Reviews of Southern California Railway Museum (Museum)

Anji Morrison

Cool little place for kids to go.

Kassandra Hedin

Was awesome and enjoyed by all in our group oung and old

connie cudog

If your child loves Thomas the Train like my grandson, then you should go next time it is here.

Chris Allex

We had a great time we will be back soon

Steve Hernandez

Plenty of historic trains here to view. They even have a few trains that you can ride

Toni Guckert

Took the Santa Train to the North Pole Santa Workshop. Was a great experience and very reasonable price. Santa and Mrs Clause were great and stayed cheery the entire time thevtrain was in the station. There were great craft activities and fun fireplace photo spot. They had a great model trail setup with hot chocolate, pop corn, balloons and cookies at the station so great experience before and after train ride too.

Chakra Khan

Epic. Huge. Collection of vintage trains..you can get on many. Lovely park for a picnic and an affordable gift shop

Mr Anthony Celis

Just an awesome place a lot of historical automobiles trains locomotives anything that was back in the days they have it here I commend you take your kids here cuz my son loved it it was an incredible experience thank you Railroad Company

Terry Menendez

My son loved.. it it was 25 dollars just to go a couple miles down but my sons excitement and joy is priceless.

Waly Lama

Went to a car show here and that was awesome. They even let us ride the antique train which was a unique experience. Thank you to any volunteers that happen upon this review. Im well aware without you there is no train rides.

Dario Saidman

Awesome place! Amazing!

Monique Perez

Love going to this place especially for the Steampunk Fest! Tons of different trains to see! I personally love trains!

Adam White

A great day out for anyone who appreciates history, engineering or just trains in general. I strongly advise asking the volunteers about where to go as it is a very large site that doubles as a workshop area. Everyone was really friendly on our visit, maintaining the grounds and machinery isn't cheap but the ticket price is reasonable. I will certainly be returning.

Lee Folino

Huge collection of trains spread out over many acres. Some beautifully restored. Well worth a visit for train enthusiasts.

Jeremy Fewkes

Amazing place to see the changes in trains.

Crystal Machin

Fun for this kids, just ridiculously pricey for what little they have to offer.

Jose oily 899x OPMenendez

I believe $25 was a lot of money for going a few miles away and back. Also the fact that they also charge $25 a child.

Mary Wallachy

We had a great family experience at the orange empire railway museum. Wonderful activities for the whole family and and knowledgeable and very helpful staff.

Allyssa Smith

If you love or are even slightly interested in trains go here it's amazing!!!!

Jesus Navarro

Great picnic area for any event

Gloria A

Hidden Gem! I was driving around and accidentally ran into this museum. I love the history and the collection.

Martha Melanson

These folks volunteer to preserve the history of trains and other historic types of transits. Well worth the museum.

Matthew Klure

We went for the thomas the train deal, but even without that this is a cool place for anyone who likes trains. Being able to board and ride an operation electric street car was the highlight for me. Cool place, a bunch of narrow gauge exhibits in a barn. I would come back again for sure.

James Chen

Free museum for looking, touching, and walking in several types of train locomotives and cars. The museum has several trains being restored and the option the ride around in an old style train.

SJ Kid

It was a mini attraction park $25 entrance fee for even 2 yr olds for Thomas the Train , the train just goes forward and reverse 1 mile each side, it can do better would be better if it went around the city! Good train history, alot of food options!

Tyler Mathuren

Very good place the people are nice and there's tons of stuff here I highly recommend going here.

Robert Parent

Thomas train event today and tomorrow, best time for kids especially the boys!

Greg White

MY son and I love it. We both love old trains. The steam engine gets a

Nicole Rae Valencia

We went to the 2019 Fall Railroadiana Swap Meet as a great excuse to check out the Southern California Railway Museum, that you'd never know was tucked away in Perris, CA! $7 Admission, but we went for the $12 Admission that included the train and trolley rides

Jack'E J

Omg Barney is BEST tour guide ever. He is so knowledgeable. My kids and I had a blast. The gift shop is soo affordable.

Desiree Ortiz

Loved it! Cool and educational and love, love, love the santas train christmas event! Would absolutely make it a yearly tradition

Thomas Cunningham

It was like stepping into the past. The staff was so knowledgeable and loved what they did. One of the best experiences I've ever had.

Naty Naranjo

Took my soon on the last weekend Thomas was going to be there. We had such a good time, so much for kids to do. Definitely coming back.

beef rib

Must go must see truly fun

Josaphat Barragan

Took my two year old to see Thomas the train. He loved it, there is plenty to do to spend the day.

Cornelius Gibson

We had a great time. City of Perris is doing great things for the community

Andrew Huang

This is truly an impressive collection of trains - engines, cars, and assorted equipment. There's a lot to do, even independent of the Day Out With Thomas event. I definitely would come back again given the chance.

Brea Fortney

My son always loves coming here. The staff and volunteers always teach both of us something new. They always host something cute for major holidays, I highly recommend coming to meet Santa and the easter bunny here rather than the hour long lines elsewhere!

Andrea Smith

It was a fun bday party

Nolan punk rock productions

I havent gone yet, but ive seen videos! Extreamly kind staff, and amazing locomotives such as the old Santa Fe EMD FP45!

Jelli Gauthier

End of school year gathering..shaded and fun

livianadine

Had a great time, love the train rides! Lots of grass and trees for a nice picnic.

jim wyatt

Nice place with 2 relaxing rides

Carmen Woitas

Visited for the Thomas & Friends event. Was an amazing experience for the kiddos and parents as well. The train ride is short, but for kids it's the perfect time. The lines are short and move quickly. Food vendors are onsite as well. All the museum exhibits are open during the event as well. A small music stage with performers on site. Two small jump house for little kids were perfect and themed for thomas and friends. All the staff were very kind and knowledgeable. My son could ask questions and they were patient and willing to explain things. The civil air patrol of the air force (youth) were working at the tickets, directing traffic, and managing the crowds in the event. I was very impressed with their maturity. Will be coming back next year for sure.

Joanna Jenkins

We went to Thomas day out and it was a blast. My 11, 3, and 2 year old had so much fun. We used to go when they had the event in boulder city, NV. This is so much better. Have a chance to check it out. Do it!!!

Terise Marie

Great place to take the family

Mike

It was a good time and there is plenty to see. I was in the area for another event but decided to check it out, it was worth it.

Derick Le

I really like this place for photoshoot. It has both indoor and outdoor train cart location that you can use. If you get here during bright sun then shoot indoor first then go outside when the sun is not as strong. The staffs are very nice and friendly. Check their weekend calendar of event so you won't have a big crowd around. Generally, the place is really empty.

J Ph

Great place to take the kids. There is lots to see and do. The volunteers are very helpful and passionate about trains.

Louis Marcroft

Very nice and beautiful place to experience our transportation history as well as to enjoy the transportation of yesterday and today.

Vicki Amnat

Cute and kitschy place, lots to see and do (especially if you're a train fanatic), cool volunteer opportunities here let you do cool things like drive a trolley or train, and best of all, this place is dog friendly! Will definitely come back here again.

Joe Gunderson

Free to get in.. friendly service.. lots of cool train stuff...

Keith Lawson

It was Good wholesome fun for all ages alike....

Matt Wrzeszcz

Great collection of rolling stock and friendly volunteers. Many thanks to Mel for welcoming us and showing us around the grounds.

Justin Ausman

Great but hate the new name. Should of kept the old name. "Orange Empire Railway Museum"

Ro Roberson

Historical with nice collection

Kimberly Desposito

I took my 3 year old to this museum and he loved it. We walked around the entire facility and it was beautiful.

Christine Arbizee

They have special events, Thomas the train and the Santa train are entertaining for children. The steam engines are cool to see.

TOM MONAHAN

Good family fun the volunteers are very knowledgeable and friendly and they have train rides on the weekends and free tours everyday

Henry Paul

They have many fun events for families and also participate in the Day Out With Thomas, which is a really fun event with Thomas-themed train rides and other activities for kids.

Ricardo Barrios

Kool little spot didn't feel to welcomed with our Lowlows a bit to whiteish fir us and we felt it...lol

MS3T GEN2

Nice place to gave a picnic with the family and learn about railroads, it really needs more advertising tho.

Rudy Herrera

A great place for family and friends The Tamale Festival hope to see it next year

Bill Martin

Went to ride Thomas the tank engine. Daughter loved every minute. They set up things for the kids like bouncers and had dee several educational displays. Also ride the narrow gauge streetcar. Well worth the price of admission which was the train ticket.

Jeff Johannsen

Great museum if your kids are into trains

Joshua Baakko

Incredible place. If you love trains you'll love it here. If you're a casual observer of trains, or history, you'll love it here. Train rides are cool too.

Manuel Nava

Fun place to take the family, especially for Thomas Day Out event, get to see history up close, kid love the open areas, and train rides.

Christina Lindsey

Great bang for your buck. I actually came here for the polar Express event at Christmas time, bit we ended up staying longer to look at all of the amazing trains and machinery. The staff that works there is super nice, informative, and always willing to talk trains.

Jim Johnson

Great train museum. Jan at the gift shop was great and our tour guide Barney was real informative and made our whole family including the 3 year old granddaughter day very special. Thanks again...

Bryce Goose

Wonderful connection of trains. Fun for kids. And it's free. Free. You pay for a year ticket if you want to ride a train, but admission to the museum is free. This is a great little place to come with kids, but the family, or just for a picnic. Very nicely maintained grass and grounds. Some of the trains are very fun anr interesting. I liked the cable cars. Some of the exhibits are definitely a little beat and can use some maintenance. But what do you want for free. I am looking forward to coming back for the pumpkin patch and Christmas. The weekends are in especially good time to come. The docents are very happy to explain, are very kind, and are enjoy to be around.

Gracefully Roxy West

I love love love this place! Did I say I love this place? I was just told the back story,,,, Walt Disney's number one artist loved trains and would buy vintage train stuff. Back in his hay day, him and Walt would take rides for hours going back and forth on the train sipping tea and gabbing. Probably talking about ways to change the world through art

Deborah Malakowsky

Took the hubby there for his bday. We didn't bring enough film

Shahin Mojiri

Wonderful place to take the family! My son loves all the trains, especially when Thomas comes!!

Paresh Desai

Great museum for anyone that loves trains. They usually have trains running on the weekend. Helpful staff. Picnic areas so bring lunch and enjoy.

jcnlala 2018

Nice place to take kiddos to look at the trains, not just when Thomas the train is here.

Onfire 777

I like it better in the winter....of course because of the way they decorate. But holiday season or not it's fun

Melissa Devaney

One of the larges, most well kept facilities we have visited. The staff or rather volunteers are very knowledgeable and friendly. They also have a good variety of trains from steam to electric, including a nice turntable.

jaime a

A nice place to spend some time visiting antique locomotives and electrical trains, a very family friendly place

sweet sierra

AWESOME PLACE!!! We had our Company Picnic there!!! GO SHELLA ! We loved it!

csmather77

Nice little set up. Train rides are great, very clean little park. Kids had a blast.

Eva Jones

I am amazed that this place wasn't more crowded. It's a wonderful facility and the volunteers that staff it are passionate and knowledgeable. What a great day!

Tara Baumann

Iron Horse is a Steampunk event that you dont want to miss at the Railway Museum!

Dana Rice

We came close to closing, but the bery sweet ladies in the gift shop advised us to check out a few older trains before leaving and I'm so glad we did. Can't wait to go back! Wonderful collection, so much to see, hands on, and makes for a beautiful photo opportunity. If you haven't gone.... Go!

Jay Ross

Love this place, been going there for the train shows for 30 years.

Mark Walker

I just became a member of the museum, and I got the full tour of the whole place! The place is huge! With tons of cars, trolleys, and locomotives.

Lance Stratton

A beautiful day for a trip to the railroad museum! Such a vast collection... It took us several hours to see everything.

Christopher Robinson

So much to see here, I was here for an event, but I'll probably come back to visit it again.

Jan Blow

as a overseas visitor unless you have a car or rent-a-car its the only way to see this great museum pity really spent 2 days in the town of PERRIS on ariving home found out you can use public transport but not in the same day u have to stay overnight. but well worth going lots to see & ride & staff very willing to show yoou around!

dale sarver

Great collection of old trains and street cars.

H V

Had this location saved on Google maps. Saw the Huell Hiwser special for this and many instagramers posing great pictures. First I went on Friday afternoon and the parking lot was empty. I thought I was on the wrong place. Suddenly I pull up got off my car and started exploring. The story ends that i enjoy this place so much I had flashbacks on the old days and how people use to travel. Especially since you can get inside many of the old trains. Even the authentic smell is there. Beautiful atmosphere.

Herk

Our 2 year old LOVES being able to run around and see/board all the trains. The grounds are huge and there is a ton to see

Zuleima Murillo

First time there for the car show it was beautiful and amazing loved the live Music

Sandra Gomez

Great when you get an actual tour. Great for picnics. More entertainment during Thomas the train season

Laurie Ludwig

Very kid friendly staff, nice picnic area, plenty of restrooms, a museum, with many different types of trolleys and trains. Trains running every hour to ride on. Would like to visit during Thomas the tank engine events.

Rodrigo Vega

Awsome for kids. Alot awsome trains

R Ferguson

Such a great time at the Thomas the Train exhibit. They put on a really great event for kids and families. My kids never wanted to leave!

David Baker

Great place to take the kids. Completely volunteer run so the people are passionate about what they do.

Claire Crocker

My 96 year old mother wanted to see the big red cars, which were in a barn quite far from the entrance. She had ridden on them to high school back before WWII. We enjoyed the train ride, loved seeing the trolleys and civil war encampment/battle. Due to the kindness of all volunteers, we were able to get her a ride on a golf cart back to the barn with the red cars, where she was thrilled to get up into one and “relive” a special time of her life. It was a special day for her and she is still talking about it. Thanks, Bruce and others, for making sure she got to see her big red cars.

Gustavo Villanueva

Awesome place to spend the day with your family

Albert Lugo

Great learning experience on are old railway systems

Tiffany London

Our family went here for the Christmas train event. The train ride itself is boring, slow ride, and very little onboard entertainment for the kids. But when you arrive at the Santa’s Workshop that’s when it becomes magical and entertaining for the kids. Beautiful Christmas decorations, multiple activities table, and a line to take pictures with Santa. Each child also gets a toy after seeing Santa. Which is a nice treat for the kids.

Karen Buller-LinKee

Had fun at the train and toy swap. Twice a year, weather permitting.

Megan Schuk

Really awesome place for history buffs and train lovers!

Borislav Mateev

Very nice but open only on weekends kids were disappointed when we stopped during the week and could not get in the trains.

Henry Veley

This place was in the middle of nowhere. A cross from a trailer home park. Made it here for a car show, just to not have my car judged. On top of the fact, it was hot as all he'll out, and their bottles of water was priced like they were selling bottles of wine! Better not run out of water here in the summer.

debbie g

I expected the train ride to be a little longer and Santa's shop was a little disappointing. Though that there would be more activities for the kids. The staff on the train were very nice and entertaining I won't be returning because I feel it wasn't worth the money we psid. $20 for adults and $15 for the kids.

Brian Mandolini

Enjoyable for adults and children who not only like trains, but history. Also ppl have the opportunity to ride on some old trains of the past. (Support Museums)

Ray Walton

Great place to go and relive the past.

Kristin D

So much fun... thanks for having the Thomas train there. There were so many activities and things to learn about!

Alexandre Beloussov

Exhibit availability is unpredictable. One visit yields discoveries of fun and unique things and a lot of fun. The very next week, nothing is running and all depots are closed. Hit and miss. Becoming a member and going several times is the best way to explore the museum.

Joshua Moreno

This place has a lot of cats. Me and my 9 year old were cursed at and asked to leave because he was petting them! Completely unfriendly and bitter staff. Things have changed over the years. It's really saddening...

Rich Wilson

Really enjoyed the train rides

pat jennette

Interesting. Lots of history. Quick stop for families.

Ray Murillo

my son had a blast

Gretchen Masten

Amazing place run by amazing people.

Yevgeniya Vinichenko

Good Christmas events for kids (up to 7-8 years). Nice train models.

Harrison Lux

Awesome place to being the family and you can ride real street cars and locomotives

Travis Hunt

An excellent museum with a wide variety of well restored equipment and friendly, hard working members. Definitely worth checking out.

Pamela Carter

Great place to visit! Staff was friendly and very welcoming.

Dave Stewart

One of the most visited places in Perris, home of Rods and Rails event, Thomas the train, Iron horse Steam Punk, Civil War Reenactment and of course the year round Museum of trains.

Lisa Coffey

Love SCRRM long before the name change. So much history of trollies and railroads all in one place! Definitely a great place to take the family, and be sure to watch their calendar for special events!!

Richard walters

The Little Rascals loved the Trains.

Ramiro Ramirez

Friendly fun place to learn history of train cars.It's not very big in size but the people there are very friendly and worth that cost of admission this museum is located in the city of Perris California,

Pei-Yi Lee

kid had a lot of fun. Train ride is cool

Jonathan Sanchez

The boy scout troop in Perris Can have an annual pumpkin patch here and the proceeds pay for their camping trips and any gear they might need. my family enjoyed our day here and it's for a great cause

Andrea Moore

My daughter, sister, friend & myself just visited on Sunday for the IRON HORSE CARNIVALE at this museum & we all had the MOST FANTASTIC TIME EVER!!! We got to cosplay in our STEAM PUNK costumes & this place could not be more perfect for STEAM PUNKERS to visit & take pictures with the steam locomotives & ride the trains and trolleys as well. ALL the staff & volunteers are extremely informative & friendly and made our visit so much fun we can't wait to get back there again!! The train museums contain authentic old trains that you can see up close & enjoy that delightful old rustic odor that only these trains can produce. The people & events took us back in time to the Victorian era & we even got to "geek out" over the "Back to the Future" movies' seriously authentic-looking DeLorean time-machine owned by Lenny!! Lenny was just fantastic explaining how he got the car made & setting up photo ops with his car just like the movie posters! Our absolutely favorite time was spent riding Steam Engine 02 while Mel & Robert, Bill & Jeff shared wonderful historical stories with us & made our rides & photo-ops so very, very exciting!! My sister & daughter even got to ride in the steam engine cab with the engineers - - one of whom was a woman volunteer (so sorry I forgot her name)!! You GO GIRL!! I fell in love with the little red train "CHLOE" & all the volunteers were so helpful in answering all our questions & giving us such great background information. We will DEFINITELY VISIT AGAIN!! I highly recommend any train lover or lover of just having a great time to visit this museum! You will not be disappointed! Love all you guys - - great job making us feel so welcome & giving us such a great 1st experience!! Shout-out to ROBERT, MEL, BILL & JEFF and all the wonderful volunteers who did their jobs so fantastically!! ^_^

Chris Morris

A neat museum if you are into trains.

Katz Garden

We had a good time! Fun for the kids too!

ken wilken

Wonderful place to spend the day exploring Southern California history. Lots of trains and plenty of knowledgeable staff to explain the rich history of transportation in the area.

Kira Hagen

Absolutely loved it!! Amazing selection of rolling stock and equipment

Joseph Costello

This place was fantastic, far better than the museum in LA . The volunteers there are very knowledgeable and have great stories about the trains they have. I will definitely go back again.

Kat Brydon

This rail museum is great for folks that are rail enthusiasts, They have a number of times during the year in which they have train rides, information about trains,and any thing that you could want to know about trains.

Lena N

Free to walk around..it was kind of confusing on where to go inside, but it would have made more sense if we paid for the trolly rides and train rides. Lots of restrooms and grassy areas with shade. You cannot ride the choo choo train until 1130 on the weekends, but you can ride the trolly before then.

Rob McV

Great experience for my granddaughter and I... Our tour guide was awesome, is name is John if you can get him he is very informative.. It's a fun time...

Christina Barberi

Dan the man is the best. He truly does his best to make every customer feel welcome and happy. My son took to him instantly. Will definitely go back just because of him.

Scott Defrese

This railroad museum is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon looking at vintage railroad cars and engines. At several buildings that house locomotive railroad cars trolley cars etc. There are helpful guides that will explain railroad history to you. Best of all it is free.

Audrey Godinez

My son loved every single minute we were there. He's the biggest fan of Thomas the train

Howard Parker Sr.

Great place to visit for both kids and adults

william may

If you like trains and memorabilia this is for you and kids. See part of Americana, go back in time , rided a steam locomotive and a electric trolley. Go in their huge warehouses, see finished and almost finished or not started yet trains,sleeper cars and old time trolleys and more! Fun,fun,fun.

Sarah Berchild

Thomas the Train was there in person for a special event. Fun for the family. Bring lots of water and know that if you have a young kiddo, they may tire out quickly. I wish the price was less expensive or subsidized. Pricey for a family but great for special occasion.

Popey Goonza

Took my granddaughter to visit and my daughter to we found it really educational nice day out.

osieodi

I truly enjoy going to the Rod and Rails car show here

Lawrence Porter

Fun. Place to visit if you love old trains

Daniel Sorkin

Feels a little abandoned, but it is charming and has cool trains.

bryce coleman

Had a good time there with the family at the Thomas event kids had a blast

Ida Gomez

Nostalgic train's and trolleys what's not to love!! Visit a beautiful time when life was more simple.

Joseph Plumb

When I came here, it was for an independently organized event, however, the facilities were very clean, the quality of the trains within the hanger were VERY impressive. In the end, I am happy with the outcome. I really enjoyed my experience here. I would recommend it to others!

s S

Took the kids to a Day out with Thomas the train. There were so many actives to do with the kids, they loved it! The down side is the boy scouts and ROTC running everything that's why I'm only giving 4 stars. They play around too much on the job, including making fun of people, including their race. My 2 year old got hurt in the bounce house because the boy scouts were playing around (when they were running the booth) and knocked him over. Another kid needed an ambulance after playing in there also. There needs to be more adults in charge of these kids!