Get a free ticket to ride into California’s history
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Travelers can take a historic train ride in California’s Gold Country for free the first weekend in April. It’s the kickoff weekend for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park’s throwback excursions along 6 miles of rugged hilly landscape.
The deal: The park in Jamestown, Calif., offers free excursions on a train pulled by the park’s 1952 Baldwin Whitcomb No. 1265 locomotive. The ride is free on a first come, first served basis at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 and 3 p.m. on April 6 and 7.
The ride lasts 45 minutes, passing former filming sites, such as the water tower in the 1960s TV show “Petticoat Junction.”
When: Free rides are offered April 6 and 7 only. The season runs April through October.
Details: The kickoff weekend includes free admission and free tours. Tickets usually cost $15 for adults and $10 for children 6 to 17 (children 5 and younger ride free).
Info: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, railtown1897.org, (209) 984-3953
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