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Folsom Valley Railway

4.6
·40 reviews·Folsom, United States

Ride a charming 12-inch gauge miniature railway with historic steam and diesel engines in Folsom City Park.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday-Sunday

Operating days for the railway

CrowdMedium
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Folsom Valley Railway - Image 1

Folsom Valley Railway

Best Time

Thursday-Sunday

Operating days for the railway

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a charming 12-inch gauge miniature railway with historic steam and diesel engines in Folsom City Park.

4.6
(40 reviews)

"This is the best addition to the area! Such a great day with the park, library, zoo and the train ride."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Affordable Tickets

Tickets are just $5 per person for a fun ~10-minute ride. Dogs are also welcome!

🚂 Ride with Fido!

Bring your furry friends along for the train ride; dogs are allowed on board.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miniature Train Ride

Miniature Train Ride

Folsom City Lions Park

Experience a ~10-minute loop on a charming 12-inch gauge railway, featuring both steam and diesel engines.

Instagram
Historic Locomotives

Historic Locomotives

Folsom City Lions Park

Ride on one of the last remaining 12-inch gauge railroads in the US, with engines dating back to the 1970s.

Instagram
Family-Friendly Fun

Family-Friendly Fun

Folsom City Lions Park

A delightful experience for toddlers and adults alike, often enjoyed alongside visits to the nearby zoo and library.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

All Aboard for Fun!

The Folsom Valley Railway offers a charming miniature train ride perfect for families. Located near the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and Library, it's an affordable way to create lasting memories. Check operating days as they can vary.

Affordable Family Adventure

With tickets at just $5 per person, the Folsom Valley Railway is a budget-friendly outing. The ~10-minute loop provides a delightful experience for all ages, including dogs! InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Thursday-Sunday
Why
Operating days for the railway
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Peak family fun time
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

All aboard! 🚂✨ Did you know Folsom has the cutest little train ride that’s perfect for toddlers (and parents too)? Right next to the Folsom Library and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, you’ll find the Folsom Valley Railway—a hidden gem since the 1970s! @folsomvalleyrailway ⏰ Open Thursday-Sunday 👉 It’s just $5 per person for a ~10 minute ride, and here’s a fun fact: it’s the only 12 inch gauge ra...
norcalwithkids
599 likes • 25.1K views

🎯 Affordable Tickets

Tickets are just $5 per person for a fun ~10-minute ride. Dogs are also welcome! InstagramReddit

🚂 Ride with Fido!

Bring your furry friends along for the train ride; dogs are allowed on board. Reddit

📍Folsom Valley Railway, Folsom Ride 4,020 feet of track in a 10-minute loop around Folsom City Park. The railway, which includes both steam and diesel engines, is the only 12 inch gauge railroad remaining in the United States. Established in 1970, the railway started by operating the original steam engine from Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Park: the Cricket. This special engine still runs tod...
railfanfam
276 likes • 9.6K views
🚂 All aboard for a family-friendly adventure! If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Folsom with the kids, head over to 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲. This charming miniature train, located in Folsom City Lions Park, offers rides that take you through scenic views of the park and is a must-do for little train enthusiasts! Perfect for kids and adults alike, the railway has been delighting visitor...
miks_outdoors
54 likes • 1.3K views

📍 Convenient Location

Easily accessible next to the Folsom Library and Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Instagram

⏱️ Ride Duration

Enjoy a delightful ~10-minute loop around Folsom City Park. Instagram

📍Folsom Valley Railway, Folsom 🚂 Прокатитесь на поезде по 10-минутному кругу вокруг городского парка Фолсом. Железная дорога, которая включает в себя как паровые, так и дизельные двигатели, является единственной оставшейся в Соединенных Штатах железной дорогой с колеей 12 дюймов. ⏰ Осенне-зимние часы работы: С 1 Октября - 27 Ноября Четверг/Пятница: 11:00 - 1:00 Суббота/Воскресенье: 11:00 - 4:...
deti.care
31 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Tickets

Tickets are just $5 per person for a fun ~10-minute ride. Dogs are also welcome! InstagramReddit

🚂 Ride with Fido!

Bring your furry friends along for the train ride; dogs are allowed on board. Reddit

📍 Convenient Location

Easily accessible next to the Folsom Library and Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Instagram

⏱️ Ride Duration

Enjoy a delightful ~10-minute loop around Folsom City Park. Instagram

💳 Payment Options

Be aware of potential additional fees for credit card payments. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Folsom Valley Railway, calling it a 'best addition to the area' and a 'steal' for the memories it creates. The affordable price, charming miniature trains, and family-friendly atmosphere are consistently praised. Some recent visitors note a slight increase in price and potential credit card fees, and a few feel the ride duration is short for the cost.

"This is the best addition to the area! Such a great day with the park, library, zoo and the train ride… takes me right back to my childhood riding that thing. And only $5 per person is a steal for the lifelong memories it provides. As a zoo employee now, I always make sure to wave when I walk by because I love to see the joy on the kids faces as they ride, so proudly on the train. I hope this train runs forever. 🥹"

Gloria Santos

"We had a great time riding the Folsom Valley Railway! It’s powered by a diesel locomotive and has plenty of open-air seating. People of all ages can ride the train, which runs smoothly and comfortably. Would recommend for everyone and plan to come back again and again with our infant granddaughter."

James Ochi

"Whether you’re a train enthusiast or not you will love the Folsom valley railway! The owner and the train engineer has been running the locomotive for over 30 years. He says the only reason he does it is because he loves seeing the smile on kids faces. This train is not just for kids and adults and DOGS are allowed to ride. The fare is very affordable and the ride is pretty amazing."

bartellj

What People Like

Affordable ticket price
Charming miniature trains
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Perceived short ride duration
Credit card fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Folsom Valley Railway is located in Folsom City Lions Park, conveniently situated next to the Folsom Library and Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Parking is generally available in the park's vicinity. Instagram

Yes, parking is typically available in and around Folsom City Lions Park, making it easy to access the railway. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors combine their train ride with a visit to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and the Folsom Public Library, creating a full day of family fun. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are very affordable at $5 per person for the approximately 10-minute ride. InstagramReddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the $5 per person fare is already considered a great value for the experience. Instagram

It's advisable to bring cash as there may be additional fees for using a credit card. Reddit

The railway typically operates Thursday through Sunday, but it's always a good idea to check their schedule before visiting as hours can vary. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for the Folsom Valley Railway; tickets can usually be purchased on-site. Instagram

🎫 🚝 Onsite Experience

The train ride is approximately 10 minutes long, completing a loop around Folsom City Park. Instagram

The railway features both steam and diesel engines, operating on a 12-inch gauge track, making it unique in the US. Instagram

Yes, it's a fantastic ride for toddlers and young children, offering a memorable experience for the whole family. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome to ride the train with their owners, adding to the inclusive fun. Reddit

The Folsom Valley Railway operates on a 12-inch gauge track, which is the only one of its kind remaining in the United States. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Folsom Valley Railway is an absolute must-do for families with young children. The charming miniature train offers a thrilling ~10-minute ride that will captivate little ones and create lasting memories. Instagram Located conveniently next to the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and Library, you can easily combine the train ride with other kid-friendly activities for a full day of fun. The affordable ticket price of $5 per person makes it an accessible outing for any budget. InstagramReddit

Parents will appreciate the open-air seating and the smooth, comfortable ride. Plus, the railway is known for being dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the adventure too! Reddit It's a simple yet magical experience that many visitors recall fondly from their own childhoods and are eager to share with their children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Folsom Valley Railway is a fantastic option. At just $5 per person, the ticket price is incredibly affordable, offering significant value for the enjoyment it provides. InstagramReddit This low cost allows families and individuals to have a memorable experience without breaking the bank. The railway's location in Folsom City Lions Park also means you can enjoy the surrounding park amenities for free, making it a great spot for a picnic before or after your ride.

Consider bringing cash for your tickets to avoid potential credit card fees, further keeping costs down. Reddit By combining the train ride with free activities like exploring the park or visiting the nearby library, you can craft a full day of entertainment for a minimal expense. It's a prime example of how to find high-quality, enjoyable experiences on a budget.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Unique Piece of Railway History

The Folsom Valley Railway is more than just a fun ride; it's a significant piece of railway heritage. It stands as the only 12-inch gauge railroad remaining in the United States that operates with both steam and diesel engines. Instagram Established in 1970, the railway has a rich history, even operating an original steam engine from the Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Park. This dedication to preserving miniature railway operations makes a ride here a special experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The passion of the owner and engineers, who continue to run the locomotive because they love seeing smiles on faces, is palpable. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the lifelong memories the affordable ride provides, with many returning year after year. Reddit The railway's commitment to being family-friendly extends to allowing dogs on board, making it a truly inclusive attraction. Reddit It's a testament to the enduring charm of miniature railways and the dedication of those who keep them running.

Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community

When planning your trip to the Folsom Valley Railway, consider the operating schedule. The railway typically runs Thursday through Sunday, but it's always wise to confirm hours before your visit as they can change. Instagram The cost is a very reasonable $5 per person, a price that many reviewers find to be a steal for the joy it brings. InstagramReddit However, be mindful that there might be additional fees if you opt to pay with a credit card, so bringing cash is often recommended. Reddit

The ride itself is a delightful ~10-minute loop around Folsom City Park, offering scenic views and a chance to enjoy the open-air seating. Instagram Many visitors appreciate that the railway is located right next to other popular attractions like the Folsom Library and the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, making it easy to create a full day of exploration for the family. Instagram The fact that dogs are also welcome on the train is a significant plus for pet owners looking for activities to do with their entire family. Reddit

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