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Membership

Become a Railtown 1897 State Historic Park member for exclusive benefits, advance Polar Express tickets, free train rides, & support for railroad preservation.

Become a member

Join now and help preserve our American railroad heritage! To upgrade your membership, call the membership department at 916-445-5995.

Start or Renew Membership OR Give the Gift of Membership

Become a Member Today!

Experience the American spirit of progress and adventure at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Membership unlocks exclusive benefits: priority check-in, member-only events, guest admissions, complimentary coach train rides, and Depot Store discounts. Whether you're passionate about railroads, inspired by history and steam locomotives, or seeking family adventures, membership transforms you from visitor to insider.

Membership Dollars at Work

Membership supports new exhibits, preservation efforts, and educational programs that keep railroad history accessible to all. It also enables Railtown to offer transportation subsidies for school field trips, purchase supplies for education programs, and develop exhibits showcasing transportation innovation.

Every piece of history we save connects to the extraordinary stories of the people who made California what it is today.

Member Presale Opportunities

Members receive exclusive early access to our public events. Here are just some of our regular events. Keep an eye on your emails and social media to see what other events we are planning!

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Wine and Cheese Zephyr

Enjoy an unforgettable evening aboard Railtown 1897's historic excursion train, featuring wine, charcuterie, music, and beautiful Mother Lode scenery.

This special 21-and-over experience is just one example of the unique events for which members can enjoy advance ticket purchasing opportunities.

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Ma-mosa Limited

Celebrate Mother's Day with a scenic train ride through the Sierra foothills! This family-friendly event treats Mom to a special pre-ride "ma-mosa" and scone before boarding the historic train.

Members can enjoy opportunities for early ticket access to special seasonal experiences like this one.

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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Relive the magic aboard this hourlong ride to the North Pole! Member presales begin on September 14 at 9 AM. Public sales begin on September 18 at 9 AM.

Date & Time

Membership Level

September 14 at 9 AM

Silver Spike, Gold Spike, and Platinum Spike members

September 15 at 9 AM

Bronze Spike members

September 16 at 9 AM

Trainmaster, Engineer, Yardmaster, and Freight Agent members

September 16 at 1 PM

Conductor, Fireman, Telegrapher, and Hostler members

September 17 at 9 AM

Caboose Club, Brakeman, Handcar Club, and Switchman members

September 18 at 9 AM

Public sales begin

Get More Details on Polar Presale Tickets

View Presale Ticket Calendar Upgrade your membership before September 6, 2026, to get an earlier presale date. To upgrade your membership, call the membership department at 916-445-5995.

  • Members of the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 are allowed to purchase THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets in advance of the general public.

  • Members are not guaranteed to get tickets during Member Advance Ticket Sales, merely the opportunity to try to purchase tickets in advance of the general public.

  • New, renewing or upgrading memberships should be active and current as of September 6, 2026, to participate in Member Advance Ticket Sales.

  • Members must have their member code to purchase presale tickets. Member codes will be emailed to members prior to their specific presale date.

  • Member households may purchase a maximum of twelve individual tickets or three tables of four, per location, during Member Advance Ticket Sales.