Folsom Valley Railway

What a great experience. The conductor was so personal taking family pictures once we were on the train. The ride was long enough, about ten minutes worth, winding through the park. Well worth the three dollars!

«I hear the train a comin’; It’s rolling ’round the bend”– Johnny Cash, «Folsom Prison Blues»
Located inside the Folsom City Lions Park, the Folsom Valley Railway (FVR) has been running the last 12-​inch gauge railroad in the US since 1970. The FVR is also one of only seven miniature-​scale replica steam-​powered railroads still in public operation. I found this place while looking for something to do with my 4-​year-​old while we visited relatives here in Folsom. We… errrr…he is a huge fan of trains. So, this seemed like a perfect way to kill some time. Here are the details:
Parking– There is plenty of street parking available, if you can find it. Otherwise, there are two free parking lots: the primary one by the library and zoo, and there’s an overflow lot also available by Rodeo Park at the end of Stafford St. Once you’re parked, just follow the signage and enjoy.
Train Ride:
Cost– The ride cost is $ 3/​person – cash, or credit (with a 75¢ processing fee).
Duration– The website claims that the ride is 10 minutes long, but I actually timed it –because, I’m awesome!- and from opening whistle to final whistle it was just under 6 minutes (5:53.24, if you must know).
Length– The track is, purportedly, ¾-​mile long, and unfortunately, I didn’t pack my survey-​grade GPS unit with me, so I’ll have to take their word for it.
Employees– There seemed to be only one gentleman running the whole show; he was the ticket booth operator, ticket checker, Train Engineer, and maintenance. He was a really nice guy who was working his butt off to ensure a nice time was had by all. He’s also a former photography teacher, so don’t be afraid to ask him to take a pic of you – and if you’re really nice he might even show you a trick, or two, with your phone.
The FVR was cool, but the ride was way too short and not as good a value as others we’ve been on; Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (Los Gatos) and McCormick-​Stillman (Scottsdale) are still the cream of the crop, but the FVR is still solid choice. I’d give it a 3-​star, but my son would definitely give it a five – so we’ll split the difference. All aboard!