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Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.Tucked into a beautiful spot of the Sierra Valley in California is the small town of Portola. Our family found this gem because of it’s (relatively) close proximity to Reno, NV. Portola is the ultimate small town, plenty of beautiful places nearby to explore but none of the traffic.
Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.
Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

Inside the shop

We have been coming to this area for years and love every visit. We had been here a few summers before we finally made a visit to the Western Pacific RailRoad Museum. My mom had flown to CA to visit so we decided to check it out. 

We have had a few train rides over the years, our favorite is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

Also, a little story from our first trip west to California. 

The museum is one of the largest railroad museums in the western US. The museum is only open seasonally May-September… with some special events in October and December.  They are open Thursday-Sunday and some special holidays. Check their website when you begin making your plans. 

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

We were able to climb onto the trains and check out the old engines!

Located in Portola right on the Feather River, their address is 700 Western Pacific Way, Portola. Their phone number is 530-832-4131

The museum isn’t just some stuffy building. There were some various things to see inside, but the real treat is walking around the train yard and looking inside the old train cars and engines. Some of the train cars are housed inside and some were outdoors. We were there on a pretty warm day… make sure you bring plenty of water. Those old trains (and walking around the train yard) can get HOT in the summer sun. 

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

You are on a self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace. If the train car/engine door is open, you can go inside! My favorite car was by far the business passenger car. Seeing the way people were able to travel all those years ago was so cool. To sit in a comfy chair with a good book or even go get into a bed…. just seemed so luxurious to have a train car all to your family. Maybe these days thats the equivalent to a private jet. 

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

Inside one of the train cars. Fun to imagine what rail travel was like for some.

We were not visiting on a train ride day, so I am sure we would have climbed onto that caboose and rode around the train yard. 

Not only can you ride in a caboose, you can also pick one of two diesel locomotives to take for a spin! There will be an engineer there to help the entire time. But what a cool experience to “drive” an old train. Prices for the includes  2 riders and range from $320-$500.

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.

A gorgeous train engine

Museum Admission (Prices for Summer 2025)

Children under 4 – Free

Kids 5-18 $6.

Seniors and active military $8. 

Adults $10

Family Pass 2 adults and any related children $25.

Train Ride Tickets (Take place on weekends)

Children under 4 – Free

 

Kids 5-18 $3.

Adults $5.

Family Pass $14. 

Locomotive Cab Ride

Kids 4-18 $12.

Adults $20. 

Step back in time and climb aboard history at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California. Let's explore one of the nation’s most hands-on rail museums, where visitors can not only view a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railcars but also take the controls themselves in the famous “Run-A-Locomotive” program. Learn about the Western Pacific Railroad, and what makes this museum a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.