The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum invites you and your students to travel back in time aboard 1930s vintage passenger cars to explore the rich railroad history and beautiful scenery of San Diego county. Located 60 miles east of downtown San Diego, our Campo campus provides students with the opportunity to learn about John D. Spreckels and his vision to put San Diego on the world stage. The School Train runs on the third Tuesday of select months throughout the year (January through June). Reservations are required in advance for this unique learning experience.
Your day at the Museum starts with a train ride. We recommend that you and your students arrive no later than 10:30AM for the train’s 11:00AM departure from the Campo Depot. Upon departure, one of our knowledgeable tour guides will give an interactive presentation about the San Diego and Arizona Railway – the brain child of John D. Spreckels. Also included in the talk are highlights from San Diego’s history as well as the history of the town of Campo. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes in length and travels west from the Campo Depot and returns to the Museum’s Main Exhibit Hall.
After returning to the Museum, students, staff, and chaperones may use their train ticket to gain entrance into the Museum’s display area. Over 90 pieces of equipment are on display for your students to see, feel, and experience. Please allow at least 30 minutes for your students to view the museum grounds.
After touring the museum grounds, lunch will be on your own. A few picnic tables are located at the Campo Depot. We recommend that students bring their own lunch as there are a very limited number of nearby food establishments. However, a variety of snacks, drinks, and frozen treats are available for sale at the Campo Depot.
Tickets
School Train tickets are $5.00 each for students, teachers, staff, and chaperones directly associated with the school group. Students must be in grades K through 12 and attend the same school as the affiliated group or class riding the School Train. The Museum requires that at least one chaperone is present for every 10 students riding the School Train. All trains depart from the Campo Depot located at 750 Depot St., Campo, CA 91906.
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Note: The Museum needs a minimum of 30 riders reserved on the School Train at least 30 days before the train is scheduled to run for the train to operate. We will notify you two weeks before your scheduled trip if there are not enough riders for the train to run so that we may reschedule your visit. Multiple schools, classes, or groups may combine to make the 30 passenger minimum.