If you want to experience some unique Southern California history with an Old West flair, look no further than Poway, CA. Here you’ll find the Poway-Midland Railroad at Old Poway Park. Only about a half hour’s drive from San Diego, the Poway-Midland Railroad is best known for its historic steam engine, which offers rides on the weekends to all ages.

Built in 1907 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, this beautiful steam engine is over a century old. Originally it was used to haul rock from the Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company’s quarry in Cowell, CA. The locomotive would travel three miles from the quarry to the crushing mill, along with its sister engines.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook
It was called simply “Engine No. 3” and still bears that number today as it carries passengers around Old Poway Park, where it’s been running since 1997.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook
The railroad is run entirely by volunteers, and you can watch the trains operate for free. For a small fee, adults and children alike can enjoy an eight-minute ride on the steam engine, which makes two laps around the half-mile-long track.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook

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Climb aboard and watch the greenery of the park go by as you experience what transportation was like back in the early 20th-century.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook
The Poway-Midland Railroad also has a 1906 San Francisco cable car and a 1950 Fairmont speeder, which alternate weekends with the steam engine. But Engine No. 3, with its billowing white steam and distinctive whistle, is the real heart of the park.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook
Step into one of the vintage passenger cars, and you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. After your ride, have a picnic in the park, or visit the nearby Heritage Museum to explore even more local history.
Poway-Midland Railroad/Facebook

Have you hopped aboard the steam engine at Poway-Midland Railroad? Visit Poway-Midland Railroad’s website or Facebook page to find out when the train is running and plan your next ride.

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Featured Addresses
Poway Midland Railroad Depot, Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064, USA