Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is a railroad history site in Jamestown, California, about three miles south of Sonora. From the Gold Lodge in Sonora, it makes a local outing to see historic locomotives, explore the railroad workshops and, during the excursion season, take a train ride.
- Location: 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown, CA 95327.
- Park hours: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from April through October and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. from November through March.
- Excursions: Regular seasonal train departures are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October.
- Museum admission: $5 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6–17; children age 5 and under enter free.
Prices and times checked November 2026.
What is Railtown 1897?
Railtown 1897 is a California State Historic Park dedicated to the history of the Sierra Railway. The railway reached Jamestown in 1897, the year behind the park’s name.
Its setting in Jamestown makes the park a straightforward outing from Sonora, with the town and its railroad history closely linked. You can pair a visit with time in Sonora’s city centre.
The park is also known as “The Movie Railroad.” Its first known filming was in 1919, for the silent serial “The Red Glove.” That screen history sits alongside its working railroad heritage: the site preserves the places and equipment used to maintain and operate trains.
Historic locomotives and railroad exhibits
Railtown’s collection includes five steam locomotives dating from 1891 to 1925. The oldest, Sierra No. 3, was built in 1891 by Rogers Locomotive & Machine Works.
A visit can include the authentic railroad roundhouse and its operating turntable, as well as a blacksmithing area and a belt-driven machine shop. The park also has an interpretive center and Depot Store.
These year-round offerings make it possible to focus on the railroad site and its equipment even outside the regular excursion season. You can also make a day outing of Columbia State Historic Park from Sonora.
When do Railtown 1897 train rides run?
Regular excursions run during the April–October season, with trains scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. Listed departure times include 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.. Check the excursion schedule before setting out, since train motive power may be steam or diesel and can change at short notice because of weather, mechanical or personnel factors.
Excursion tickets include park admission. Outside the regular season, you can still visit the interpretive center, roundhouse and shops, and Depot Store, which operate year-round.
Planning a visit from Sonora
Railtown 1897 is at 10501 Reservoir Road in Jamestown. Free parking is available in a small lot beside the Depot and in a larger lot west of the Depot, across the tracks. If you’re bringing a dog, California State Parks allows dogs outdoors at Railtown, on leash at all times.
Park hours vary by season: the park is open 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from April through October and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. from November through March. It is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Museum admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6–17; children age 5 and under enter free. Check the official site before you go for seasonal hours, admission details and excursion arrangements.
The grounds are fully accessible to people with disabilities, although some exhibits and programs, including train rides, have limited accessibility. A mobility lift can accommodate chairs and walkers.
Historic train cars can accommodate chairs up to 25 inches wide, and a transfer chair is available. If accessibility is important for your visit, check details for the specific exhibits or program you plan to see.
FAQs
Where is Railtown 1897 State Historic Park?
It is at 10501 Reservoir Road in Jamestown, California, about three miles south of Sonora.
Can you visit Railtown 1897 without taking a train ride?
Yes. The interpretive center, roundhouse and shops, and Depot Store operate year-round. Train excursions are seasonal.
Are dogs allowed at Railtown 1897?
Dogs are allowed outdoors and must remain on a leash.
Is Railtown 1897 accessible to wheelchair users?
The grounds are fully accessible, but some exhibits and programs, including train rides, have limited accessibility. A mobility lift and transfer chair are available, and historic train cars accommodate chairs up to 25 inches wide.