April through October,
open daily 9:30am to 4:30pm;
November through March
open daily 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Park Update August 27, 2021: Because of unhealthy air quality conditions throughout the area, California State Parks canceled train excursions for the weekend of August 28 and August 29. We apologize for any inconvenience. Pre-purchased tickets will be refunded automatically. We encourage everyone to take all precautions to remain safe in these conditions.
This park unit is open at limited capacity. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (August 2, 2021)
What is open now?
- Parking.
- Day-Use Areas.
- The Depot Store.
- Train excursions. Face coverings required for trains.
- Tours and indoor exhibits.
- Private events.
COVID-19 Guidelines - (June 21, 2021)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
-
Be COVID-19 Safe– State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Here is the guidance on face coverings for this park unit:
- Vaccinated? Face coverings recommended.
- Unvaccinated? Face coverings are required indoors.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(209) 984-3953
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs are allowed outdoors on leashes at all times
Driving Directions to Railtown 1897 SHP
The park is located in Jamestown, 3-miles south of Sonora, at Sierra Av & 9th St.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Museums
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Drinking Water Available
Located in Jamestown, in the heart of California’s Gold Country about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse—an intact and still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry. The Railtown 1897 Interpretive Center, the authentic roundhouse and shops, and the Depot Store (a railroad specialty gift shop) are among the Park’s unique year-round offerings. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is open daily (April-October, from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.; November-March, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Visit www.Railtown1897.org for more information and current special events.
Excursion Train Rides
Enjoy a six-mile, 45-minute roundtrip ride through the scenic Sierra foothills. From April to October, trains operate every Saturday and Sunday, departing from the Railtown Depot at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Vintage passenger coaches pulled by an authentic steam locomotive run on Saturdays and a vintage diesel locomotive operates on Sundays. Diesel trains rides on Wednesday trains operate between June 12th through July 31st only, and depart at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Special “themed” excursions operate other times throughout the year. Regular excursion train tickets are $15 adults, $10 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free. Specially themed excursion train prices vary; please inquire for details. Call the park at (209) 984-3953 or visit www.Railtown1897.org for ticketing or more information.
The Movie Railroad
Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Railtown’s survival has been aided by the film industry. The first known filming was in 1919, for a silent serial called “The Red Glove.” Railtown 1897 and its historic locomotives and railroad cars have appeared in more than 200 films, television productions, and commercials.
Still a popular Hollywood location site today, Railtown 1897’s most famous locomotive, “Movie Star” No. 3, has been called “perhaps the most widely seen locomotive in the world.” The Virginian (first sound motion picture filmed outside a sound studio), the western classic High Noon, and Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven were all filmed here. Movie crews also produced the railroad sequences in Back to the Future Part III at Railtown. TV credits include “Death Valley Days” (with Ronald Reagan) and “Petticoat Junction."
Location-Directions
The park is located in Jamestown, 3 miles south of Sonora, at 5th Avenue and Reservoir Road.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Photography
• We welcome photography for personal use.
• Commercial photography is allowed on a case by case basis by advance arrangement. Visit www.film.ca.gov for more information.
• Tuolumne County Film Commission : filmtuolumne.com/