Jamestown’s Railtown 1897 Lists Halloween Train Rides for October 17–31

JAMESTOWN, Tuolumne County — California’s historic Railtown 1897 State Historic Park has announced a series of seasonal train rides for October 2026, giving Gold Country families a chance to experience the railroad in a Halloween setting.

The park and its nonprofit partner list Harvest Haunt daytime excursions for October 17–18, 24–25 and 31. According to the event organizer’s published schedule, trains depart at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The excursions last approximately 45 minutes, with optional costume themes for young visitors and families.

Which weekend should visitors choose?

The October 17–18 suggested theme is “Critters & Creatures,” followed by “Princesses & Pirates” on October 24–25. The October 31 Halloween rides have no specific costume theme listed. These are suggested themes, not a rule requiring passengers to dress up.

The advertised Harvest Haunt base fares are $23 for adults, $18 for ages 6–17 and free for children age 5 or younger, subject to availability and purchase terms. Railtown separately lists Skeleton Starlight evening special-event trains on October 17, 24 and 31. Their tickets, schedules and operating details should be checked independently; a Harvest Haunt ticket should not be assumed to cover the evening experience.

Where is Railtown 1897?

The California State Parks visitor page places Railtown 1897 in Jamestown at Sierra Avenue and Ninth Street, roughly three miles south of Sonora. The park interprets California railroad and filmmaking history, including its roundhouse and locomotives.

The official event website reports general park hours of 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., but train events may follow different boarding or admission rules. Visitors should plan to arrive early, confirm accessibility needs, and check whether desired train departures still have tickets.

What residents should know

Scheduled train operations can change due to equipment, weather and other circumstances. Before traveling, check the current Railtown events calendar and any day-of updates. These listings are confirmed schedules, not a report that any future excursion has already occurred.

Sources: California State Parks Railtown 1897 State Historic Park listing; Railtown 1897 Harvest Haunt and October event schedules; California State Parks October 2, 2026 digest.

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