Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
State Park · Jamestown, California
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, in the Gold Country of the Sierra foothills just off Highway 49. It preserves the former shops, roundhouse and yard of the Sierra Railway, a short line that served mines, timber and ranches, and it keeps steam locomotives and old rolling stock in working or restorable condition. On some weekends in the season, steam or diesel excursion trains run a short loop through the foothills - confirm the dates, because the schedule is not daily. The buildings have also served as a film set for many Hollywood movies and television shows, with High Noon and Petticoat Junction often cited. It is a hands-on place for railroad fans, families and photographers rather than a polished museum. Allow two to three hours, check tour times when you arrive, and expect summer heat. Prices are modest compared with theme parks. Columbia State Historic Park and Sonora are close by.
10501 Reservoir Rd, Jamestown, California, 95327, United States
The park has generally opened for self-guided visits during daytime hours on most days, with the roundhouse and shop tours and the excursion train rides running only on selected days, mostly weekends and in the warmer months - confirm the current calendar before you drive, because a day with no train or tour is a very different visit. Tours start at set times rather than on demand, and the last entry is earlier than closing. Winter hours are shorter, and some buildings may be closed on weekdays or for maintenance. Special event days, such as steam weekends or film-related days, change the schedule and the price, so check the day you plan to come and ask at the desk when you arrive.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos