Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

08/29/2026

Sierra No. 3

08/23/2026

Meet the Railtown Train Crew!
August 29–30, 2026

Junior Rangers are invited to meet members of Railtown’s train crew and learn what it takes to keep the railroad running. Complete the Meet the Train Crew activity to earn a special Sierra Railway Company pin!

The California State Parks Junior Ranger Program is designed for children ages 7–12. Pins are limited to the first 50 Junior Rangers who complete the activity.

08/22/2026

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is proud to present our lantern-lit “Tales of the Roundhouse” with tours at 6:30 and 7:00 P.M. Led by engaging and entertaining guides through the park and its historic shop buildings after dark, participants will hear the real life and death tales of past railroad workers and passengers who lost their lives in ghastly accidents, gruesome train wrecks, and sometimes cold-blooded murder. Afterward, guests will experience a nighttime train ride behind a historic diesel locomotive while listening to intriguing railroad related ghost stories, superstitions, and lore. Tickets for the event are limited, so be sure to reserve them well in advance.

08/19/2026

Be part of history at Railtown 1897.

We’re repairing Observation Car 599 — a long-serving car in Railtown’s excursion fleet that has carried visitors through the Sierra foothills for decades. This fall we’re taking on a full flooring project: seats come out, the old floor comes up, the subfloor is repaired, new flooring goes down, and the car is put back together. It’s hands-on work on a piece of California railroad history that still earns its keep on the railroad.

Work is tentatively scheduled September 2 to October 6, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, if we get enough interest to make the project happen. Help is accepted on a flexible basis — you don’t have to commit to every day.

And that’s just the start.

Volunteers at Railtown also help with: • Rolling stock and locomotive care • Grounds and facility maintenance • Special events (including Polar Express) • Visitor services and interpretation • Behind-the-scenes projects that keep the “Movie Railroad” running

No prior railroad experience is required — just a willingness to learn, work safely, and join a crew that takes pride in preserving this place.

Interest sign-ups are due by August 22 so we can confirm whether the 599 project moves forward on this schedule. Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/V1bj9QgtPy (or scan the QR code)

Come be part of the story!

08/16/2026

Sierra No. 3 getting ready for excursion train rides today, Sunday, August 16, 2026. Come ride the train!

08/15/2026

08/11/2026

🌅 Catch a spectacular sunset in the hills of Gold Country from the train aboard the Sunset Special at Railtown!

📅 August 15 and August 29 (both Saturdays)
📍 Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown
🕰️ Doors open at 6:30 pm. Train leaves at 7:30 pm
🍋 Lemonade and treats before departure
🚂 The Hollywood legend herself, Sierra Railway Ten-Wheeler No. 3 (motive power subject to change

🎟️ Details and tickets: https://www.railtown1897.org/events/sunset-specials

08/08/2026

The 3:00 train departures for Saturday (8/8) and Sunday (8/9) have been canceled due to high forecasted temperatures. The 10:30, 12:00, and 1:30 departures are still scheduled.

08/05/2026

Don't miss this opportunity for the entire family. A rare sunset train ride on the Motherlode Cannonball behind the famous Movie Star Sierra Railway No. 3® locomotive.