Sacramento Southern Railroad, Heritage railway in Old Sacramento, United States
The Sacramento Southern Railroad is a heritage railway in Old Sacramento that runs from the terminal of the California State Railroad Museum along the Sacramento River. The line follows the waterfront and gives passengers a close look at the river as it passes through the historic district.
The original Sacramento Southern Railroad began operating in 1909 and merged with the Central Pacific Railroad in 1912, which pushed the line further south toward Walnut Grove. Today the route survives as a short excursion line connected to the California State Railroad Museum.
The railroad displays a collection of vintage locomotives and cars that show how train travel shaped California's past. You can observe these vehicles during rides and get a sense of how transportation once worked in the region.
Excursion trains run mainly during the warmer months, so checking departure times before you visit will save you time. The boarding point is at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento, which is easy to reach on foot from the waterfront parking area.
The excursion trains are pulled by a restored steam locomotive called Granite Rock No. 10, which is still in active service. This engine worked in a different part of California before it was brought to Sacramento and put back into operation.
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