Railtown 1897 Resumes Excursion Train Ride Season
With FREE Rides behind Sierra No. 3™ on Opening Weekend
JAMESTOWN, Calif. – To celebrate the opening of the excursion train ride season on April 2-3, 2016, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is offering FREE steam train rides behind the historic Sierra No. 3™ all weekend long (based on availability). After opening weekend, popular steam-powered excursion train rides are offered on Saturdays behind Sierra No. 3™ (also known as the “Movie Star Locomotive”) and on Sundays behind a historic diesel locomotive. With departures at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., weekend train ride guests enjoy a memorable six-mile, 45-minute round trip ride along the rails of the famous “Movie Railroad.”
On the first day of operations on Saturday, April 2, the public is invited to attend the “Early Bird” program that starts at 7 a.m. in the Roundhouse to watch as the crew lights the fire and prepares the locomotive for the day. The locomotive is started with the tossing of a burning rag into the firebox, then the crew works to fuel, lubricate and water the engine as the boiler is slowly brought up to temperature. Interested spectators can then gather at the turntable to watch the exciting steam-up process and while the locomotive is moved into place at the Depot. Then at 11 a.m. that same day, special guest and author Stephen D. Mikesell will be on hand to sign copies of his book Images of Rail: Sierra Railway. Many other special activities will be offered throughout the weekend, including tours of the Roundhouse, speeder demos with the velocipede on display, and demonstrations of the historic blacksmith shop. Plus, Park guests will be treated to live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Capacity is limited for steam train excursion rides so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets during opening weekend are available in person only on a first-come, first-served basis. For the remainder of the season, all tickets include Park admission and are available online or in person on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m. on the days the trains are running. After opening weekend, train ride tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youths ages 6-17, and kids five and under are free.
In addition to weekend excursion train rides, diesel train rides will be offered on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the summer season (July 6 through August 31). Because the schedule is subject to change with expanded service on holiday weekends, etc., visitors are encouraged to call 209-984-3953 or visit www.railtown1897.org for updated information.
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California State Parks Mission
To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.
