Self-Guided Field Trip

Every year, the California State Railroad Museum welcomes thousands of students to the Museum. To allow more school groups to visit the Museum, we are unable to offer guided tours. All school groups are self-guided. Docents located throughout the Museum provide interpretation and stories about our collection.

This field trip includes entrance into the museum and a staff-led introduction. A tour guide is not provided and this does not include a train ride.

A self-guided tour is appropriate for all school groups, grades K-12. Most groups spend between 1-2 hours inside the Museum, but you can enjoy the museum at your own pace.

These are FREE if schools make reservations at least 7 days in advance.

RESERVATIONS

This reservation calendar is for K-12 schools to reserve a free self-guided field trip. For more details on who qualifies for a free visit and other guidelines, please see below.

If your preferred time is not available, additional slots for K-12 school groups may be found on Reserve California for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Call (800) 444-7275 to learn more.

About Our Free Self-Guided Tours

School Programs Current School Tour Programs Museum Entry Programs

We are proud to offer FREE self-guided tours for K-12 school field trips for the 2023-2024 school year!

Field trips must be reserved at least one week in advance to qualify for a free self-guided field trip. If you plan to bring your group within one week, please contact the Group Desk. Group rates will apply.

Home School Groups
Groups from a home school program can qualify for a free self-guided tour if their group has a minimum of ten (10) K-12 students. Children under 5 do not count towards the minimum.
Commercial Tours
While commercial tour companies do not qualify for a free visit, we welcome their groups. Please contact the Group Desk to reserve your visit. Group rates will apply.
Group Rates
$11 per adult
$5 per child ages 6-17
Free for children 5 & under

Field Trip Guidelines

A minimum of 1 adult chaperone should be present for every 10 students. Chaperones are responsible for the care, safety and actions of group members while visiting the Museum. Please remember, chaperones must remain with their groups for their entire visit to the Museum.
A brief, mandatory orientation by staff will help students and chaperones remember museum guidelines and enhance the learning experience.
Plan a time and place for your group to meet after the visit.
Your time in the Museum is unlimited until we close at 5:00 p.m. Keep in mind that once you enter the Museum Store or exit through any of the doors in the lobby, there is no re-entry.

Blended Access

Get more out of your visit!

We encourage all groups to schedule one of our free digital programs prior to your visit. These help prepare students and get them excited for their field trip.

Learn More

School Train Rides

For 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.

Learn More

Questions?

Please contact the California State Railroad Museum Group Desk if you have any questions or to make reservations over the phone.