Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site
Step back in time at this 11-acre historical site, featuring a ghost town, vintage trains, and a glimpse into the Wild West.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this 11-acre historical site, featuring a ghost town, vintage trains, and a glimpse into the Wild West.
"This ended up being one of the highlights of our road trip!"
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the museum's preservation efforts. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the 11 Acres
Wear comfortable shoes! This is an expansive outdoor site with lots to see, from trains to buildings. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Slim Princess #9
Railroad Area
Get up close and personal with this historic locomotive, a tangible piece of the Carson & Colorado Railroad's legacy.
Replicated Borax Wagons
Wagon Display
Marvel at these impressive wagons and learn about the challenging mule team operations in and out of Death Valley.
Historical Village Buildings
Throughout the Site
Explore various historical buildings from the Bishop area, creating a unique ghost town atmosphere perfect for photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Gold Extraction Demo!
Beat the Bishop Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the museum's preservation efforts. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the 11 Acres
Wear comfortable shoes! This is an expansive outdoor site with lots to see, from trains to buildings. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring hats, sunscreen, and water, especially during warmer months. The California sun can be intense. :sunwithface:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The ghost town feel and historical artifacts make this a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the museum's preservation efforts. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the 11 Acres
Wear comfortable shoes! This is an expansive outdoor site with lots to see, from trains to buildings. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring hats, sunscreen, and water, especially during warmer months. The California sun can be intense. :sunwithface:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The ghost town feel and historical artifacts make this a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to share insights and stories about the site's history. :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laws Railroad Museum as an unexpectedly captivating stop, often calling it a highlight of their road trips. The site's authentic historical buildings, impressive train collection, and engaging demonstrations offer a vivid glimpse into the American Wild West. Friendly volunteers and the unique 'ghost town' atmosphere contribute to a highly recommended experience.
"We added this as a stop to break up our journey, couldn’t have been more wrong! This ended up being one of the highlights of our road trip!
Incredible history and artefacts! The town is just how it would be in the 1800’s. Lots of information. We ended up meeting Jay(the owner) half way around. He gave us a demonstration of how gold was extracted from rocks in the late 1800’s.
There’s a fabulous display of train carts, old machinery, horse carts and wagons, old stores etc etc! Defo worth a vist! Very nice people! And a cool gift shop at the end!"
Mark Jones
"Very fascinating, thorough museum covering the mining/railroad history of the Owens Valley. Many interesting artifacts, displays, exhibits. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. They are restoring the Slim Princess #9 so you can get up close and personal with her. Nicely manicured shady, grassy grounds provide respite from the Bishop heat."
Charlotte Swab
"Historical plaque inscription:
In 1883 the Carson & Colorado Railroad was built between Mound House (Near Carson City, Nevada) through Laws to Keeler, California, a distance of 300 miles. Laws Station was named in honor of Mr. R.J. Laws, Assistant Superintendent of the railroad between 1883 and about 1915. This railroad provided the only dependable means of transportation in and out of Owens Valley. Train service was stopped on April 30, 1960.
California Historical Landmark No. 953."
Craig Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is located just outside of Bishop, California, at 200 Silver Canyon Rd. It's a short drive from the town center, making it an easy stop on your way to or from Death Valley. Many visitors combine it with a trip to Alabama Hills.
Yes, it's well-marked and easily accessible. It's a popular stop for road trippers exploring the Eastern Sierra region.
A car is essential for reaching Laws Railroad Museum. It's located in a rural area, and public transportation is not available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is free. However, donations are highly encouraged to help maintain the site and its exhibits.
While not always scheduled, you might be able to catch a gold extraction demonstration by the owner, Jay, which is a highly recommended experience. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
Operating hours can vary, and it's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. However, it's generally open during daylight hours.
Absolutely! Donations are crucial for the upkeep of this historical site. There's a gift shop where you can also contribute.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a 11-acre historical site featuring train cars, old machinery, horse carts, wagons, historical buildings from the Bishop area, and a gift shop. It's like stepping back into the American Wild West.
Yes, kids often love the trains, old wagons, and the feeling of exploring a 'ghost town.' It's a great place for them to learn about history in an engaging way.
Most visitors spend 1-3 hours exploring the grounds and exhibits. It's a great stop to break up a longer journey.
The grounds are mostly flat and unpaved, so accessibility may be challenging for wheelchairs, especially after rain. However, many areas are navigable.
Yes, the historical buildings, trains, and artifacts provide excellent opportunities for photography. The 'ghost town' atmosphere is particularly photogenic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a gift shop, but no dedicated food services. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, or plan to eat in Bishop before or after your visit.
Bishop, just a short drive away, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The old train cars, the replicated Borax wagons, and the historical buildings all offer fantastic photo opportunities. The overall 'ghost town' aesthetic is very appealing.
Absolutely! The authentic setting makes it an ideal location for historical reenactments or themed photoshoots, capturing the essence of the Wild West.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food services on-site. Also, ensure kids wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds. The gold extraction demonstration, if available, is a must-see for curious young minds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best natural light, which can enhance the textures and atmosphere of the old structures and machinery. The open space also allows for a variety of compositions, from wide shots of the entire village to close-ups of intricate details on the artifacts.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Its location just outside Bishop makes it easily accessible and a convenient point of interest. Many travelers find this museum to be an unexpected highlight of their journey, often spending more time here than anticipated due to the fascinating exhibits and the engaging atmosphere. It's a chance to experience a piece of California's frontier past without straying far from major routes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Owens Valley History
The museum preserves this legacy by showcasing not only the iconic Slim Princess #9 locomotive but also a fascinating array of artifacts, old machinery, and horse-drawn wagons. Visitors can wander through historical buildings that have been relocated to the site, effectively creating a living history village. This immersive experience allows you to imagine life in the late 1800s, a time when this railroad was the sole dependable means of transportation.
Beyond the railroad, the site delves into the broader history of the area, including its mining past. The demonstration of gold extraction from rocks, often performed by the owner Jay, offers a hands-on understanding of the arduous work involved. The presence of replicated Borax wagons further highlights the challenging logistics of transporting goods, particularly from the harsh environment of Death Valley.
Experiencing the Wild West Atmosphere
The train cars, old machinery, and horse carts scattered throughout the site add to the immersive atmosphere. It’s not just about looking; it’s about feeling the history. Many visitors remark on how vivid their imagination becomes here, easily picturing cowboys, miners, and railroad workers going about their business.
This makes it an incredibly photogenic location, with every corner offering a potential snapshot of the American Wild West. For those who appreciate a hands-on approach to history, the opportunity to see how gold was extracted from rocks or to learn about the operation of the massive Borax wagons provides a deeper connection to the past. The friendly and knowledgeable volunteers further enhance the experience, sharing stories and insights that bring the exhibits to life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit