The nostalgia that good old-fashioned train rides in Northern California can bring is truly special. Locomotive travel can bring us back to a time when we took the time to watch what was outside our window and simply enjoy the journey. If you’re looking to remember what it’s like to enjoy the journey and tour Northern California in a unique way—or you just want to give the family a special experience they’ll never forget—then traveling Northern California’s scenic railways are the perfect way to do just that. The following are eleven train rides in Northern California that will give you an unforgettable experience.

1. Redwood Valley Railway

Train enthusiasts and newbies alike will fall in love with this darling miniature train ride. The best part is that tickets for this scenic train ride in Northern California are very affordable--less than $5 per person.

2. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

This scenic train ride in Northern California is definitely a little farther south, but it's such a cool experience that it snuck onto this list. The gentle 4-mile ride is the route used by logging companies hauling massive logs out of the forests. It's a fun journey that is sure to make you feel like a kid again.

3. Western Pacific Railroad Museum

The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola houses a large collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and a collection of items from the historic rail line. Among the collection is the UP 6946, the largest diesel locomotive ever built, and historic equipment from the famous California Zephyr. Train rides are behind diesel locomotives (a steam engine is being restored and will be put into service when completed).

4. Napa Valley Wine Train

Sit back and enjoy this scenic train ride through Napa Valley as you sip a glass of local wine. This luxurious train ride is definitely one of the fancier ones on this list! It's an amazing way to experience wine country, and easily one of the most scenic trains in the state.

5. Skunk Train

The Skunk Train is a restored steam engine from 1909 that takes you on an awe inspiring ride through the Redwoods. The chance to enjoy these natural wonders up close and personal in such a unique way is an unbeatable experience.

6. Niles Canyon Railway

Grab yourself a seat on the Niles Canyon Railway to experience gorgeous scenery, old world glamour, and all sorts of themed rides from wine nights to education trains for the kiddos.

7. River Fox Train

The River Fox Train offers a number of options for 28-mile, 3-hour trips along the beautiful Sacramento River. Trains board in Woodland, just north of Sacramento. Depending on the trip you choose, this excursion train offers brunch, lunch, and dinner in two dining cars.

8. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

When you make the visit to https://www.railtown1897.org/ you get to explore a steam train maintenance and repair shop that dates all the way back to the 1800's! The park holds onto authentic items as well as movie props in order to create a picture of exactly what working on steam trains looked like over 100 years ago. The park offers multiple diesel and steam powered train rides that will take you through the park in style.

9. Amtrak California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is a true icon in transportation. You can ride the train from San Francisco to Donner summit and beyond, making this a wonderful trip for as long or as short as you would like it. This Northern California train ride is a wonderful way to see how many of our ancestors made it out west in the heyday of railroad travel.

10. Roaring Camp Railroads

This is another train ride that is just south of Northern California. It's located in the Santa Cruz mountains and offers a rip-roaring good time! It offers rides on authentic 1880s steam locomotives operating on the Redwood Forest Steam Train excursion and 1920s-era Beach Trains to Santa Cruz.

11. Sierra Railroad Dinner Train

Have you ever traveled along any of these train rides in California? Share your thoughts, train photos, and railway experiences with us in the comments below. For more scenic adventures, hop in the car and take this beautiful road trip in Northern California. And don't forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List!