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Become a streetcar operator for an hour at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. Learn to drive historic electric streetcars under expert guidance and earn a personalized certificate.
Become a streetcar operator for an hour at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. Learn to drive historic electric streetcars under expert guidance and earn a personalized certificate.
Book with Southern California Railway Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Southern California Railway Museum · Perris, California
Step into the shoes of a streetcar operator with the Run One Program at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. This one-of-a-kind experience offers you the chance to drive historic electric streetcars and trains on the mainline, all under the watchful eye of a qualified engineer. Over the course of an hour, you’ll learn the mechanics behind operating these powerful machines, gaining hands-on experience that few get to enjoy. The program is designed to be both educational and thrilling, perfect for history buffs, railway enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a unique adventure. At the end of your session, you'll receive an official engineer’s cap and certificate of accomplishment, making a fantastic keepsake from your day. Located in Southern California’s scenic Perris Valley, the museum itself is a treasure trove of historic railcars and locomotives, providing plenty to explore before or after your run. Whether you're looking for a special gift, a memorable family outing, or a personal bucket-list experience, Run One offers an unforgettable journey back to the golden age of electric streetcars.
easy.
1 hour.
No special fitness level required; ideal for most ages and physical conditions as the activity involves seated operation.
No previous experience is required; all training and guidance are provided by a qualified engineer.
Participants must be at least 14 years old to operate the streetcars for safety reasons.
The program proceeds rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe; indoor museum areas remain open.
Yes, guests are welcome to observe but must stay within designated safe viewing areas.
Some areas of the museum are accessible, but operating the streetcars requires climbing steps and standing.
At the end of your run, you will be presented with an official certificate and an engineer’s cap as a souvenir.
The Southern California Railway Museum preserves one of the largest collections of historic railway equipment west of the Mississippi, showcasing the region’s rich rail heritage.
The museum emphasizes sustainable practices by restoring and operating vintage streetcars with minimal environmental impact.
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.
Book with Southern California Railway Museum