All aboard! Historic steam train returns to delight young railroad fans

Get ready for weekend adventure — a beloved steam locomotive that has thrilled children and families for decades resumed excursion rides on Aug. 9. Granite Rock 10, a 1942 steam engine operated by the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation, returns to service after nearly five years of repairs. The locomotive will chug along the Sacramento Southern Railroad on select weekends for the rest of the 2025 excursion season, alternating with historic diesel trains. Parents will love watching their kids' faces light up as the 82-year-old locomotive comes to life. The train was out of service since October 2019 for extensive maintenance in the museum's historic railyard shops. Chief Mechanical Officer Al DiPaolo led a specialized crew in rebuilding the engine's cylinders and making precision adjustments to valves and timing mechanisms — the kind of meticulous work that keeps these historic machines running safely for future generations. This isn't just any train. Originally built for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during World War II, the locomotive was sold to Granite Rock Co. of Logan in 1947 and retired in 1960. The museum acquired the train in 1995 and returned it to passenger service in 1997, where it has been creating memories for families since. Planning a family outing? The 45-minute excursion rides run Friday through Sunday. Tickets are sold per person, including children 5 and under. Coach class seating costs $18 for adults and $10 for youth ages 6-17. Children under 5 ride free — perfect for families with little ones. First-class tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for youth. Museum members receive discounted rates: free coach seating, $15 first class for adults and $12 for youth. Tip: Advanced reservations are recommended through the museum's website at californiarailroad.museum. Tickets may be picked up at the Central Pacific passenger station on Front Street between I and J streets in Old Sacramento. Same-day tickets are available if space permits, but don't count on it during busy weekends. Make it a full day by exploring the California State Railroad Museum and the many shops and restaurants Old Sacramento offers. The historic district provides plenty of family friendly dining and shopping options to round out your railroad adventure. Heads-up for families: Steam service is not guaranteed, as locomotives and schedules may change on short notice due to weather and mechanical conditions. But even if diesel fills in, the rides still offer children and parents a fun chance to experience historic railroad travel along Sacramento's scenic waterfront.