Adventure Brief
Discover a unique 3-hour private train charter in Perris, CA. Perfect for groups, enjoy historic trains, exhibits, and picnic spots for a full day of fun and education.
3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover a unique 3-hour private train charter in Perris, CA. Perfect for groups, enjoy historic trains, exhibits, and picnic spots for a full day of fun and education.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
The Southern California Railway Museum preserves and operates historic railroad equipment that traces back to the early 1900s, showcasing Southern California's railroading past.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainability by encouraging guests to use reusable items and manages grounds to protect local flora and fauna.
Southern California Railway Museum
Discover a unique 3-hour private train charter in Perris, CA. Perfect for groups, enjoy historic trains, exhibits, and picnic spots for a full day of fun and education.
Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, California, preserves a large collection of historic locomotives, railcars, and streetcars across nearly 100 acres of restored railyards and depots.
The museum offers narrated hosted tours led by knowledgeable docents, train and trolley rides every weekend, and curated exhibits that highlight regional rail history.
The museum serves as a premier location for photo and film shoots, providing diverse backdrops from vintage depots to industrial yards and an extensive roster of historic equipment. Production teams book the site for creative shoots and location filming because of its variety of authentic rail settings.
Community events and specialty programs are a core part of the museum’s calendar. Annual highlights include the Antique Truck Show, KCBS BBQ competitions such as BBQ Boots and Brew, Perris Appreciation Day with free rides for residents, and the Fall Victorian Tea hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society. The museum’s Business Class departures and Carhouse 4 rental offer unique options for private events and special occasions.
Educational offerings include the expanded Merit Badge Program with certified counselors and hands-on activities, plus the Run One Program that lets participants operate electric streetcars and locomotives under engineer supervision. The museum emphasizes safety, preservation, and historical accuracy while providing memorable, hands-on experiences for families, scouts, photographers, and event organizers.
Located in Perris, the museum is accessible to Southern California communities and supports local tourism and education. Staff and volunteers maintain exhibits and coordinate bookings for tours, events, and film projects to ensure smooth operations daily.
Site Size
Nearly 100 acres
Extensive historic railyards
Years of History
64 years
Decades of preservation
Weekend Rides
Train & trolley rides
Available every weekend
Event Venue
Carhouse 4 (up to 150)
Unique historic event space
Reserve tours, Carhouse 4, merit badge sessions, or film and photo shoot bookings to secure unique historic backdrops in Perris.
Bring Your Own Food and Drinks
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated outdoor picnic areas onsite.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking through museum exhibits and boarding trains, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Reserve in Advance
Private charters can fill quickly, especially for school and corporate groups, so book well ahead of time.
Check Weather Before Arrival
Since parts of the experience are outdoors, review weather forecasts to dress appropriately.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
To comfortably explore the museum grounds and board trains.
Sun Protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against strong California sun.
summer
Light Jacket
Useful for cooler mornings or breezy afternoons.
spring
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially if bringing your own food.