For once, you can be the person at the controls.

The Western Pacific Railroad Museum’s Run-A-Locomotive program offers an unusual kind of hands-on history: operating a vintage diesel on museum grounds with a private instructor. No prior experience is required. For a railroad enthusiast or a milestone celebration, this can be the experience the whole trip is remembered for.

Look a little closer

Receive instruction and operate under the museum’s supervision.

Check available session lengths, locomotive choices, and participant requirements directly.

Leave time for the museum collection, with same-day museum admission included for participants under the published program terms.

Host tip: Secure the locomotive experience first, then build the rest of the Portola day around it. Ask who can participate and who can ride in the cab before promising the whole group they can be together at once.

Getting there: The experience takes place at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum, 700 Western Pacific Way. Arrange it with the museum in advance; instructor and equipment availability determine what can be offered.

Before you go: This is a separate paid program, not a standard museum ticket. Review current pricing, deposits, cancellation terms, age requirements, and participant limits before booking. Sessions may be shared, but cab seating is limited. Weather and equipment maintenance can change availability.

Visitor information: https://museum.wplives.org/ral/

Details for your plan

From the Lodge

~10 min

Allow

Session + museum time

Setting

Guided locomotive experience

Fees

Paid reservation

Access

Book with museum

Keep exploring nearby

• Western Pacific Railroad Museum

• Williams House Museum & Portola Visitor Center

• Portola Riverwalk