Opening Weekend of Excursion Train Rides at Railtown!

Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/06/2019 - 04/07/2019
9:30 am - 4:30 pm

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To celebrate the opening of the excursion train ride season on April 6 & 7, 2019, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) is offering FREE admission, tours and train rides behind their 1952 Baldwin Whitcomb No.1265 historic diesel locomotive all weekend long. With departures at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., weekend train ride guests will enjoy a memorable six-mile, 45-minute round trip ride along the rails of the famous “Movie Railroad,” including past the iconic water tower seen in “Petticoat Junction,” a popular TV show that aired in the 60s and early 70s.

The public is invited to kick-off the season with live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by popular local magician Kathy Machado and her assistant Audrey Munoz plus live music performed by Dave Rainwater of the New Christy Minstrels. Guests who visit the Park on Saturday or Sunday will also enjoy FREE Roundhouse tours and have the opportunity to see Sierra No. 3® (also known as the “Movie Star Locomotive”) up close while learning more about the famous locomotive.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited for excursion train rides. Guests must obtain tickets for the free train rides on opening weekend that are available in person only on a first-come, first-served basis (based on availability).

After opening weekend, popular steam-powered excursion train rides are offered on Saturdays behind Sierra No. 3® and on Sundays behind a historic diesel locomotive. After free train rides on opening weekend and for the remainder of the train ride season (April through October), tickets are available online or at the Depot Store, on a first-come, first-served basis. All train ride tickets include Park admission and cost $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under.

Also, on Wednesdays throughout the summer season (June 12 through July 31), diesel train rides will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and noon.

The excursion train ride schedule is subject to change with expanded service offered on most holiday weekends. For updated information, visitors are encouraged to call 209-984-3953 or visit www.railtown1897.org.