Heritage Train & Trolley Rides at Southern California Railway Museum
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–6 hours depending on rides and exhibit visits
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including families with young children and older adults
Overview
Step back in time with weekend train and trolley rides at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. Ride historic railcars, tour fascinating exhibits, and enjoy family activities on a sprawling 100-acre outdoor campus.
Weekend Train and Trolley Rides
All Day Rides • All Ages Welcome
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About This Adventure
Experience the Southern California Railway Museum, home to the West's largest railway collection. Enjoy free train rides for members, explore over 200 historic vehicles, and participate in family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and crafts. Pack a picnic for Holstrom Park and immerse yourself in the rich history of rail transportation.
All aboard for family fun!
FREE TRAIN RIDES FOR MEMBERS! Become one today!
UPDATE
One weekend each month is a dedicated Track Work Weekend where our volunteers work to repair and maintain the Museum's Right of Way. Because of this there will only be electric operations on these days. Below are upcoming Track Work weekends:
- June 27th-29th
- July 25-27th
- August 22-24th
- Sept 26-28th
- Oct 24-26th
Regular Season (September-October; January-June)
Saturday Departure Schedule:
Mainline Train: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm Loop Line Trolley: On Demand 10:00am-4:00pm Mainline Electric (if available): 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Sunday Departure Schedule:
Electric Trolley: On Demand 10:00am-4:00pm
Summer Season (July-September)
Saturday Departure Schedule:
Mainline Train: 10:00am, 11:00pm, 12:00pm Loop Line Trolley: On Demand 9:30am-12:30pm Mainline Electric (if available): 10:30am, 11:30pm, 12:30pm
Sunday Departure Schedule:
Electric Trolley: On Demand 9:30-12:30pm
About
Visit the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA to explore the West’s largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, interurban electric cars, buildings and other artifacts dating from the 1870’s. Ride streetcars, interurban electric cars, and trains on the Museum railway on our 100 acre campus. Pack a family picnic to enjoy in Holstrom Park. Visit the Museum’s collection of more than 200 streetcars and railway vehicles to experience the early days of electric, steam, and diesel railway transportation in and around Los Angeles.
Open Exhibits:
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Carhouse 1 (Los Angeles Railway Collection) Open Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am-5pm
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Grizzly Flats (Narrow Gauge Collection, including Ward Kimball Collection) Open Saturdays 9:30am-4:30pm
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Carhouse 4 (Steam and Blimp Collection) Open Saturdays 9:30am-4:30pm
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Fred Harvey Exhibit Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays Only 10am-4pm
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Carhouse 2 (Pacific Electric Collection) and Middleton Exhibit open depending on volunteer availability.
We recommend calling in advance to confirm exhibit availability 951.943.3020
What to Bring
- Please bring a digital or print copy of your tickets in your confirmation email
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Exhibit Access
Carhouse exhibits open around 9:30am; arriving early ensures time to see multiple collections before riding.
Bring Sun Protection and Water
Southern California sun can be intense—pack sunscreen and hydration for outdoor waiting areas and picnic spots.
Call Ahead for Exhibit Availability
Some exhibits depend on volunteer staffing; a quick call to (951) 943-3020 saves disappointment.
Plan Around Monthly Track Work Weekends
On track maintenance weekends, only electric operations run. Check dates before booking to get the full experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red-tailed hawks soaring above the grounds
- Occasional sightings of desert cottontail rabbits near Holstrom Park
History
The museum preserves vehicles dating from the 1870s, capturing the rise of electric, steam, and diesel rail lines that shaped Southern California's development.
Conservation
Volunteers actively maintain the right-of-way and historic equipment, ensuring sustainable operation and preservation of rare railway heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Riverside
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun Hat
Provide shade during outdoor wait times and picnic breaks.
summer specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be moving around the large grounds and exhibits on foot.
Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while riding and exploring.
Light Jacket or Layered Clothing
Be prepared for cooler temperatures and wind.
fall|spring|winter specific