Carolyn Parr Nature Museum

Many visitors to Old Sacramento enjoy the dining and shopping, and marveling at the adorable centuries-old buildings, but one gem that should not be missed is the California State Railroad Museum. At 225,000 square feet, it has room to house a large collection of train cars outfitted with period china and decor, vintage and antique train-themed toys, model trains and assorted memorabilia spanning many decades. Whether someone is a train enthusiast or not, visiting the museum is a must because it is beautiful, fun, enjoyable and educational. Among those who love trains, and who have visited other railroad museums, the California State Railroad Museum is said to be the best.Best and worst time to go to the California State Railroad MuseumIt can be better to visit during the week to avoid crowds, but it is also fun to brave the slightly higher weekend congestion to take advantage of excursion train rides. The worst time to see the museum is on Free Museum Day, which takes place in February. All galleries and museums are especially crowded on Free Museum Day. Please check dates.Must see or do at the California State Railroad MuseumThe Virginia & Truckee Railroad No. 13 Empire that has been restored so beautifully, the museum displays it with mirrors so everyone can appreciate its details, right down to the gold leafing.The enormous collection of working model trains on tracks and antique train toys. Truly a sight to behold.The weekend excursion train rides that go six miles down the tracks. The porters are retired railroad men, and are a treasure trove of information about the history of Sacramento's railroad system.Admission to the California State Railroad MuseumPrices range from free to $10.The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day when it is closed.Accepted types of payment: VISA, Mastercard, cash, personal checks and travelers' checks.Parking and public transportation to the California State Railroad MuseumMetered street parking is available for 90 minute increments. For those wishing to stay longer, please park in the I Street Garage adjacent to Old Sacramento. Many Old Sac vendors validate.The Amtrak station is within walking distance, and there is RV parking behind the museum.Sacramento Regional Transit bus routes 11, 30, 31, 62, 86 and 88 stop on 3rd St. between I and L Streets, one block from Old Sacramento.Food at the California State Railroad MuseumThere is no food in the museum itself, however, there are many dining options in Old Sacramento and the nearby downtown area including casual items like candy, ice cream, pizza and corn dogs. For those who prefer upscale cuisine, both Old Sac and the surrounding downtown area have several dining options.Insider Tip for Visitors to the California State Railroad MuseumPre-purchase tickets for the Polar Express train excursion in December. Tickets go on sale in October, and are available only online. This wildly popular annual event sells out quickly. The train ride lasts one hour, the cars are decorated for the holidays, and Santa pays a visit while guests sip hot chocolate and enjoy views of the river.Author's bio: Shawna McGregor-King is a freelance writer and Sacramento native with dreams of living in a grass hut on a deserted beach that also has a nearby Target store.