If you’re a train enthusiast in Northern California, then this road trip is for you! This 8.5-hour road trip is the perfect weekend getaway to some of the coolest attractions that California has to offer. Train rides, train restaurants, train resorts… this road trip has it all. If you’re a maniac for everything trains, then buckle up and get started on this delightful train themed trip!
The road trip is a loop which starts and ends in Dunsmuir, California. To view the Google Map of the trip in a separate tab, click here.
Google Maps
- Explore the historic town of Dunsmuir.
Railroad Park Resort/Facebook The quaint town of Dunsmuir was once known as a booming railroad town. The town was originally named Pusher, an homage to the pusher locomotives that helped push trains up the steep grade of Mt. Shasta. There’s a lot to do here that involves trains! You could spend hours discovering everything Dunsmuir has to offer, such as the railroad museum, the railroad photography tour, and even a genuine Amtrak waiting room. For more information, click here.
- Meander the railroad town of Willits.
Drew Jacksich/Flickr Willits is big on small-town charm and even bigger on railroad history. It’s mostly known as the departing place for the California Western Railroad, or more famously known as the “Skunk Train.” Take the Skunk Train through the most scenic parts of Mendocino County. Just be sure to check out the Roots of Motive Power museum afterward! For more information, click here.
- Spend the night in a caboose at Featherbed Railroad Bed And Breakfast in Nice.
Featherbed Railroad Bed And Breakfast/TripAdvisor Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a train-themed bed and breakfast right here in Northern California and it’s just as charming as it sounds. You can literally spend the night in a vintage caboose at this adorable B&B. These renovated cabins are cozy and delightful, with different themes assigned to each caboose. For more information, click here.
- Sip and relax on the Old Vine Express.
Sacramento River Train There’s no better pairing than Northern California and wine! This wine train is perfect for enjoying a nice glass of the finest Californian wine while taking in the incredible scenery. The Old Vine Express is part of the Sacramento River Train. The wine train only runs for a handful of dates throughout the year, but it is absolutely heavenly. For more information, click here.
- Hike through the historic train tunnels at Donner Summit.
Sara MacArthur/AllTrails At this point in the trip, you’ll probably feel like stretching your legs. Northern California is home to dozens of abandoned railroad tunnels that have been converted into hiking and biking trails. However, some of the best tunnels are found at Donner Summit. Built hundreds of years ago, these incredible tunnels make for a memorable hike through the mountains. For more information, click here.
- Enjoy drinks and dinner at this train-themed resort.
Railroad Park Resort/TripAdvisor At last, you’ll make it back to Dunsmuir. Stop at Railroad Park Resort where you can enjoy a hearty meal in a restaurant that has been converted from a train. These antique railroad cars are just steeping with nostalgia. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal if you’re a train lover! For more information, click here.
Doesn’t this road trip look like a great way to spend a weekend? Have you been to any of these places? If you enjoyed this, then you definitely need to check out these 11 Epic Train Rides In Northern California!
Google Maps
Railroad Park Resort/Facebook
The quaint town of Dunsmuir was once known as a booming railroad town. The town was originally named Pusher, an homage to the pusher locomotives that helped push trains up the steep grade of Mt. Shasta. There’s a lot to do here that involves trains! You could spend hours discovering everything Dunsmuir has to offer, such as the railroad museum, the railroad photography tour, and even a genuine Amtrak waiting room. For more information, click here.
Drew Jacksich/Flickr
Willits is big on small-town charm and even bigger on railroad history. It’s mostly known as the departing place for the California Western Railroad, or more famously known as the “Skunk Train.” Take the Skunk Train through the most scenic parts of Mendocino County. Just be sure to check out the Roots of Motive Power museum afterward! For more information, click here.
Featherbed Railroad Bed And Breakfast/TripAdvisor
Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a train-themed bed and breakfast right here in Northern California and it’s just as charming as it sounds. You can literally spend the night in a vintage caboose at this adorable B&B. These renovated cabins are cozy and delightful, with different themes assigned to each caboose. For more information, click here.
Sacramento River Train
There’s no better pairing than Northern California and wine! This wine train is perfect for enjoying a nice glass of the finest Californian wine while taking in the incredible scenery. The Old Vine Express is part of the Sacramento River Train. The wine train only runs for a handful of dates throughout the year, but it is absolutely heavenly. For more information, click here.
Sara MacArthur/AllTrails
At this point in the trip, you’ll probably feel like stretching your legs. Northern California is home to dozens of abandoned railroad tunnels that have been converted into hiking and biking trails. However, some of the best tunnels are found at Donner Summit. Built hundreds of years ago, these incredible tunnels make for a memorable hike through the mountains. For more information, click here.
Railroad Park Resort/TripAdvisor
At last, you’ll make it back to Dunsmuir. Stop at Railroad Park Resort where you can enjoy a hearty meal in a restaurant that has been converted from a train. These antique railroad cars are just steeping with nostalgia. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal if you’re a train lover! For more information, click here.
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