South Bay Historical Railroad Society

The South Bay Historical Railroad Society manages a museum housed in a restored station building, featuring working model train layouts at different scales, vintage railroad equipment, and displays about the region's transportation history. The grounds show how rail travel shaped local development and offer visitors hands-on views of how trains operated.

The station building dates to 1863 and stands as one of the first operational railroad stations on the western coast of North America. This location marks a turning point in the region's transportation history and helped connect the growing rail network of the West.

The museum maintains two large model railroad layouts in HO and N scales that demonstrate different railroad operations through detailed miniature landscapes.

The museum is accessible on select days throughout the week, with guided tours available for groups who arrange visits in advance. The outdoor areas are flat and easy to walk through, while the model train displays are housed inside the main building.

The grounds host regular music performances featuring traditional American bluegrass sessions that blend railroad history with local musical culture. This unusual combination makes it far more than just a transportation museum.

Location: Santa Clara

Website: https://sbhrs.org

GPS coordinates: 37.35306,-121.93617

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05