Depot Tour: A Journey Through Sonoma County’s Railroad History

Thursday, April 30    1:30pm – 5:30pm

Fee: $35 per person

Hop aboard a private bus for a scenic ride through Sonoma County as we visit five beautifully restored historic train depots. Bring your camera and enjoy the unique architecture, rich history, and creative repurposing of these iconic buildings:

Petaluma Depot (NP) – now the Petaluma Visitors Center

Sonoma Depot (SP) – now the Depot Park Museum

Kenwood Depot (SP) – now an event center

Santa Rosa Depot (NWP) – now the Santa Rosa Visitors Center

Sebastopol Depot (P&SR) – now the West County MuseumTransportation is provided.  Space is limited.

Korbel Winery Tour: History, Bubbles & Redwoods*

Thursday, April 30   9:30am – 1:30pm

Fee: $60 per person

Travel through the majestic redwoods to visit one of California’s most historic wineries—Korbel. During the guided tour, you’ll discover the fascinating story of the Korbel family, learn how their renowned California Champagne is crafted, and hear the history of the Korbel Train Station.

Following the tour, enjoy a private tasting of Korbel’s wines and champagnes.

Transportation is provided, but space is limited.*Companion Activity

Russian River Rail Bikes – Ride the NWP Rails

Thursday, April 30   2:00pm – 3:00pm

Fee: $35 per person

Experience the scenic beauty and rich history of the old rail line around Cloverdale on a guided railbike adventure. You’ll ride in a group, led and followed by volunteers from the Golden Gate Railroad Museum, who ensure a safe and enjoyable journey while sharing fascinating stories of the railway’s past.

The people-powered railbike ride begins in Cloverdale, CA, and heads north along a route that includes a tunnel, bridge, and a picturesque area at the turnaround point beside the Russian River. The group departs together, with a guide in both the lead and rear railbikes for support and narration for the 90-minute ride.

Get ready for a memorable ride through history and nature!

Please Note: Attendees must provide their own transportation to Cloverdale. It’s approximately 38 miles from the hotel.  A ticket is required to ride.  Sturdy shoes are recommended and bike helmets will be provided. Participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability.

Western Railway Museum Train and Tour

Friday, May 1   11:00am – 5:00pm 

Fee: $50 per person

After a relaxing bus ride, enjoy a picnic lunch at Laflin Park, located on the beautiful grounds of the museum. Then step back in time with a 50-minute interurban train ride along the historic Sacramento Northern Railroad, an electric line that once connected San Francisco, Sacramento, and Chico.

This 11-mile round trip winds through the unspoiled farmland of Solano County, offering scenic views of Mount Diablo and the surrounding marshlands.

Following the ride, you’ll be dropped off at Carhouse #3 for a guided tour of the museum’s impressive indoor storage facility, home to the crown jewels of their collection. You’ll also have time to explore Carhouse #1, an open-air display of historic Bay Area streetcars, as well as the Visitor Center’s exhibits and gift shop.

It’s a memorable day of history and scenery!Transportation and lunch are provided but space it limited.

Sturgeon’s Mill

Saturday, May 2   1:30pm – 3:30pm 

Fee: $35 per person

Back by Popular Demand!

Journey through the stunning redwoods to visit one of the last remaining steam-powered lumber mills still in operation. This 107-year-old mill, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, will be open exclusively for 2026 Convention attendees.

Bring a lunch and enjoy the scenic picnic area before the tour.

Don’t miss this unique and memorable experience!

Please note: Attendees must provide their own transportation to the Mill. It is approximately 24 miles from the hotel. A ticket is required to attend.

Tour NWP Restoration Yard and Barn

Saturday, May 2   2:00pm – 4:00pm 

Fee: $10 per person

NPW has agreed to open their restoration yard and barn for attendees to tour the various cars they are restoring.

Please note: This tour is limited to 30 people and attendees must provide their own transportation to the site. It is approximately 16 miles from the hotel.  A ticket is required for admittance.

Redwood Empire Live Steamers Club

Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 120::pm – 4:00pm

How about a train ride? The Redwood Empire Live Steamers Club invites you to come out to Youth Community Park ( also known as the skateboard park) at 1500 Fulton Road in Santa Rosa, across the street from Piner High School. We have almost one half mile of 7 and  a half inch gauge track with three locomotives to run. Two are GP-38s, one runs on gasoline the other is battery powered with digital sound. The third engine is a live steam 2-8-0 that runs on propane. We do not sell tickets but donations are accepted. Trains will be running on Saturday and Sunday May 2 and 3 from noon til 4:00 PM both days.

To get here from the Convention Hotel, get on Highway 101 north and go to Santa Rosa. Exit at the Highway 12 offramp and go West toward Sebastopol. The freeway ends and becomes a two lane road at  the stop light for Fulton Road. Turn right on Fulton Road and keep going til you get to 1500 on the left. There will be signs there saying Train Rides. There is only one entrance to the park, go all the way in and you will see the trains on the right. There are no age or weight limits.

Come on out and enjoy a fun train ride!