The roundhouse has been in continuous operation since 1897, making it one of the oldest in the United States.
The park maintains the No. 3 locomotive, nicknamed the 'Movie Star,' which has appeared in productions like 'High Noon,' 'Back to the Future Part III,' and 'Petticoat Junction.'
The facility was used to transport copper, gold, and timber during the peak of the California Gold Country mining era.
It remains one of the few places in the world where visitors can witness daily maintenance on operational historic steam engines.
The Sierra Railway, which includes this site, was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1957.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park preserves a rare, functioning steam locomotive roundhouse and maintenance facility in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It serves as a living history site, featuring the Sierra Railway’s historic locomotives and rolling stock which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can tour the roundhouse where heavy industrial steam repairs still occur today. Seasonal excursion trains operate on the historic Sierra Railway tracks, traversing the surrounding gold country landscape. The park is home to the famous 'Movie Star' locomotives that have appeared in numerous Hollywood films and television productions. Interpretive exhibits explain the evolution of rail transportation and its impact on the development of California’s interior.
The elevated viewing deck overlooking the turntable and roundhouse stalls.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the roundhouse yard offers limited shade.
Check the online calendar for 'Steam Saturday' events to ensure you see engines under fire.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as you will be walking near active rail tracks and historic machinery.
Do not attempt to walk on the rail tracks outside of designated tour areas; active equipment moves frequently.
Excursion train rides are seasonal and generally occur on weekends; the park is typically closed on select weekdays during the off-season.
Stay behind all yellow safety lines near tracks; do not touch machinery unless permitted by staff.
