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.
Our large outdoor 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 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 French Quarter. The Audubon is an elegant, authentic 1950s dining car. The French Quarter is a beautifully restored car inspired by New Orleans. The total capacity of both cars is 84, with 48 seats in the Audubon and 36 in the French Quarter. 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.
Fun for the kids, the Union Pacific Caboose is available for party rentals! Cabooses served to provide a sheltered vantage point for trainmen. Its name may have originated with a French or Dutch word, describing a deck cabin on a sailing ship. But in more than a century, the caboose acquired dozens of nicknames: cabin car, crummy, shack, way car, bobber, brainbox, shanty, hack and many others.
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 Union Pacific Caboose is available to be rented:
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A 4-hour rental (including prep and clean up time) is $300 and includes 10 tickets on our Excursion train ride (when operating, weekends April-September) or 10 Museum passes.
Facilities Rental Program
California State Railroad Museum
111 “I” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814