1 / 3San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum
📍 Lytle Creek, CA
Free indoor railroad museum inside a historic San Bernardino depot, tracing the region's rail history from 1883. Volunteer docents lead detailed guided tours on Saturdays. Kids can ring a large bell. Donations help keep it running.
We are very happy to have a chance to visit this small but full of railroad history museum. We are welcomed by a kind lady who introduced us a senior museum narrator. He’s a very kind person and he explained bit by bit the history and significance of almost all exhibits, even in and out of this current still-used rail station. It largely increased our knowledge on the development of railroad history in LA region and beyond. Thanks for keeping such a wonderful historical site.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for curious school-age children and history-interested parents who enjoy deep, guided storytelling rather than a quick walk-through. The interactive moments — ringing the large bell, handling artefacts — keep younger kids anchored. Not the right fit for families seeking a fast or purely hands-on experience.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →223 Google reviews
Zhiqian Dong
3 years ago
“We are very happy to have a chance to visit this small but full of railroad history museum. We are welcomed by a kind lady who introduced us a senior museum narrator. He’s a very kind person and he explained bit by bit the history and significance of almost all exhibits, even in and out of this current still-used rail station. It largely increased our knowledge on the development of railroad history in LA region and beyond. Thanks for keeping such a wonderful historical site.”
V.M. L.
a year ago
“Amazing tour. The gentlemen there gave us all kinds of information and lessons about the trains. It’s bigger than I thought and they have a lot to look at! They have a small donation box to keep it running so anything you can spare would help them I’m sure of it. My little one thought it was really cool and they let her ring the large bell. Amazing everyone should check it out. They have a board right when you walk in for the events they’ll be having”
Andro Gee
6 months ago
“You can’t beat this place for a wide variety of things to see and learn about; plus they have the local history and actual equipment used for many industries from the past and present in the area. Also their Native American heritage area is pretty cool. Great place for kids and adults alike. You won’t come out without having leaned something or without having seen something new!”
c s
a year ago
“Grreat museum! Trains everywhere you look! Artifacts from the 1900s sheds light on transportation’s evolution. Small space but you could find yourself spending a few HOURS in there (like I did) just roaming and reading the history of San Bernardino and its origins.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum occupies the restored 1883 depot building and spreads across two large rooms and three smaller hall galleries. Exhibits include artefacts from the 1900s, photographic histories, a Native American heritage section, and actual industrial equipment. Volunteer docents invest heavily in each visitor group — plan for two to three hours if you engage them fully. A donation box supports ongoing operations.
