River Fox Train in West Sacramento, California

Written By Kelsey Cecil

West Sacramento, California · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRides run on scheduled dates through the year; see the online calendar

The River Fox Train, long known as the Sacramento RiverTrain, carries passengers along the Sacramento River and through the Yolo County countryside on a line the Northern Electric company built in 1911, now run as the sister railroad to Mendocino's Skunk Train.

  • Line first built in 1911
  • Formerly the Sacramento RiverTrain
  • Sister railroad to the Skunk Train
  • Electric-assisted Railbikes
  • Free riverside park at Elkhorn Station

River Fox Train at a glance

Hours
Trains and Railbikes run on scheduled dates; Elkhorn Station park open daily 9 am to 5 pm
Admission
Train fares vary by trip (family rides from about $78 per person as of October 2026); the park is free to enter
Train rides
Round trips over 10 miles of track, 1 to 3 hours depending on the trip; Railbike rides also offered
Seasonal events
Pumpkin Patch Express, Magical Christmas Train, New Year's Eve Express, Lunar New Year Celebration, Valentine's Day Express, Springtime Express, Easter Brunch Train, Mother's Day Train, Father's Day Train, Beer Train
Plan for
About 1.5 to 2 hours for a family ride, plus time at the park
Best for
Families with kids of any age, couples and groups
Best ages
All ages for family trains
Accessibility
Use the contact form to request special accommodations before your trip.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to River Fox Train? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to West Sacramento.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

An electric interurban line that found a second life

The tracks the River Fox Train uses were laid in 1911 by the Northern Electric company, which built a 14-mile line to carry passengers around the Sacramento area. Electric passenger service ended in 1941, but the route stayed busy with diesel freight trains, giving the farms of the Sacramento Valley a link to markets across California.

In 2003, Sierra Railroad Company merged with the Yolo Short Line Railroad Company. The combined railroad kept the freight business going and brought back passenger excursions under the name Sacramento River Train, which many families still search for as the Sacramento RiverTrain.

Today the trains run as the River Fox Train, operated by Mendocino Railway, the same company that runs the Skunk Train on the coast, a line that dates to 1885. The railroad has added plenty of new reasons to ride over the years: family trips, seasonal trains for nearly every holiday, tasting trains for grown-ups, and the electric-assisted Railbikes that let riders pedal along the rails themselves.

It has also built a gathering place at the station. Elkhorn Station, beside the Sacramento River, is a family park with lawn games, casual food and open green space where riders can spend time before or after their trip, and it is free to enter.

Ten miles of river woods, farm fields and sunflowers

Trips start at the River Fox Train station on the Sacramento River, off Interstate 5 at Exit 531. Round-trip excursions use a 10-mile stretch of the old line through rural Yolo County, passing ivy-covered woods, wide farm acreage and stretches of riverfront, and one travel guide describes the run as reaching the outskirts of Woodland before turning back.

What happens on board depends on the trip you pick. The Yolo Explorer is a family ride of 1.5 to 2 hours, the Pumpkin Patch Express in October stops at Dave's Pumpkin Patch for cider and donuts, and the Springtime Express lets kids play mini golf and lawn games at the riverside park. The train has climate-controlled indoor cars as well as open-air patio bar cars on some trips. Railbike rides, offered at sunrise, during the day and in the evening, follow the river and the countryside on pedal-powered cars with electric assist.

Don’t miss

  1. Countryside RailbikesElectric-assisted pedal cars on the rails let you cruise along the Sacramento River at your own pace, a different way to ride the 1911 line.
  2. Pumpkin Patch ExpressAll October, the train runs through the countryside to Dave's Pumpkin Patch, where warm apple cider and donuts wait.
  3. Magical Christmas TrainA one-hour holiday ride for all ages, with festive lights and seasonal cheer.
  4. Elkhorn Station parkA free riverside park with lawn games, casual food and drinks and river views, open daily.
  5. Yolo ExplorerThe everyday family ride, 1.5 to 2 hours through fields and farms, with VIP tickets available.

Pumpkins, egg hunts and a park to run around in

Most family trips are listed for all ages. The Pumpkin Patch Express and the Magical Christmas Train are the big draws for little ones, and the Easter Brunch Train adds an egg hunt with the Easter Bunny. The Springtime Express arrives at the riverside park, where kids can play mini golf, cornhole and giant Connect Four.

Elkhorn Station gives children open lawn to burn off energy before or after a ride. Minors must be with a parent, guardian or responsible adult, and some evening trips such as the Valentine's Day Express and New Year's Eve Express are 21 and over only.

Plan your visit: tips for River Fox Train

  • Book ahead on the online calendar: trains and Railbikes run on different days through the season.
  • Take I-5 to Exit 531 for the boarding location.
  • Outside alcohol is not allowed, and guests must be 21 with ID to drink on board.
  • Groups of 20 or more get discounts, and private cars or full charters are available.

Fall and winter are the busiest seasons here. All October, the Pumpkin Patch Express rolls through the Yolo countryside to Dave's Pumpkin Patch, a nice option if you are comparing Halloween and pumpkin train rides in California. In December, the one-hour Magical Christmas Train brings festive lights and holiday cheer for all ages, with VIP tickets available, and it belongs on any list of Christmas train rides in California.

The railroad behind the River Fox

The River Fox Train is operated by Mendocino Railway, which also runs the Skunk Train, and it keeps a working freight line in use as well as its excursions. Riding, booking a group trip or private car, and buying gift cards all help keep trains rolling on this 1911 route. For donation requests, the railroad points people to its Groups page.

Pair your ride with Sacramento's rail museums

The California State Railroad Museum and the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station in Old Sacramento are each about 10 miles away. The Sacramento Valley Live Steamers in Rancho Cordova is about 19 miles off. For more ideas, browse train museums across California.

Every train museum in California

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of a dad lifting Rally the corgi up the big stairs of a red train car
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

With so many River Fox trips listed for all ages, I picture plenty of little legs climbing aboard here, pumpkins and holiday lights waiting at the end. In our book, Rally's short corgi legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. My kids think that is the funniest page. We have a list of train books for toddlers for families who want more stories before the ride.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at River Fox Train?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Sacramento RiverTrain and River Fox Train: 20 questions answered

Is the Sacramento RiverTrain still running?

Yes, under a new name. The excursions revived in 2003 as the Sacramento River Train now run as the River Fox Train, operated by Mendocino Railway. Trains still board at 18095 County Road 117 in West Sacramento and travel the same countryside route along the Sacramento River and through Yolo County.

How much are Sacramento RiverTrain tickets?

Fares depend on the trip. As of October 2026, the River Fox Train lists family rides such as the Family Fun Day Train and Springtime Express from about $78 per person, the Yolo Explorer from about $95, and the Pumpkin Patch Express from about $110. Holiday and tasting trains cost more. Check riverfoxtrain.com for current prices.

How do I buy tickets for the Sacramento RiverTrain?

Book online at riverfoxtrain.com, where a search tool and full calendar show which trains and Railbike rides run on each date, along with guest counts and VIP options. Spanish speakers searching for boletos can use the same online booking. For help with a booking, call (800) 866-1690 or use the contact form.

Where does the Sacramento RiverTrain leave from?

Trips begin at the River Fox Train station on the Sacramento River at 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento, CA 95691. The railroad says the boarding location is off Interstate 5 at Exit 531, and visitor guides describe it as about 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento.

What tours does the Sacramento RiverTrain offer?

The River Fox Train runs family trips like the Yolo Explorer, food and drink trains including brunch, afternoon tea, wine, beer and boba rides, and holiday trains through the year. It also offers electric-assisted Railbike trips at sunrise, during the day and in the evening. Groups can book private cars or the whole train.

What upcoming events does the River Fox Train have?

As of October 2026, the Pumpkin Patch Express is running all month, followed by the Magical Christmas Train and a 21 and over New Year's Eve Express. The calendar also lists a Lunar New Year Celebration, Valentine's Day Express, Springtime Express, Easter Brunch Train and Mother's Day and Father's Day trains. The full calendar is on riverfoxtrain.com.

How long is the River Fox Train ride?

Most trips last between 1 and 2 hours. The Magical Christmas Train runs about an hour, the Pumpkin Patch Express and Springtime Express about an hour and a half, the Yolo Explorer 1.5 to 2 hours, and brunch and holiday trains about 2 hours. The New Year's Eve Express is about 3 hours.

What will I see on the Sacramento RiverTrain?

Round trips follow a 10-mile stretch of track through rural Yolo County, with ivy-covered woodlands, wide farmland, fields of sunflowers in season and views of the Sacramento River. One travel guide notes the train runs toward the outskirts of Woodland before returning to West Sacramento.

Is the River Fox Train good for toddlers and kids?

Yes. Most family trips are listed for all ages, and the shorter rides of about an hour or an hour and a half suit young children well. Holiday trips add treats and activities, like cider and donuts at the pumpkin patch and an Easter egg hunt. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

What is the River Fox Train Pumpkin Patch Express?

The Pumpkin Patch Express runs all October, carrying riders through the Yolo countryside to Dave's Pumpkin Patch, where warm apple cider and donuts wait. It is listed for all ages and lasts about an hour and a half. As of October 2026, fares start at about $110 per person; check riverfoxtrain.com for open dates.

Does the Sacramento RiverTrain have a Christmas train?

Yes. The Magical Christmas Train is a one-hour holiday ride for all ages with festive lights and seasonal cheer, and VIP tickets are available. As of October 2026, fares start at about $100 per person. Holiday dates fill quickly, so check the calendar on riverfoxtrain.com early in the season.

What are the River Fox Train Railbikes?

Railbikes are electric-assisted pedal cars that ride on the rails, letting you cruise along the Sacramento River and through the Yolo countryside under your own power. The railroad offers sunrise, daytime and evening Railbike trips, which run on their own schedule separate from the trains. Book them on the same online calendar.

What is Elkhorn Station at the River Fox Train?

Elkhorn Station is the railroad's family-friendly riverside park, with lawn games, casual food and drinks, open green space and river views. As of October 2026, it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with special events running 7:30 to 10 pm, and it is free to enter.

Can you drink alcohol on the River Fox Train?

Yes, on trips that serve it, for guests 21 and older with valid photo ID. Some trains, like the Valentine's Day Express and New Year's Eve Express, are 21 and over only. Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed, and the crew may stop serving anyone who appears intoxicated.

Can I book a private event or group trip on the River Fox Train?

Yes. The railroad hosts private parties, celebrations and corporate events, with indoor cars, open-air patio bars, custom catering and flexible packages. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount, and you can reserve a private car or charter the full train. Start on the Groups page at riverfoxtrain.com.

What is the history of the Sacramento RiverTrain line?

The line was built in 1911 by the Northern Electric company as a 14-mile passenger route. Electric passenger service ended in 1941, but diesel freight kept it in use. In 2003 Sierra Railroad merged with the Yolo Short Line, revived excursions as the Sacramento River Train, and the trains now run as the River Fox Train.

Is the River Fox Train related to the Skunk Train?

Yes. The River Fox Train calls itself the sister train to the Skunk Train, which dates to 1885, and both are operated by Mendocino Railway. The Skunk Train runs on the Mendocino Coast, while the River Fox runs outside Sacramento.

Is the River Fox Train accessible?

The railroad's contact form lets you request special accommodations, including accessibility, seating and food allergy needs, tied to your booking. The train includes climate-controlled indoor cars. Because details are not posted, call (800) 866-1690 or use the form before your trip to confirm what is available.

What do people say in Sacramento RiverTrain reviews?

The railroad's Facebook page has tens of thousands of followers, and the River Fox Train has been covered by the Daily Democrat for its year-round rides. For current rider reviews and photos, look at its Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages, where it shares pictures from trips, holiday trains and Railbike rides.

What train museums are near the River Fox Train?

The California State Railroad Museum and the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station in Old Sacramento are each about 10 miles away. The Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum is about 19 miles, and the Folsom Railroad Museum, Folsom Valley Railway and Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad are about 25 miles away.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
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