Railway museums in California

The California State Railroad Museum is situated in the Old Sacramento State Historic Park at 111 I Street, Sacramento. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich historical context, making it an ideal destination for those interested in the history of railroads and their impact on society.

The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a significant institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the railroad history of California, particularly the Central Coast. The museum achieves this through the collection, restoration, display, and operation of historic railroad equipment. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of California's railroads and understand their impact on the region's development.

Travel Town Museum is a railway museum situated in the northwest corner of Los Angeles, California's Griffith Park. The museum was officially opened on December 14, 1952, and has since been a significant attraction for railway enthusiasts and tourists alike. It offers a unique insight into the history of railroad transportation in the western United States, particularly in Southern California and the Los Angeles area.

The Southern California Railway Museum, previously known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum, is a railroad museum located in Perris, California, United States. It was founded in 1956 and has since been dedicated to preserving and showcasing Southern California's railroad history. The museum houses the world's largest collection of Pacific Electric Railway rolling stock, much of which was rescued from scrapyards.

Ardenwood Historic Farm, located in Fremont, California, is recognized as a Regional Historic Landmark. The farm is under the management of the East Bay Regional Park District, ensuring its preservation and maintenance.

The Lomita Railroad Museum, located in Lomita, California, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of railroads in California. The museum offers a deep dive into the state's railroad history, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that highlight the significant role railroads played in the development and growth of California.

The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum (LALSRM) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1956 by enthusiasts of live steam. The main purpose of the museum is to educate the public about the history and lore of railroads, as well as to promote the technology of live steam and scale model railroads.

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum (GGRM) is a non-profit organization located in California. The museum is dedicated to preserving steam and passenger railroad equipment and interpreting local railroad history. This dedication to preservation and interpretation provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the history of railroads in the area and see historical railroad equipment up close.

The RailGiants Train Museum is a unique destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, this museum is home to a collection of historic trains. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of rail travel in the United States, with the museum providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of locomotives and the role they played in the country's development.

The Niles Depot Museum is situated in the Niles District of Fremont, California. It is housed in the former Southern Pacific Railroad colonnade-style passenger depot and freight depot, both of which were built in 1901. This location offers a unique glimpse into the history of the area's railroads.

The Golden State Model Railroad Museum is a functioning model railroad exhibit situated in Point Richmond, California. It is nestled within the confines of the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline park, making it a unique destination for both model railroad enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is a unique destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs. Located in Campo, California, the museum is situated on the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway line. This location provides a rich historical context for the museum and its exhibits, offering visitors a chance to learn about the region's railway history and its impact on the development of the area.

The Mojave National Preserve Visitors Center, also known as the Kelso Depot, Restaurant and Employees Hotel, is situated in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This historic site is part of the National Park Service's Mojave National Preserve, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's past. The depot was originally built to provide services to passengers and railroad employees, and it also served as a water stop for steam locomotives. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's rich history and serves as a central point for visitors exploring the preserve.

The Poway–Midland Railroad is a heritage railroad that is situated in Old Poway Park in Poway, California. This location offers a unique opportunity for tourists to experience a piece of history and enjoy a scenic ride through the park. The railroad is easily accessible and provides a unique attraction for those visiting the area.

The Niles Canyon Railway (NCRy) is a museum railway that offers a unique journey through history. It operates on the route of the first US transcontinental railway, covering a distance of 14 kilometers. The journey starts from Sunol, California, passes through the scenic Niles Canyon, and ends in Fremont, California, located on the eastern bay of San Francisco. This railway line has been meticulously rebuilt to provide an authentic experience of the past.

The Banning House, also known as the General Phineas Banning Residence Museum, is a historic residence located in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Built in 1863 by Phineas Banning, the house is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture in the West. The house, stables, and gardens are now operated as a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past.

The San Francisco Railway Museum is situated in the South of Market area of San Francisco. This location is easily accessible and is in close proximity to other popular tourist destinations in the city. The museum's location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The current depot building, which now houses the Tehachapi Depot Museum, was built in 1904 after the original station building was destroyed in a fire. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of the depot, and the rebuilt structure stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Tehachapi.

The Western America Railroad Museum is situated in the city of Barstow, California. It is managed and operated by a non-profit organization, ensuring that the history and heritage of railroading in the Pacific Southwest is preserved and shared with the public.

The South Coast Railroad Museum, located in Goleta, California, is a significant location for those interested in the history of railroads. The museum showcases the Goleta Depot, a preserved train station from 1901 that was part of the Southern Pacific Railroad. This gives visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a piece of California's railroad history.

The South Bay Historical Railroad Society is a significant entity in Santa Clara, California. It operates the Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History, which is located in the Santa Clara Depot. In addition to the museum, the society also manages the Santa Clara Tower and two other buildings. These sites offer a comprehensive insight into the history and development of railroads in the region.

The museum's collection includes twenty-nine diesel locomotives, one electric locomotive, and one operational steam locomotive as of April 2022. It also houses fifteen passenger cars, four of which are from the famous California Zephyr train that operated from 1949 to 1970. Additionally, the museum has numerous freight and maintenance cars, as well as eighteen cabooses.

The Western Railway Museum is situated in Solano County, California. It is built along the former mainline of the Sacramento Northern Railway. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of rail transportation in the region.

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, located in Eureka, California, offers a rich historical experience for visitors. The park's displays provide insights into the former U.S. Army fort that was operational from 1853 to 1870. Additionally, the park interprets the interactions between European Americans and Native Americans during the same period. Visitors can also explore exhibits featuring logging equipment and the local narrow gauge railroad history of the region.

The Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is situated at 1920 Paradise Drive, right on the waterfront of Tiburon, California. This location offers visitors a scenic view of the waterfront while exploring the rich history of the railroad and ferry depot.

The Perris Depot, a railroad depot built in 1892, is a significant historical site in Perris, California. It was constructed to replace a previous wooden structure at the same site on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line, originally the California Southern Railroad. The depot was built by J.W. Nance, a Perris developer, and was designed by Benjamin Franklin Levet, Sr., son-in-law to Fred T. Perris. The depot served both passenger traffic and the considerable agricultural traffic associated with the farmlands of the Perris Valley.

The Coastside History Museum and the historic Jail at 505 Johnston St. are currently open weekends from 11am-3pm. We are also open during Make it Main Thursday evenings, and some days mid week when docents are available. The museum has exhibits about the history of the San Mateo Coastside, includ

The Tulare Historical Museum, located in Tulare, California, is a local history museum that is owned and operated by the Tulare City Historical Society. This museum is a great place to learn about the local history of Tulare and the surrounding areas.

The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad & Transportation Museum is a transport museum and heritage railroad situated in Nevada City, California. It is a place where visitors can explore the rich history of transportation in the region, particularly the narrow gauge railroad that was operational from 1876 until 1942.

The Modoc County Historical Museum is a historical institution situated in Alturas, California. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Modoc County, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's past.

The Blue Lake Museum is situated in the historic Arcata and Mad River Railroad depot at Railroad and G Streets in Blue Lake, California. This location not only adds to the museum's charm but also provides a glimpse into the region's rich history. The museum's location is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the area.