JAMESTOWN. — Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is once again recognizing Mother’s Day this Sunday by allowing all mothers accompanied by one or more children ride Railtown’s regular excursion trains for free.

Railtown’s excursion trains will depart this day from the Railtown Depot, on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip ride takes passengers through the rolling Gold Country foothills, passing through meadows and along grassy hillsides covered with ancient oak trees.  Wildflowers are in full bloom and offer outstanding scenic opportunities along the route.  

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on-site.  In addition, the Railtown 1897 Depot Store, Interpretive Center and grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided roundhouse tours are available.  As a special bonus, guests can get a sneak peek of Sierra No. 3 (the “Movie Star” locomotive) currently undergoing restoration in the Roundhouse.

While moms ride free on Mother’s Day, nominal entrance fees to the park still apply - $5 for adults.  Aside from mom on her special day, tickets for steam train excursion rides aboard “mountain observation cars” are $13 for adults, $6 for youths ages 6-17 and kids five and under are free (admission to the park is included).  All excursion train ride tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m.

Railtown 1897 is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Reservoir Road in Jamestown, near Sonora.  For more information, call 209-984-3953 or visit our Web site at www.railtown1897.org.