Self-Guided Field Trip

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.

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About Our Free Self-Guided Tours

Every year, the California State Railroad Museum welcomes thousands of students to the Museum. To allow more school groups to visit the Museum, 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.

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

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.

  • Homeschool Groups

    • Only groups from California K-12 schools qualify for a free self-guided tour. Independent homeschool groups, co-ops, camps, etc. do not qualify for free field trips.

    • If any group has a minimum of 10 visitors over the age of 5, they will qualify for a group rate if reserved in advance. Please contact the Group Desk to reserve your visit.

  • 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 youth ages 6-17
    Free for children 5 & under

Reservations

Please follow our instructions below to book a reservation.

We are using the new online booking system provided by Reserve California. Instructions for booking have changed from last year.

Reservation Steps

  1. Review the guidelines for free self-guided field trips below to make sure you qualify.

  2. Follow link to Reserve California for California State Parks. Before searching for a program, make sure you are logged in or create an account. Please use your school/work email for your account.

    • If needed, click on "Activities" in the main menu to get back to the program selection.

  3. Select the place first (California State Railroad Museum) then select the date you would like to reserve a program on. (No need to search text, and leave with "All Categories".)

    • Self-Guided Field Trips are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between Oct. 1 and May 31 with start times between 10am-3:30pm.

  4. A list will appear showing program availability for that specific date. Scroll down to the "Free Self-Guided Field Trip" program.

    • If you reserve a tour under the Commercial Field Trip slot, you will be charged a group rate. (Commercial tour companies do not qualify for a free visit, but we welcome their groups. Please contact the Group Desk to reserve your visit. For more details on who qualifies for a free visit and other guidelines, please see below.)

  5. When you find the time slot you want, click "Sign Up" button. Complete the form about your group and complete check out.

  6. You will receive an email confirmation. Bring the confirmation with you to your field trip (printed or on your device screen).

    • Please email or call the Group Desk if you need to cancel or make any changes.

Make A Reservation Now Interested in providing feedback on our new reservation system? Please use this form to send us your feedback.


Get more out of your visit!

digital school programs crop

Blended Access

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
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School Train Rides

For Tuesday and Wednesday 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

Already have a field trip booked?

View Teacher's Guide What do you need to know before you go?


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.

Questions?

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

[email protected]

(916) 323-9274