Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum

About Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum

The Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum in Salinas operates an interactive HO scale layout and diorama that recreates Monterey Bay Area railroads from the mid-1900s. Visitors explore the detailed model railroad display during Open House events held the first full weekend each month. The museum offers guest train operations on the diorama, allowing visitors to operate model trains themselves. Scavenger hunts invite families and children to engage in activities that celebrate model railroading and historical preservation. The museum also offers personal tours and special gatherings by arrangement. Educational programs emphasize STEM learning opportunities through model railroading. Located next to the Salinas Amtrak station, the museum suits families and children of all ages interested in railroad history and hands-on model train operation. The museum building itself is housed in a historic Railway Express Agency structure.