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Membership

Become a California State Railroad Museum member for exclusive benefits, advance event tickets, and free train rides, all while supporting 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 the California State Railroad Museum. Membership unlocks exclusive benefits: priority check-in, member-only events, guest admissions, complimentary coach train rides, and Museum 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 the Museum 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.

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Exclusive local perks for Museum members!

Whistle Stop Partners

Being a member of the California State Railroad Museum means more than free Museum admission. With the Whistle Stop Partner program, members enjoy special offers at participating businesses in Old Sacramento and beyond. Just show your membership card and enjoy the perks!

Check out the Whistle Stop Partners and offers here!

View Program

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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Game Night

Roll the dice at the California State Railroad Museum after hours at this 18+ Game Night! Bring your pals along or make new friends while playing Super Smash Bros or board games provided by Galaxy Game Cafe. Snacks, drinks, and wine hosted by Acheson Wine Company are available from 6-8 PM (cash or cards accepted)

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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Relive the magic aboard this hourlong ride to the North Pole!

Member Advance Ticket Sales Policies

  • 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.

Learn More