Sacramento Museums

(Sacramento, California - CA, USA)



With the city's obvious connection with gold and Native Indians, Sacramento's museums are not to be sniffed at, even if you are not a history buff.

Establishments and museums worth a look on a visit to Sacramento include the excellent and educational Sacramento History Museum, where you can pan for gold and take part in many interactive exhibits, and the California State Indian Museum, another must-see that gives insight into America's native civilizations. Families in Sacramento will find that the Discovery History Center really does appeal to all ages.

California State Military Museum

Address: 1119 2nd Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 442 2883
The California State Military Museum retraces the role that Californians have played throughout America's history and features numerous items of interest including medals, weapons, uniforms, photographs and flags. Also included at the museum are exhibits of the recent wars in the Middle East and a look into Native Americans' role in the Armed Forces.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and students, children under six free


The California Museum

Address: 1020 O Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 653 7524
This highly informative and up-to-date museum retells the history of California and its people through some excellent displays and artifacts. There are some interesting hands-on exhibits as well as plenty of old fashioned drawers full of bits and bobs. Major exhibits include the Chinese herb shop and a 1949 cross-country bus that shows a video on immigration. The California Museum also offers a café.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students and seniors, children under six free

California State Indian Museum

Address: 2618 K Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 324 0971
The Native American known as Ishi was the last Indian to come out from the mountains and there is an exhibit devoted especially to him at this museum. Ishi belonged to the Yahi tribe and his exhibit is one of the highlights at the California State Indian Museum, while a demonstration village and a video of America's native peoples plus arts and crafts exhibits are also worth seeing.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

California State Railroad Museum

Address: 125 I Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 445 6645
This well-designed museum is ideal for railway buffs, with its 21 locomotives and railroad cars. The museum is located near the spot where the old transcontinental and Sacramento Valley railroad terminus used to be and covers a huge area with its 46 exhibits. Must-see attractions include the intriguing post office car, a first-class dining car and a sleeping car, with convincing simulations of the flashing lights of a passing town at night together with the ubiquitous swaying of the car.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Towe Auto Museum

Address: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 442 6802
The popular Towe Auto Museum explores the history and culture of the automobile, with over 150 vintage cars on display here and some imaginative exhibits such as Dreams of Cool, Dreams of Speed and the Hall of Technology. Also of interest is the recreation of a 1920s garage with a café that emulates yesteryear days of motoring, while for souvenirs, the gift shop offers model cars and other nifty items.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Sacramento History Museum

Address: 101 I Street, Sacramento, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 916 808 7059
Formerly named the Discovery Museum History Center, the Sacramento History Museum is a mock of the city hall and an ideal attraction for kids, with its hands-on exhibits and educational displays. Science, technology and history come together to showcase Sacramento's evolution, with highlights including panning for gold and studying some rich golden nuggets. Also of importance are the Native American thatch hut and the Sacramento Bee print shop.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, members and children under five free