The California State Railroad Museum offers a number of unique indoor and outdoor event venues that are sure to make your occasion memorable. Let us be the site of your next special event! Working with your caterer or special events planner, our Facilities Rental staff can help ensure an unforgettable experience for your guests.
The Museum has a variety of facilities in Old Sacramento, suitable for events such as corporate meetings, receptions, dinners, and other social gatherings.
The main Roundhouse area is surrounded by the Museum’s unparalleled collection of restored locomotives and cars. Costumed interpreters are available to enhance your guests’ experience.
The Sierra Scene features towering “mountains” depicting a railroad construction scene in the Sierra Nevada, with the Central Pacific Railroad No. 1 Governor Stanford locomotive as its centerpiece.
Ideal for small presentations, the Museum’s two modern theaters each feature comfortable, tiered seating and a full-size screen for audio-visual presentations. Located side-by-side on the ground floor of the Museum of Railroad History.
Our large outdoor “lawn area” is a preferred location for a variety of Old Sacramento’s numerous festivals and large public gatherings. Situated in the heart of Old Sacramento State Historic Park, the 1849. Scene is bordered by “I” and “J” Streets, Front Street, and Commonwealth Alley. It is composed of a large, lawn area with a paved perimeter, surrounded by historic buildings.
Originally established in 1849 during the Gold Rush, the reconstructed Eagle Theatre replicates California’s first permanent performing arts theater. The Eagle Theatre features rustic bench seating and a stage suitable for performances and presentations, with modern lighting and sound capabilities.
The Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad operates along a three-mile route atop the Sacramento River levee from Old Sacramento to Baths (just south of the Miller Park Marina). Trains generally depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot/Public Market in Old Sacramento. A variety of passenger cars, from open-air “gondolas” with bench seating to comfortable enclosed coaches, are available.
Available for stationary and moving rentals, our elegant dinner train consists of the “Audubon” dining Car and the “El Dorado” Observation Lounge. The “Audubon” is an elegant, authentic 1950s dining car. The “El Dorado,” built in 1924, is a first class observation car. The total capacity of both cars is 76, with 40 seats in the “Audubon” and 36 in the “El Dorado”. Intimate surrounds and proximity to the Sacramento River make for a truly unforgettable experience. Choose from our pre-qualified caterers to plan your memorable “Dinner in the Diner” meal experience.
A real, honest-to-goodness railroad caboose, our Union Pacific Caboose, is located adjacent to the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station. The Caboose is ideal for children’s birthday parties and is available for stationary (non-moving) rentals only. The Caboose can accommodate 15 guests with nearby picnic tables available to assure that larger groups have ample room to celebrate. The cost of a 4 hour rental (including prep and clean up time) is $300 and also includes the additional experience of a train ride on the Sacramento Southern Railroad (when operating) for up to 10 guests. The Union Pacific Caboose may be rented only during our Excursion Train season – the first weekend in April to the last weekend in September.
Facilities Rental Program
California State Railroad Museum
111 “I” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814