Free School Programs & Field Trips
The Museum has popular school programs available as in-person, digital, or both! Our programs are entertaining and educational for students. Don’t miss these experiences for you and your students!
CSRM Interpretive Programs and materials meet California Curriculum and Common Core educational standards.
If you are looking for information for adult or private group tours, please click here.
Contact the CSRM Group Desk at [email protected] or (916) 323-9274 if you have any questions.
Reservations closed for the
24-25 school year
Please contact the CSRM Group Desk if you need assistance,
or to book a summer school field trip.
2025-2026 school year reservations will open in September.
Already booked a field trip to the Museum?
What do you need to know before you go? Check out our teachers' guides for each program:
Self-Guided Field Trip | Horses to Horsepower | Westward Bound | School Train Ride
Self-Guided Field Trip
All Grade LevelsThe California State Railroad Museum offers students and teachers an unparalleled look at the history of railroads in California and the West. After museum entry check-in and orientation, your group can explore the museum at their own pace! A downloadable Adventure Guide and docents throughout the museum supports the experience. Field trips reserved in advance are free.
Horses to Horsepower
Building the Transcontinental RailroadHop on board to experience what it was like to build the nation’s first Transcontinental Railroad more than 150 years ago. This interactive program takes students through the history of the Transcontinental Railroad. Discover how Transcontinental Railroad reduced travel time, inspired innovation, encouraged western settlement, and enabled California’s agriculture industry to grow. Includes an opportunity to explore the Museum’s exhibits after the program. Designed to meet 4th grade curriculum standards. This free program is available for the 4th & 5th grades only.
Westward Bound
Traveling on the Transcontinental RailroadStudents explore what it was like to travel westward on the Transcontinental Railroad and how it made the transportation of people and goods easier, safer, and cheaper. Westward travel on the Transcontinental Railroad represented a triumph against time for nineteenth-century travelers. First-class tourists expected a luxurious travel experience, while emigrants wanted safe passage to start their new lives in California. Includes a train ride after the tour. This free program is available for the 4th & 5th grades only.
Digital Programs & PORTScast
All Grade LevelsParticipate in the virtual versions of our popular Horses to Horsepower or Westward Bound programs. These programs can be broadcast in the classroom or on each students’ devices. The Museum also offers a series of live, educational broadcasts through PORTScasts which are aimed at teachers, students, and families. All of our digital programs are free for all!
School Train Rides
Add-On To Field TripFor Tuesday and Wednesday school groups in Spring: add an excursion train ride to your field trip! Pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives, this ride is the perfect hands-on compliment. Due to limited availability, not all schools will be able to take a train ride.
Transportation Subsidies
We are pleased to offer our transportation subsidy program.
How To Apply: After you have booked your in-person school program, you will receive a link to apply for a transportation subsidy in your confirmation email.
Due to fund limitations, not all schools will be granted subsidies. Subsidies may be less than the entire amount requested. Preference is given to California public schools that receive Title I funding.
If you are selected to receive a subsidy, an invoice from the transportation company will be required. Checks will be sent to the school site after your visit. Schools will be notified within 60 days of application.
To follow up on your application or questions regarding the check for your school, please email [email protected].
Teachers' Resources
Junior Ranger Activity Guide
Students can completing the activities in this Adventure Guide as they travel through the Museum. Learn about everything from smokestacks to the Lost Golden Spike! Answers to the questions are found by exploring the Museum and reading exhibit information. Volunteers are happy to help students discover the Museum!
Download
If you wish to create a booklet, download this version. Print this document double sided, and then fold to create the paper book to complete the adventure.
Guía de Aventuras de Guardeaparque Juvenil
Los estudiantes pueden completar las actividades de la guía de aventuras mientras viajan por el museo. ¡Aprenda sobre todo, desde chimeneas hasta el pico de oro perdido! Las respuestas a las preguntas se encuentran explorando el museo y leyendo la información de la exposición. ¡Los voluntarios estarán felices de ayudar a los estudiantes a explorar el museo!
Si desea crear un folleto, descargue esta versión en español. Imprima este documento a doble cara y luego dóblelo para crear un folleto para completar la aventura.
Watch our Educational Programs on YouTube
Tune in to our YouTube channel to check out our latest educational programs. These programs cover a wide variety of topics, designed for K-12 students.
Guide: Chinese Railroad Workers Experience
This specially designed Teachers’ Guide provide a one-stop resource for teachers based on the Chinese Railroad Workers' Experience exhibit. Guides include: Comprehensive historical background information, bibliographic resource list, and plug-and-play writing, art, oral history, primary resource, and activities connected to the exhibit.
Questions?
Please contact the California State Railroad Museum's Group Desk if you have any questions or to make reservations over the phone.