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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.
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.
Book with Southern California Railway Museum
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Operated by Southern California Railway Museum · Perris, California
Located in Perris, California, the Southern California Railway Museum offers a unique window into the evolution of rail transportation in the American West. Sitting on a sprawling 100-acre campus, it’s home to the West’s largest collection of railway vehicles—over 200 pieces ranging from steam locomotives to interurban electric cars and trolleys. This destination stands apart in Southern California’s outdoor recreation scene by blending outdoor family activities with rich historical storytelling, all accessible through immersive rides on historic tracks.
The Weekend Train and Trolley Rides invite visitors to step aboard vintage equipment and experience milliseconds of early 20th-century transit. Whether it’s the rattle and shuffle of the Mainline steam train or the smooth glide of the electric trolley, these all-day rides allow guests to traverse the museum’s grounds in authentic fashion. Members enjoy free rides, underscoring the museum’s community-driven spirit.
Beyond the rails, visitors can roam open exhibits housed in historic carhouses, including the Los Angeles Railway and the Pacific Electric collections, or visit the Narrow Gauge section featuring the Ward Kimball collection. The venue’s family-friendly vibe is enhanced by scavenger hunts and hands-on crafts, making it a dynamic outing for all ages.
A highlight for many is Holstrom Park, a shaded picnic area perfect for packing a lunch and pausing amid the nostalgic backdrop. The museum also embraces sustainability by maintaining its vintage fleet with care and encouraging stewardship of its open-air environment.
Whether you’re a history buff, train enthusiast, or just looking for a fresh outdoor experience that combines education with fun, the Southern California Railway Museum offers a standout destination within the greater LA area’s diverse recreation landscape.
easy.
2–6 hours depending on rides and exhibit visits.
Suitable for all fitness levels including families with young children and older adults
Admission and parking are free during regular operating weekends. Special events may have fees, so check event details in advance.
Only registered service dogs are permitted on the grounds.
Train passenger cars are wheelchair accessible with advance notice; however, trolleys are not accessible.
Yes, strollers are allowed and there is stroller parking near boarding areas.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. There are shaded picnic areas and a Museum Store with snacks and beverages.
Yes, these add-on experiences are sold at the Museum Store or online, but advance purchase is recommended due to limited availability.
The museum preserves vehicles dating from the 1870s, capturing the rise of electric, steam, and diesel rail lines that shaped Southern California's development.
Volunteers actively maintain the right-of-way and historic equipment, ensuring sustainable operation and preservation of rare railway heritage.
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