San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum

This relatively small museum gives its attendees an interesting opportunity to learn about the history of the city of San Bernardino. It is housed in the San Bernardino Train Depot now used by the Metrolink network operated by Amtrak. This train station opened in 1918 and was the biggest one west of the Mississippi at the time. Please note that this free museum is only open on Saturdays from 10:00AM to 3:00PM and has a separate entrance just to the left of main depot entrance on the Westside of the building when facing it from the street.

Initially, I thought this exceptional museum was just a small anteroom sort of quaint house type museum. In fact, it is a HUGE COLLECTION of some very special rail-related artifacts from the bygone age of steam to the present. It is a San Bernardino 💎 gem! Harvey girls, with the very first diner served, model trains of a very wide assortment. If you like trains, history, or just a way to spend a wonderful family afternoon. Be prepared to spend around 2 to 3 hours gawking, gawping, gaping and grinnin' from ear to ear! Enjoy! Check hours. Open Saturdays.

The museum was closed when we stopped by, but this is worth a visit just to see the building. It is gorgeous! Built in 1918, it was the largest depot west of the Mississippi at the time. One of the famous Harvey House restaurants added a bit later. Interesting mix of architectural styles for the time.

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.

I enjoyed visiting this museum. Very historic, so many things to see, especially for people who have lived in the area and who are into trains and railways. I visited this place a year ago and I am sad to see that it is temporarily closed now.