Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Sierra Railroad, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park |
| Website | https://www.sierrarailroad.com/ https://www.railtown1897.org/ |
| Train ride | Steam or Diesel pulled train featuring historic railroad cars through scenic California |
| Location | Railtown 1897 State Historic Park 10501 Reservoir Rd. Jamestown, CA 95327 Google Map |
| Length of trip | 6 miles, 45 minutes |
| Cost of single ticket | $15.00 |
| Special Trains | Skeleton Starlight |
Information/History
History/information
The Sierra Railroad, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, is a historic railroad that has been in operation since the late 1800s. The railroad’s rich history and scenic route through the Sierra foothills make it a popular attraction for tourists and rail enthusiasts alike.
History
The Sierra Railroad was originally built in the late 1800s to transport lumber from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley of California. Over time, the railroad expanded its operations to include passenger service, as well as freight service for various industries in the area.
During the early 1900s, the Sierra Railroad played a key role in the growth of California’s agricultural industry by transporting produce from the Central Valley to markets in the San Francisco Bay Area. The railroad also played a significant role in the construction of the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct, which brought water from the Sierra Nevada mountains to San Francisco.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Sierra Railroad faced financial difficulties and was eventually sold to a group of investors in the early 1970s. Today, the railroad is operated as a tourist attraction and is a popular destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is located in Jamestown, California and serves as the home base for the Sierra Railroad. The park features a historic train depot, a museum, and a working roundhouse where visitors can see steam locomotives and passenger cars being restored.
The park offers a variety of train rides throughout the year, including steam-powered excursions, holiday-themed rides, and special events. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the roundhouse and learn about the history of the Sierra Railroad.
Steam locomotives and passenger equipment
The Sierra Railroad has a collection of steam locomotives and passenger cars that have been restored and are used for tourist excursions. The locomotives range in size from small switch engines to large steam locomotives that were once used to haul freight through the Sierra foothills.
The passenger cars include both open-air and enclosed cars, with seating for up to 150 passengers. The cars have been restored to their original condition and offer a unique glimpse into the history of train travel.
Train ride experience
The train ride experience on the Sierra Railroad is a unique and memorable experience. The train travels through the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, passing through historic gold rush towns and lush forests.
Passengers can choose to ride in either enclosed or open-air passenger cars, with each offering a different perspective on the scenery. The steam locomotives provide a nostalgic and authentic experience, with the sound of the engine and the sight of the steam adding to the ambiance of the ride.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 3 | 4-6-0 | Rodgers 1891 | Operational, “Movie Star” locomotive |
| 28 | 2-8-0 | Baldwin 1922 | Operational |
| 34 | 2-8-2 | Baldwin 1925 | Privately owned |
| 90 | 3 truck Shay | Lima 1922 | Stored |
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is in the city of Merced, California. Amtrak’s San Joaquin line stops in Merced, with multiple trains departing and arriving daily.
From Merced, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the park, which is located approximately 50 miles to the west. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car and drive to the park, which is located just off of Highway 108 in Jamestown.
The nearest commercial airport to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is the Sacramento International Airport, located approximately 100 miles to the northwest. From the airport, visitors can rent a car and drive to the park, or take a bus or taxi to Merced and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Jamestown.
Driving to the depot
Visitors who choose to drive to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park can easily find the park by following Highway 108 to Jamestown. Once in Jamestown, visitors should follow the signs to the park, which is located on Fifth Avenue. There is ample parking available at the park for visitors who choose to drive.
Conclusion
The Sierra Railroad and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offer a unique and authentic glimpse into the history of train travel in California. The scenic route through the Sierra foothills, coupled with the historic steam locomotives and passenger cars, make for an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun and educational family outing, the Sierra Railroad and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park are not to be missed.
