School Programs & Field Trips
The Museum has popular school programs available as in-person, remote, or hybrid opportunities. These 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.
Spring 2023 Calendar Is Now Open!
Self-Guided Field Trip
In Person | 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 will have the opportunity to go on a self-guided tour of the Railroad Museum's restored locomotive and railroad cars, talked with knowledgeable Docents, and view exciting exhibits.
Horses to Horsepower
In Person & Remote | 4th & 5th GradeHop on board to experience what it was like to build the nation’s first Transcontinental Railroad more than 150 years ago. Your conductor will escort you to five different stations located throughout the California State Railroad Museum. Discover how Transcontinental Railroad reduced travel time, inspired innovation, encouraged western settlement, and enabled California’s agriculture industry to grow. The Transcontinental Railroad changed life in America forever!
Westward Bound
In Person & Remote | 4th & 5th GradeWestward 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. Westward Bound explores what it was like to travel on the Transcontinental Railroad and how it made the transportation of people and goods easier, safer, and cheaper than ever before.
School Train Rides
Add-On To Field TripFor Tuesday and Thursday school groups: 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.
Bus Subsidies
Pilot ProgramWe are pleased to offer our pilot bus subsidy program. Once you have booked your school program, you will receive a link to apply for a bus subsidy.
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.
For questions, please email [email protected].
Teachers' Resources
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.
ACTIVITY CENTER
Visit our activity center for program related, interactive and pdf downloadable activities including: Math problems, Oral history prompts, word searches, coloring book pages, and more!
Questions?
Please contact the California State Railroad Museum's Group Desk if you have any questions or to make reservations over the phone.