September 18, 2012 thru September 2013 -- California State Railroad Museum -- "Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train" Exhibit
Museum visitors of all ages will marvel at a fun and fanciful new exhibit titled "Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train" at the California State Railroad Museum. The fun and fanciful new exhibit is an intricately detailed wooden sculpture of a 1880s era steam train from engine to caboose complete with a handcar, water tower, train station depot, railroad crossing gate and a cadre of more than 40 humorous characters from all walks of life in the West. The display was whittled, sculpted and meticulously painted by a group of 25 dedicated members of the Caricature Carvers of America who spent countless hours working on their labor of love. Once on display, the "Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train" exhibit will be located in the Lobby Gallery near the entrance and store through September 2013. For more information about this exhibit or other events, activities and exhibits at the California State Railroad Museum, please visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

September 29, 2012 Thru August 2013 -- California State Railroad Museum -- "Building America" Exhibit
Attention railroad and history enthusiasts of all ages...it's time to celebrate 150 years of railroading history! Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific Railroad this year, the California State Railroad Museum is proud to debut a new exhibit titled "Building America: Abraham Lincoln, California and the Union Pacific Railroad." The retrospective exhibit will include photos, maps, artifacts and memorabilia covering 150 years of railroad history. The powerful new exhibit will begin with the early history of President Abraham Lincoln and his steadfast support of the railroad, culminating with the signing of the Pacific Railroad Act in 1862. The exhibit will highlight the construction of this - the world's very first transcontinental railroad - and continue on to showcase how the Union Pacific Railroad has helped with "Building America" through natural disasters, wars, and a changing transportation industry. This is one history-rich exhibit railroad enthusiasts won't want to miss!

December 8, 2012 thru Summer, 2013 -- California State Railroad Museum -- Special Exhibition of 2012 Award-Winning Photographs
Visitors to the California State Railroad Museum will be delighted to feast their eyes on award-winning photographs from all over the world honored in the 2012 Creative Photography Awards Program, coordinated by the prestigious Center for Railroad Photography & Art. The theme of the 2012 competition was "Railroading, Inspired by Steinheimer" in honor of the legendary photographer -- and California native -- Richard Steinheimer. Given this annual competition generates international interest, the exhibit offers an exciting opportunity to view life through the lens of photographers from around the world. More information is available by calling the California State Railroad Museum at 916-445-6645 or by visiting www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or www.railphoto-art.org.

March 12, 2013 to August 25, 2013 -- "Sweet Stop: Mike Kotowski's Sugar Cane Trains of Hawaii" Exhibit
Visitors to the California State Railroad Museum are in for a sweet treat for the eyes -- a collection of 11 original paintings that capture the heyday of Hawaii's sugar plantation railroads showcased in a new exhibit titled "Sweet Stop: Mike Kotowski's Sugar Cane Trains of Hawaii." Inspired by historic photographs, noted railroad artist Michael F. Kotowski created this series of paintings between 1976 and 1978 for a calendar commemorating the 100th anniversary of the introduction of steam-powered locomotives to sugar cane plantations of the Hawaiian Islands. Sugar cane plantations could not have prospered without the technology of steam-driven locomotives which helped Hawaii evolve from an Island Kingdom to the nation's 50th state. In fact, from the middle of the 19th century until the late 1940s, small railroads -- mostly narrow gauge -- linked the plantations and mills to the ships that transported sugar from the islands to markets in the continental United States. Hence, the sugar industry grew rapidly and became the dominant industry of the Hawaiian Islands. More information about this new "Sweet Stop" exhibit or other events and activities offered by the California State Railroad Museum is available by calling 916-445-6645 or visiting www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

April 6, 2013 thru September, 2013 (Weekends Only) -- California State Railroad Museum -- Weekend Excursion Train Rides
All aboard for the California State Railroad Museum's popular excursion railroad -- the Sacramento Southern Railroad -- as it officially returns to operation for its 30th consecutive season! Train ride guests delight in the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic, working locomotive as it rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River for a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion. Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests with the chance to enjoy train travel from an earlier era. The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air "gondolas" with bench style seating. Same-day general admission weekend excursion train ride tickets are available in-person on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. the day of the train ride at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located on Front Street between "J" and "K" Streets in Old Sacramento. Tickets to ride the first-class El Dorado are available to book in advance online at www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org and groups interested in reserving the El Dorado for a regularly scheduled ride should call 916-322-7112.

May 1, 2013 through April 10, 2014 -- California State Railroad Museum -- "Pick Me! A Bumper Crop from the Pacific Coast" Exhibit
The third and final phase of visually-powerful fruit crate art will be showcased in an exhibit titled "Pick Me! A Bumper Crop of the Pacific Coast" opening soon at the California State Railroad Museum! After focusing exclusively on California crate labels for the first two years, the third phase of this popular exhibit includes selections from the entire U.S. Pacific Coast. For example, colorful labels showcasing Washington cherries and Oregon apples join the ranks of California oranges and asparagus that serve to entertain and amaze visitors. Through this continuing vibrant exhibit, guests will gain an appreciation for an early art form that featured beautifully bold imagery, learn how fresh produce was kept cool during transport before refrigerated cars and discover why the railroad was the key to the early success of the agriculture industry on the West Coast. Additionally, you will also have the hands-on opportunity to create your own labels using magnetic cut-outs of typical design elements, so bring a camera to capture your creations. Museum guests of all ages and interests are sure to enjoy the final phase of the popular "Pick Me!" exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum.

May 24-27, 2013 -- California State Railroad Museum -- Jazz-Related Activities at the California State Railroad Museum
All aboard for jazz-related activities inside and outside the California State Railroad Museum during the 40th Anniversary Sacramento Music Festival happening over the Memorial Day weekend! California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum will celebrate the holiday by offering jazz music inside the Museum, aboard popular weekend excursion train rides and even complimentary admission to event badge holders. Inside the Museum, visitors will be treated to a special poetry reading that will include jazz music on Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the East Theater. And, guests who choose to take a lovely six-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion train ride along the levees of the Sacramento River will also be entertained on board by talented banjo performers from the Sacramento Banjo Band. All aboard for a jazzy experience at the California State Railroad Museum!

June 8, 2013 -- California State Railroad Museum -- "Ales on the Rails" Sunset Train Ride
All aboard as California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum celebrate summer in rail-related style with a special, one-night-only "Ales on the Rails" brew sampling event. The second annual sunset train ride takes place on the Sacramento Southern Railroad on Saturday evening, June 8, when adult passengers will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy views of the Sacramento River. As the train rolls along, guests will sample tasty appetizers provided by Crisp Catering, and three signature artisanal brews -- Beeline Blonde, Panic IPA and Daylight Amber -- will be provided by one of Sacramento's newest breweries, Track 7 Brewing Company. As a new addition this year, guests will be treated to live music aboard the train provided by strolling musician Dave Rainwater. A sell-out is expected and advance tickets are recommended for this one-night-only "Ales on the Rails" fundraising event. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call 916-445-5995 today!

October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2013 (11:00 - 4:00) -- California State Railroad Museum -- "Spookomotive" Train Rides
Halloween-themed "Spookomotive" trains decorated for the season depart on the hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Regular ticket prices apply. Join our "skeleton crew" for a fun and delightful (but not frightful) 40-minute ride along the Sacramento River! For more information, please visit www.csrmf.org or call (916) 445-6645.

November 29 and 30, 2013 (Thanksgiving Weekend - 10:00 - 5:00) -- California State Railroad Museum -- Small Train Holiday
Get into the spirit of the season when the California State Railroad Museum presents a "Small Train Holiday" November 29 and 30. Visitors will be dazzled by roving musical entertainment; fun, interpretive handcar rides; amazing scale and model toy train display; story time with Mrs. Claus and much more - all happening inside the Museum! For more information, please call (916) 445-6645 or visit www.csrmf.org.

November 29, 30 and December 1, 2013 (2:00 - 9:00); December 4-8; December 11-15; December 18-22 -- California State Railroad Museum -- Polar Express Train Ride
Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Come in your jammies and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening as the magical story is narrated once again and comes alive before your eyes! Experience the excitement of the little ones as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting. As the train begins its return trip from the North Pole, get ready! Santa Claus will be coming through handing each child a very special gift! Space is limited to only those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas. Check the Museum's website in August for additional information, including specific departure times and prices. Tickets go on sale to the public October 1 online at www.csrmf.org and they are certain to sell out very, very quickly. All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! For more information, please visit www.csrmf.org or call (916) 445-6645.