Jamestown, CA…California State Parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are thrilled to offer frightfully fun “Skeleton Starlight” excursion train rides on two Saturday evenings this fall. Pulled by a former U.S. Army diesel locomotive (currently serving on active duty while steam locomotives are undergoing heavy maintenance), the 50-minute “Skeleton Starlight trains depart on October 19 & 26 at 6 and 7:30 p.m. to ride the rails along the historic Sierra Railway.

Staffed by a “skeleton crew,” train riders of all ages will enjoy spirited Halloween music and décor, resident ghouls rustling about, historic train cars draped in their finest funeral shrouds, dancing skeletons, singing pumpkins, and oh-so-much more. As the train approaches a haunted village, riders will be greeted by Railtown’s coven of friendly witches who jump aboard to hand out tasty Halloween treats.

Located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, Railtown 1897 SHP combines railroad heritage, local history and the lure of Hollywood and is one of only two authentic and still-operating short line steam-era railroad roundhouse complexes in the entire country. The Park is also home to the famous “Movie Star Locomotive” Sierra No. 3®, which has an impressive history of starring in more than 100 film and television productions such as “High Noon,” “Back to the Future III” and “Petticoat Junction.”

Tickets for the family-friendly “Skeleton Starlight” excursion train rides (which include Park admission) are $30 for adults, $15 for youths ages 3-17, and children ages 2 and under are free. For these special train rides, Railtown 1897 members receive discounted admission of $25 for adults, $12 for youth. To make advance online reservations, please visit www.railtown1897.org or call 209-984-3953 for more information.

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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.