Get a feel for the golden era of California railroad travel on the River Fox Train, which combines a historic stretch of track with everything from craft beer tastings and live music to Wild West–style shows.
The 14 miles of track, running from West Sacramento to Woodland in Yolo County, just west of the capital city, were first laid in 1911 by the Northern Electric Company, and the line was used for years to transport goods from local farms into the city. Once Northern Electric merged with Sacramento Northern Railways, the line offered eight daily round-trip passenger trains between Woodland and Sacramento until World War II.
Today, the six-car, gold and blue train cruises along at just 10 to 15 miles per hour, offering a leisurely view of the river and farmlands, and often providing enough time for a meal or a show. Take the 2.5-hour River Fox Excursion Train for the views, and perhaps also for the add-on cupcakes. The other excursions offer a variety of experiences—like tasting wine while you ride on the Old Vine Express or sampling local craft brews on the Beer Train. The Great Train Robbery, a Wild West–style showdown, ends happily with a barbecue picnic lunch.
There is also a full slate of additional experiences, from Murder Mystery and the Wild West Show rides to holiday rides like the Easter Egg Express, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day trains during spring and summer to the Pumpkin Patch Express in the fall and the Magical Christmas Train in December.
Feel like striking out on your own, at least as much as you can while still riding the rails? Book a ride on one of River Fox’s two-seater, pedal-powered railbikes and enjoy an open-air cruise, solo or with a partner, through the Yolo countryside.