Sonoma Traintown Railroad in Sonoma, California: Review

The Sonoma Traintown Railroad Park is a little scale model railroad world. Located in the city of Sonoma on Broadway, between Napa Road and MacArthur Street. It is a family attraction that is sure to thrill any small train enthusiast. In addition to the train, there are old-fashioned carnival rides, a few train displays, snack bar and gift shop. The cost to ride the train is $4.25 for anyone over 15 months of age. Those under 15 months are free. The carnival rides require tickets (many require two) that run $1.25 each or 10 for $10.00.

The main attraction is a train ride aboard the small Traintown rail line. The cars are open with low bench seats. The ride lasts for twenty minutes and only one train runs at a time. Sonoma Traintown has several small train engine replicas that take turns pulling the train. The miniaturization doesn't end with the engine and cars. Scaled down tunnels, trestles, buildings and figures appear all along the train tracks.

Our route took us through a beautiful forest, along a flowing stream (or a mighty river if you consider the scale), and then to the little town of Lakeview. Traintown's Lakeview consists of a row of buildings that are built on a scale of three inches to the foot. Children can easily tour the little building, and adults only have to stoop through the doorway. A small fort allows children to climb and play. At the stop, there are also a handful of sheep and goats, as well as one llama. Food can be purchased for $0.25 a handful, and the critters happily come up to the fences to greet the travelers and take their treats.

There are also three full sized vintage cabooses from the 1930s and 1940s open for tour (and some vintage video games from the 80s inside to boot). The scaled down engines that aren't in service for the day are on display in Traintown's model roundhouse. There area few picnic tables scattered around, along with signs that make it clear outside food is not welcome. A covered patio holds two air hockey tables as well.

Sonoma Traintown's carnival rides include: TrainTown Airlines, a small airplane ride for children only, The Locomotion Chattanooga Choo-Choo-Chairs, a spinning ride for both kids and adults, Iron Horse Carousel, High Iron Ferris Wheel, Dragon Train Coaster, a small roller coaster ride, and a giant swing ride.

Our family had a good time, but if you go to Sonoma Traintown, bring your patience with you. We waited at the airplane ride for several minutes before it became clear that the operator had left, and no one knew if it ride would run again that day (it did, we saw it going later on). We eventually got off the carrousel when the baby became fussy after an excessive wait for the ride to begin. When we came back later to try again, we asked the operator if they were scheduled to start soon. He assured us they were, but while we didn't wait quite a long, there was still a significant delay.

The train trip however seems to run like clockwork every twenty minutes. In contrast to the other attendants, the train engineer was friendly and helpful. While a large crowd gathered each time the train was ready to board, everyone who wanted to go was able to find a seat. The kids loved the tiny town we visited on the train trip, and enjoyed burning off some energy climbing around the little fort before returning to sit on the train again. Judging by the happy screams, the two dark tunnels were a big hit with all aboard as well.

More photos of the park, and a map with directions for how to get there can be found at Traintown's website, http://www.traintown.com. Be warned however, that the site is outdated. The price for a train ride is mistakenly still advertised there as $3.75.