive exhibits, movies, model trains, electric trains, significant chunks of California history to brush up on, and some stunning indoor architecture, this place has something for everyone.  And its almost never crowded.That last sentence is why I almost dont want to write this review, for fear you all might listen to me and actually go - and then my kid and I wouldnt have it to ourselves on rainy days.  But I love this place too much not to support it!If you are a parent, the CSRM offers childrens exhibits on the third floor, with model trains on display, an interactive electric train and village display,  and a newly-redesigned, hands-on play area with wooden toy trains, books, benches, and a playground-size train engine complete with a slide.  If that fails to interest your child, there are real trains to climb and explore downstairs, along with an interactive STEM exhibit where you can attempt to build your own train snowplow.  And if that fails, just turn them loose in the giant open area between the trains, and let em run.  Pro tip: wear running/walking shoes.  This is also one of the most affordable kid-friendly attractions in Sacramento. Kids under 12 are free, and memberships start at $30.  There isnt a better bargain in Sacramento, in my opinion.And if youre not a parent, theres still plenty to love.  The steam and freight engines at CSRM are mechanical monsters. And they are magnificent. The museum has done a lovely job of showcasing these trains and the history they carried in an awe-inspiring way.  The trains here are lovingly restored and cared for by the staff, docents, and volunteers at CSRM.  They are housed and displayed in a space carefully designed to showcase their size and strength, and the attention to detail brings to life the trains varieties of style and purpose throughout the decades.Seriously, go already.

One of the most popular museums in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum. Each year over 500,000 people flock to this museum to step back in time and discover the history of the railroad. There are six buildings at the museum that cover an area of 225,000 square feet.You will find many restored railroad cars and locomotives that were originally used throughout the state. Here you will see how the railroad has shaped California as well as its economy. One of the highlights of the museum is the Railway Post Office that visitors can step aboard to get a real experience of the past.

Visited this museum while I was traveling across the country via Amtrak (well before 2020). There was plenty to see, and certainly worth checking out if youre even remotely interested in trains. Some of the locomotives on display are awe inspiring.

One of the best railroad museums in the United States. However, a lot of equipment is stored in the ex-SP shops and out of view except for special tours, of which I always manage to miss somehow. Some of the restored equipment that is sometimes on display I haven’t even seen yet, because the times on display aren’t switched out enough. The ride is quite short, and they paint the locomotives and cars for their somewhat fictional Sacramento Southern Railroad, even though it is a railroad museum.

I cant wait for the museum to open back up again. My two boys are itching to get back there. If you have young children, this is such a wonderful experience for them. I highly recommend taking them here!

I have a little one that is super interested in trains. This was a great place to take him. There is a whole section of toy trains and then the ability to see the real large trains was awesome for him. Again if your little ones are interested in trains then this is a great place to spend a morning or day. Take a ride on the train nearby as well. Good times.

Incredible place to visit. We learned how the railroad was built, history of the first transcontinental railroad, and how the east and west were finally connected. They have some amazing pieces at the museum including old locomotives, rail cars, dining cars, post office rail cars, and the commemorative gold spike used in the completion ceremony. Amazing history of the area, America at the turn if the century, and very fun if you enjoy trains. They even had an entire floor just for toy and model trains. A must stop if you are in the area!

I visited this museum over 4 years ago and I have never forgotten it. I got the opportunity to go again and its still as impressive as the first time I went.I love trains and this museum had really taken care of the trains they have. Its all set up in a very interesting way with a nice flow to it.The docents have so much information and definitely have a passion for trains & history. It you or anyone in your family likes trains or history - this place needs to be on your list.The trains are well maintained compared to other train museums Ive been to where they have become rusty. They also have lots of great artifacts.

Sure hope this place opens up soon. My children love this museum and I do too! Please open!

Easily the greatest railroad museum on the West Coast, and one of the best the country has to offer! You could spend hours here and still not see everything they have to offer. A must-see if you’re in Old Sac!

I great place to visit; be you an adult or youngster. The docents bring the exhibits alive with the history of railroads and trains. Mondays, at 11 a.m. is Storytime for the younger folks. You could easily spend a full day here and not see everything the museum has to offer. Old Town Sacramento is within walking distance.

It is perfect for my train loving boys! Even the grown up one!

If youve ever had the privilege of riding in a stagecoach, pulled by four galloping horses, you know how uncomfortable and dusty it can be. (I speak from experience having worked on Hollywood Westerns.)Sure, 600 horsepower locomotives allowed fast, comfortable travel. But a train without tracks is just a hunk of iron.It took over 20,000 incredibly hard working Gandy Dancers to stretch the ribbon of steel, from the waters of the Atlantic, across the great plains, crossing rivers, bridging canyons, and tunneling mountains, to the goldfields of California. At least 1,200 workers lost their lives during construction.The California State Railroad Museum is a tribute to the men and woman that performed the Herculean tasks that led to the joining of the rails, in 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah. The history of American railroading is elegantly presented in life-sized dioramas, charts, and maps.In a series of remarkable tintypes, images of both the Chinese workers, as well as, the businessmen and politicians, that replaced them, in the famous photograph that documents the completion of the intercontinental railroad, with the staged hammering of the Golden Spike. The original 17.6 karat, gold spike is on display at Stanford Universitys Cantor Art Center, about 800 miles to the west.With incredible craftsmanship the museums docents have restored locomotives and specialty cars from Americas past. A large screen movie, available at no charge, helps you enjoy what the museum has to offer.Be sure to walk through the dining, club, and sleeping cars. In the dining car are displays of the tableware used by various railroads. Food preparation in the compact, swaying kitchen required unique cooking equipment. Club cars are built for comfort and intimate conversation. Many a deal has been consummated here.Before efficient airplane travel, George Pullmans sleeper car offered comfort and privacy on longer trips. The Pullmans small, private compartments contained a seat that converted into a lower berth and another that dropped down from the ceiling. A compact sink and toilet completed the compartment. Many sleeper cars, also included less expensive bunk beds with separate public bathrooms.The docents have equipped this Pullman with moving lights outside the windows, a mechanism that gently shakes the sleeper car, and the sound of clicking wheels crossing expansion joints. Its intoxicating. So, if youre in the mood to experience the romance of Alfred Hitchcocks North by Northwest, the Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint movie, heres your chance. But, please dont steal the Porters key.On the museums top floor is an expansive electric train display. Several brands and gauges are included. The model train I had as a child, an 0 gauge, Santa Fe, diesel, Lionel locomotive, with a boxcar and red caboose, is there, running on longer tracks than this child ever imagined. Theres crossing gates that drop, and even a flagman waving at the train. The view from the balcony of the full-sized locomotives and specialty cars should not be missed.One simulation I found particularly enjoyable was acting as the engineer on the developing California high-speed train system.After admission, there are no additional charges for any exhibit in the museum. On the first floor, is a moderately priced gift shop stocked with California and railroad books and souvenirs.Your entire family will enjoy this well maintained museum. Children find trains fascinating, and theres lots of things to safely touch and climb.Docents explain how things work. Many, now retired from railroading, share their family-friendly experiences.Everything is wheelchair-accessible. There are ramps, lifts, and elevators as necessary. Although, some of the lovingly renovated cars are difficult. The museum does not have a cafeteria. But, good food choices are available in Old Sacramento, just a few steps away. Inexpensive parking in a public lot, is across the street.

A wonderful adventure for the kids...and train enthusiasts of all ages! We have taken our children here multiple times over the years, for school field trips. Train history combined with California history is fun history! Admission fees are reasonable. Plan to spend a good couple of hours going through it, and give yourself time to explore the Old Sacramento history as well! Catch a ride on the waterfront train to re-live train history.

Hands down one of the best museums on the West Coast. You will need at least three hours here to see all wonderful exhibits. Highly recommend. Great for all ages and excellent exhibits!

Took my 7 year old twins. They loved the hands-on experience. Boarding the trains was a lot of fun. One of the trains swayed and had flashing window lights to give you the experience of “riding the train.” The tour guides in each train were very knowledgeable and pleasant. The museum shoppette was great at the end of the experience (except when you have 7 year old twins and they want everything) ;)

This is a GREAT train museum. Thanks for all your hard work putting it together.

This place is so wonderful I was not expecting to enjoy myself as much as I did!!! And it was much bigger than I thought it would be. My 8yr old daughter had a blast and I think my brother I might have enjoyed it more though lol. Super fun for all ages. Truly enjoyed ourselves!!! Definitely a place to check out and I will definitely go back again!!!!

If you enjoy trains, this is a must visit museum in Sacramento. Tons of information spread out over three floors. Multiple different train cars that are open for you to walk through with museum staff there to answer any questions. Kids will love this museum as well as they have a kids play area on the top floor with toy trains and a small play set. There isnt any parking at the museum, but there are multiple public parking lots around Old Sac.

Everything is amazingreal railroads all kindsfor shure i going to visit again

Good place for kids. You can go back and see how it all started, historic district in general is Ok.Quick mention : there’s a train that actually simulates a real train. So when you get on it you get the real feel that takes you back in time. Such exhibits are worth your time.

Extremely clean, wonderful displays with relevant information written up, a large variety to suit everyone, and an amazing staff that is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly but most impressive,.... they love doing their job and it shows. I highly recommend any age visit and tour through here!

Fantastic museum! They had so much information and the people were so nice inside! They have model trains on display right now and its just so amazing!

If You Want To See Some Old Trains AndThe History Of Trains Both In CaliforniaAnd Our Beautiful Country This Is The Place To Be The Exhibits Were AWESOME The Museum Was Super And The Staff Was Super Nice

I thing I love old Town Sacramento i readmber the frist time going to the railroad museum i was blow away with all the trains are in the building i really enjoying my self and I cant wait to take the kids one day when you guys open again

Fantastic place! Our two year old LOVES it here. Plenty for adults and kids here, very impressive and well maintained exhibits. The volunteers are very friendly and full of useful information. We will keep coming back. Great rainy day place too!

Great museum to spend a couple of hours in. The train displays are well done and you can go in a few. The sleeper car is the best.Strike up a conversation with the guides as they all seem to know a lot about the museum and the trains.

I recommend it highly! Its extremely educational to on on a weekday and follow the kids groups, their tour is awesome!!! The adult tour is boring, just a bunch of big words thrown at ya like we already know what they mean. There had to have been 5 or 6 different classrooms there. Really enjoyed the toy trains. What a great way to spend a rainy day!!!

This is a great place. Lots to see and do. Hands in stuff for the kids, train cars you can walk through, a ton of history. We have been there several times and I always learn something new.One complaint: there is no reentry. Thats pretty odd and challenging with young kids.

Loved seeing all the trains and history! This is a fun weekend activity for the whole family. Tip: Get there early and park along the street in nearby Old Town Sacramento. Its an easy walk and saves you $10 on garage parking!

You have to love trains or us history to get anything out of this.Its fairly small and not very easy to navigate.Dont expect to spend more than an hour

We came right when they opened with our 3 yr old & 9 month old. We spent time on the tour and then just spent time letting our 3year old go inside the trains. Save your receipt so that u can go out and have lunch and the. Come back. The Mexican place across the street was yummy.2nd part of our day we spent upstairs with the model trains and the Thomas the Train play tables. My 9 month old held on to the sides and played.We did paid parking garage to keep car cool and just not have to worry about keeping meters fed.We walked outside old Sacramento also and came across a group on a tour with a leader wearing period attire in the middle of a heat wave. More power to her.Only disappointment was the train does not run on weekdays. That would have been fun to do in tying the experience to the museum. Next time we will come on a weekend.

Great place to take the kids or even without kids and learn the history about how it developed.

This place was fantastic and it was big! All the classic trains here for everyone to see. The movie in the beginning was most informational and for a second when the screen lifted to reveal the entrance to museum, I felt like I was in Jurassic Park. The settings were amazing and the stories told were really touching.You can enter a bunch of trains and they show you how they used to be set up. The history was epic.

We love this place. They have real trains and you even get to go in a few of them. We learned a lot about railroad history.

Giving it give stars just for the fact that I got to see SP #6051.

Very educational museum... Many exhibits to see and there are 3 levels. Theres a model train exhibit on the 3rd floor! Plan on spending 1+ days there.

We had a great time. Our kids really love coming here and enjoying the train ride. The trains are awesome and well kept. All the volunteers are amazingly helpful and passionate about the railroad and their history. They were very patience and answer all their questions. The train trip is awesome and you get to see part of the town. We are certainly visiting and taking a ride when we visit the town.If you like this review, hit the like button . Thanks

I havent been here in a long time, but I love it! The trains are so historical and amazing to see. There are so many things and sights to see! You should go here, too!

I enjoyed it very much! It is impressing to stand close to those superb machines. And it is amusing to read their stories. Very interesting and worth the visit. I lked the models a lot, too, along the upper walkways.

One of the best places for those who love railway world especially railway enthusiasts. Although the entrance fee is 12 dollar, but it is worthy. Visitors can enjoy the specific and detailed histories about California railways and the transcontinental railway lines. The collections are well explained with persons in charge for specific rollingstock. The staff is nice and helpful. You need at least 3 or 4 hours to really enjoy the collections and their stories. Not only written story, they also display live stories on lcd display.

This a great place to bring the kids and check out for a few hours. Trains to get in, wonderful docents and a pretty cool play area. Definitely a must see.

Worked for John Hutsman jr at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and still have the permit. Been through the Copper Canyon National Park Rail way twice and have the pictures, stayed in Creel. This place has rude ️ California service by phone. I hope the public does not pay there sallary.! ️️️

This is a nice museum. You could spend the whole day there. I went on free museum day. It was crowded.

Very informative.. its nice to travel back in time and see how thing really worked .. the staff are super kind and willing to give lots of information ..

We had such a wonderful time here with my family yesterday! 8.27.17Everyone who works here are AMAZING! My grandson had the best day ever.

This place is awesome and my son LOVES going there. Its amazing having folks around who can share history, information, and laughs, so thank you to the men and women there!

I love this place! Total train nerd here and I always can find something to check out at the Museum! Make sure you have enough time when visiting because the exhibits are amazing. Also make sure to watch the movie in their theater that explains how the big four came to create train routes out west.

I was surprised by how much my whole family loved this museum. My husband and my 2 year old were equally entertained the entire time. We loved garrison to walk through old trains. My kids especially like the TGV replica and the interactive play place.There was plenty to do and more we could have seen with more time. Definitely worth the visit!

One of the best railroad museum Ive ever been.

This was a great museum and definitely worth the ticket price. We spent a few hours there and loved every minute. They have quite a few unique exhibits that we havent seen at other similar museums.

I took my son here 13 years ago, and then took my daughter this past weekend. The museum is amazingly fun, and situated in a quaint section of town. If you are visiting Sacramento, you really need to experience the museum, as well as the surrounding businesses. You can see locomotives from different eras, from the wild west to modern high-speed trains. Worth the time and the admission fee.

What an amazing experience to see such beautiful Engines, and Lear about the history of the Railroad industry. Family friendly. Highly recommend

All of the staff was very nice and friendly. They are all volunteers and they make the museum great. Ann Marie and the staff on the train ride were awesome.

This place is so darn impressive. A must for any train enthusiast. There are many exhibits and examples of the trains of Americas past.

The museum has different types of train carriages on exhibit and offers an insight into how people and things like mail were transported in the past. An opportunity for photography there. Plus there is a friendly staff member onboard each carriage who is ever ready to provide you with more information and to answer your questions. Also in is a simulator which allows you to have a try at operating a train. On the third level is a play corner with train sets for kids.

The staff here were super friendly and very great with the kids, super informational and great at story telling. My family had an amazing time looking around and learning about the history of trains. Cant wait to go again.

It is really a neat experience for all ages and kind of a go-to place for us when we have visitors in town. In addition to a number of really interesting trains on permanent display, they also have a gallery that rotates frequently. It is a fun place to learn about railroad history. They have a nice model train display upstairs and a newly revamped kids play area. After the visit, you can walk around old Sacramento.

If you love trains, you gotta go here. If youre just a normal person, its okay. There is some interesting stuff to see. The kids enjoyed it. The best part was the old guy who gave me a map, then sat in the back of the museum and played harmonica.

This is a clean and well-maintained exhibition. The staff is friendly and polite. They are knowledgeable and give you a good insight into the history of railroading in California. If you havent been by all means go.

I love trains, this place is COOL. Dioramas in the museum transport you to being at the place in time.The collection of locomotives and rolling stock is great, including one of those sixteen driving wheel behemoths. My favorites was a sleeper car with simulated motion rolling down the track, complete with train whistles and RR crossingBells (doing ding ding). For a brief moment, I was in 1942 on the train to Chicago at night. AWESOME

Great for the train obsessed of any age. Easy walk from the Amtrak station and abundant food options in Old Town. Membership is definitely worthwile - early access to Polar Express tickets and during normal train operations (not holiday) some membership levels (all maybe?) the train rides are included.

The best place to visit while in Sacramento. The staff and may I say volunteers are amazing! I dont remember the gentlemans name hes in his late 80s and he has been volunteering there I believe almost 32 years he was such a delight.

Great place to take the family and enjoy a little history together

The best train museum ever

I attended a conference in Sac last July and they held a private dinner here. What an awesome place! I’ll definitely be back with the family to share the experience! I learned a lot about railroads, the hosts were very knowledgeable and friendly. It’s just awesome to see & touch so many historic trains and cars!

The amount of items offered up for viewing is absolutely amazing! The different locomotives and cars that were used is impressive the other great part was the volunteer staff that we interacted with made it that much better, talking with folks that rode the trains when they were little and had experienced some of what they spoke about first hand was grand. If you like history, head here!

Great for kids & adults, go for a ride in the past glory of the American railroads!

THE best museum for the history of the early California to Utah portion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Excellent display of photographs, writings, documents, and real engines, refrigeration cars, and passenger cars. Part of the exhibit allows you to walk through some of these cars. The upper level is devoted to toy train collections and exhibits, and includes train gauge comparisons, and a play area for small children. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the exciting world of trains!I have come here with my own children many times as they were growing up, and now I cant wait to take my grandchildren! Of course I dont need to have kids with me to thoroughly enjoy the exhibits...I feel like a kid myself,as I go though the train collection area, recalling the toy train my father had and shared with me when I was a boy.Allow yourself a good solid 2 hours, to enjoy strolling along, taking in the amazing history of these trains! Then stop in at the gift shop and buy yourself a train whistle!

Really cool place to check out. It was really awesome to learn about the different trains and walking in them was really fun. The people there were really nice and helpful with information about the trains. The location is great because you can walk around the shops in old sac afterwards.

Pretty cool experience. Lots of trains in excellent condition. You can walk inside and interact with many simulated setups like they would have been when the train was in use. Theres even a whole section on model trains going all the way from kids toys to collectors models. Fun place to spend the afternoon!

Loved it! More interesting than I expected. They also have a pressed penny machine and I like collecting those.

My husband and I watched the film and then took the tour with Earl (sorry if we got the name wrong!) before exploring the big room with the train exhibits on our own. We would recommend the film and tour although the tour is probably better for adults than kids. Earl gave a very interesting tour. The trains on display are amazing to see!

Super fun way to chill old downtown Sacramento

One of the best railroad museum I have ever seen.

Very good historical place.

This place is cool and probably a lot of fun to bring kids to as parents. The interactive carts are the best!! It feels like a real train!

A history lesson of trains combined with an experience of riding these historic and amazing trains. The conductors are very knowledgable. Adults and kids alike will love this.

Excellent museum make sure to visit this. Do it early before 3:30pm. Street folks come out about that time. Many static displays of engines, good history of California railroading presented. They have a floor dedicated to model trains with kid friendly activities.

Today was the first time in I dont know how many years that I visited the Train Museum, and I have to say that I had a blast. It was so interesting to see all the old trains on display here and to learn/relearn about the different railroad lines of years past. I would highly recommend visiting the museum if you have the chance.

Great for kids of all ages! Our sons especially love the sleeping car and dining car, going inside the engine, and playing with the train tables on level 3. A great family stop in Sacramento. Be sure to check out the actual train ride if youre there on the weekends too.

Looking for something touristy to do in Sacramento and the locals recommended here. We spent two hours and were satisfied with the experience, however one could easily spend 3 hours. If you’re a real train and museum enthusiast, come at 9 am and spend the day. Definitely take in the tour. The movie was not great, which surprised me; 30 minutes long with minimal info. The bottom floor is the best where the actual cars are located. Fun and interesting!

Wonderful museum where you can spend the whole day! special thanks for the childrens floor with trains !!!

Amazing well keep historical RR of the west. Train roundabout is a site one should not miss.

Very well done exhibit of railroad history of California. Great for both kids and adults.

The whole family had such a fun time. This museum is interactive and you can get up close and personal with the trains. Close parking across the street in the parking garage. I would plan on 60-90 minutes to walk through the whole museum. After you get done walk around the fun shops for souvenirs.

An amazing place! So many interesting traits and you can learn tons about the history of the railroads in the US.I loved the fact that they have former railroad employees as staff/guides - they are simply adorable and so so polite and friendly!

Very historical place, trans continental railroads beginning in California. One of a kind locomotives and rail cars housed here on display.

Always really enjoy my time here. Brought visiting family this time and they had a ball.

Ive been twice and still havent seen all of it. So much to do, so much going on! Its easy to lose track of time

I have taken classes on the railroad expansion across our nation and the material being fed to the general public is great. Our tour guy was an older gentleman in a motorized scoter but one of the most knowledgeable and hilarious humans Ive ever had the pleasure of listening to. He had so much more to share but sadly the tour was only 30mins. The facility itself is clean and engaging. Had an amazing time.

This is an excellent family museum. It provides a living history of the railroads role in Americas history. It showcases amazing machines, showcases amazing workers, provides a view into our past, and provides kids with a bunch of full sized locomotives and cars to enjoy. If that is not enough for the kids, go upstairs and see a great display of working model trains running thru their model landscape. This brings out the kid in all of us!

Beautifully restored antique rail engines bring railroad history to life. Fun for adults and children alike.

A must-visit for any person who loves trains or history!

Just GO! Discover how California and the West coast development was and plus get to see AMAZING machines and a travel in time. We only had two hours and we left feeling we should had more time. No time for the cool videos or reading most of the cool info. Definitely going back one day.

It was super cool and had tons of interactive parts of the museum that made it even better. There is a large portion upstairs that is entirely toy trains and they have a working diorama set up. There are several train cars that you can go in that have a someone in them to tell you about the trains and their history.

What a fantastic collection of machines and history. Railroading brought so much of what we take for granted to the west and knowing that history is a treat. The upstairs train model collection is phenomenal too!

Go here if you want to learn about the history of rail in the US. A lot of reading is involved so young kids (5-8 yrs) are going to be interested mostly in the toy trains and simulators. There is a tour every 30 mins that is good to get an overview and decide what you want to cover. You can spend a couple of hours easy but the neighborhood has more to offer - its located in the historic old Sacramento area.Its a really well maintained museum that gives you a good overview of the history of rail in the US. The docents are very knowledgeable and take time to explain and answer your questions.

I loved this museum so much! There was a hi speed rail train on display that you could go inside. There was also a hi speed rail simulator where youre operating it. Theres also a lot of model trains on display, plus huge ones. Theres so much history here and so much to learn about. Its absolutely worth a trip.

You dont need to be a train buff to enjoy this and definitely plan to spend a few hours here. Its a self paced tour with guides along the way Theres a short film and lots to see and learn. You get to walk through some of the cars and see the sleeping and dining/ kitchen areas. Theres a mail car and also you can go in the big engine and see what it would be like to be the conductor and see how the steam was made. Upstairs they also have a great collection of toy trains.