The Southern California Railway Museum sits on the south side of Perris in Riverside County and holds one of the largest collections of historic rail equipment in the western United States. Founded in 1956 as the Orange Empire Railway Museum and renamed in 2019, the nonprofit draws families and rail fans with its grounds of preserved cars and its weekend rides on working track.
The collection spans roughly 200 pieces, including steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses. Its streetcars stand out most. Pacific Electric “Red Cars” and Los Angeles Railway “Yellow Cars” recall the transit network that once linked much of the Los Angeles region. Visitors walk among carbarns and outdoor tracks where volunteers restore equipment. On ride days, trains and trolleys run on a loop and a stretch of the former Santa Fe line, with conductors explaining each car’s history.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Walking the grounds is generally free. Ride tickets sold on weekends and holidays cover unlimited trips that day. Arrive near opening for lighter crowds and cooler temperatures, which matters during the inland summer heat. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Themed events, especially the holiday trains, sell out early, so book online in advance. Confirm the current schedule before you go. Wear closed-toe shoes for the gravel paths. Skydive Perris is next door, Lake Perris State Recreation Area is a short drive away, and the 1892 Perris Depot sits downtown near the Metrolink station.
