The Western Pacific Railroad Museum

The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is a railroad enthusiast's dream come true. The museum had its beginning in 1983, and Union Pacific donated the first engine to be put on display. The museum has over 35 locomotives and 80 cars of various types. The Museum at Portola is the largest and most complete collection in North America. The Museum is located at the top of Feather River Canyon, about 45 minutes from Reno, Nevada. Since the Feather River Route is used by Union Pacific, trains can often be seen working their way up the grade. Portola is also a crew-change site so freight train activity is fairly common. Admission to the museum is free (although donations are appreciated), and five dollars purchases an all day pass for riding the trains. The museum staff are largely volunteers who have a strong love of railroading and believe the facility is there to be enjoyed by all who visit. Museum guests are encouraged to roam the 39 acres and jump aboard just about anything on the grounds. Train rides are offered on most weekends. The Museum suggests that guests dress appropriately for climbing onto the trains and exploring the facility. The museum's gift store has railroad memorabilia, T-shirts, etc., all reasonably priced. The Portola's The Pullman House Bed and Breakfast is located nearby and a deck overlooks the Union Pacific train yards.