The Sierra Railroad Dinner Train in Oakdale, California, is no longer operating. The service, which began in 1999, offered scenic dining experiences with themed trips like murder mystery shows, beer trains, and wine-tasting excursions, typically lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours. The train departed from 330 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, and traveled through the Stanislaus River Valley, passing orchards and farmland. It was known for its gourmet food and historic charm, operating on a 16-mile out-and-back route. However, the operation faced challenges, and in 2018, the train cars were sent to the Napa Valley Wine Train for their renovations, effectively halting service in Oakdale.
According to the latest available information, there are no indications that the dinner train will resume in Oakdale. The Sierra Railroad Company continues to operate other tourist trains, such as the Sacramento River Fox Train and Mendocino’s Skunk Train. For a similar experience, consider the River Fox Train in West Sacramento, which offers themed excursions, such as beer and wine trains. Alternatively, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located near Yosemite National Park, offers dinner train rides with entertainment, operating on a narrow-gauge line through the Sierra National Forest.
Launched in the 1970s, the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train pays homage to the rich history of the famous Sierra Railroad, which dates back to the 1800s. Thomas S. Bullock constructed a railroad through the Sierra Nevada foothills, transporting passengers and supplies to connect California’s Gold Country to the rest of the world.
Today, the Sierra Railroad is the third-oldest railroad in North America. Besides carrying freight and passengers, it gained fame during the modern age and was dubbed “The Movie Railroad” for its involvement in over 300 movies, commercials, and television shows. Falling into depression decades later, the railroad was revitalized by new ownership and now shares its rich history with thousands of visitors a year on the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train.
Never before has a railroad offered guests such an opportunity to experience the fascination and nostalgia of the early railroads as a regular attraction. The Sierra Railroad Dinner Train. Runs two to four times a month on average, the train disembarks from the small rural town of Oakdale and heads eastward towards the Sierra Nevada foothills in eastern Stanislaus County.
A diesel-powered locomotive pulls the dining cars plus one open-air car past wide ranges full of cattle and beautiful fruit orchards blossoming with flowers. At the same time, travelers are treated to a delicious meal and a wide range of entertainment.
While open year-round, the most popular time to ride the train is spring, when the landscape is filled with lush grasses and plant life. However, those who want to experience a train ride in summer or winter have nothing to worry about. The trains have air-conditioned dining coaches and open-air observation cars.
The trip lasts about three hours, depending on your chosen excursion: lunch, dinner, Murder Mystery Dinner, or Christmas Train.
The Sierra Dinner Train Station is located in Oakdale, California. Drive time from the San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento is slightly over one hour, depending on traffic. The drive time from the Central Valley town of Modesto is approximately 45 minutes. Address: Sierra Dinner Train 330 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, California.
Fun Train Rides in Northern California