While the Park is open daily, special Wildflower Train Rides are available on two Saturday afternoons -- April 11 and 18 -- and depart from the Railtown 1897 Depot promptly at 3:30 p.m. Prior to boarding the train, passengers will have the opportunity to learn about the wildflowers of California’s Sierra Nevada foothills during a special presentation at 3 p.m.Railtown 1897’s popular Wildflower Trains feature naturalists and Interpretive Park Rangers from the nearby Bureau of Reclamation’s New Melones Lake, answering questions and pointing out flower groupings along the way. Wildflower Trains take guests on a six-mile, one-hour roundtrip ride through the scenic, rolling landscapes of California’s Gold Country. Along the way, trains encounter meadows and rolling hills, with such local flora as “meadowfoam,” “goldfields” and other colorful flowers typically in bloom. All train ride guests receive a checklist, wildflower booklet and a packet of wildflower seeds.
Train capacity is limited, and advance reservations are suggested. With some open air seating available, wildflower train tickets are available online at www.railtown1897.org and cost $24 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and children five and under ride free.
Railtown 1897’s regular excursion trains are operating on these two Saturdays as well with departures at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. As of April 1, 2015, tickets for excursion rides are $15 for adults, $10 for youths ages 6-17 and kids five and under are free. Tickets include Park admission and are available for advance purchase at www.railtown1897.org and at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the ride (based on availability).
