Fodor's Expert Review Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station

At this reconstructed 1876 depot there's rolling stock to admire and a typical waiting room. On summer weekends and a few other times, a train departs from the freight depot, south of the passenger station, making a 45-minute out-and-back trip that starts along the banks of the Sacramento River. Cookies and hot chocolate are served aboard sellout Polar Express rides between Thanksgiving and Christmas that include appearances by characters from the famous story.