Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site – Quick Guide
Take trip back in time and experience the daily life of the early settlers of the Owens Valley. The Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site celebrates the rich history of the period and tells of a time when the railroad station was the heart of a bustling western town.
Artifacts from the 19th Century
Close to 50 authentic structures on eleven acres are filled with artifacts and original objects that depict the lifestyles of the homemakers, artisans, and townspeople of the period. Most of these objects of antiquity are the actual tools used by the practitioners of their crafts such as, newspaper publishers, gold miners, ranchers, blacksmiths, dentists, physicians, and pharmacists who lived and worked here.
A Glimpse at the Eastern Sierra’s Railway
All the historic buildings are original structures. Some, like the Laws Depot, the Agent’s house, the locomotive turntable, and the oil and water tanks were constructed right here and have stood on this site since the first train rolled in in 1883. Others are authentic structures that were relocated here from their original sites throughout the Owens Valley, and restored to preserve the history of the railroad. The section of narrow-gauge track that remains on the site still carries restored and working railroad cars – all of which date back to the early days of the railway.
In 1960, when Southern Pacific Company abandoned the railway line and ended train service, it gift-deeded the land and structures of the Laws Depot and the Slim Princess—the nickname for the Keeler Branch—to Inyo County and the City of Bishop. Along with the deed, Southern Pacific included this statement:
“In appreciation of the interest of Inyo County and the City of Bishop in preserving the memory of the Far West’s last common carrier narrow gauge railroad, the Keeler Branch, Southern Pacific Company is pleased to donate steam locomotive No. 9 together with other rolling stock, and the Laws Station building and surrounding installations for safekeeping in [sic] behalf of generations to come.”
What Makes It Great
In 1964 the Bishop Museum and Historical Society was formed to preserve what remained of the Laws Depot and the Slim Princess. It was then that people began donating relevant artifacts, photographs, equipment and even whole structures. The area and its antiquities have been restored and are maintained to depict life as it was 135 years ago.
In addition to the extensive museum exhibits, the site offers train rides on the authentic, restored railroad cars and hosts many family-fun events including, the Laws Good Old Days, the Laws Museum Picnic Concert, and the holiday Railroad Express.
The Laws Museum and Historical Site is officially California Historical Land Mark No. 953 listed on the National Registry of Historic Places under the Department of the Interior. It safeguards the memories and experiences of a not-so-long-ago era of railway magnates, miners, farmers, fortune seekers, high Sierra adventurers, and travelers who rode the Slim Princess.
“Our aim is to discover, procure, and preserve whatever may relate to the natural, civic, literary and ecclesiastical history of our area, and to establish and maintain collections.” — Bishop Museum and Historical Society.
Who Is Going to Love It
The museum is a window to the past that can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and all walks of life. Train buffs will be enchanted by it. Historians will relish it. Kids will love it. Families will rejoice in a shared experience of hands-on learning and fun activities. As part of the town’s festive December traditions, the Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site hosts the beloved “Railroad Express.” which is a holiday themed event that happens every second Saturday in December. It is a day filled with joyful activities and live entertainment. There’s caroling and storytelling, crafts and refreshments, and best of all, Santa and Mrs. Claus come to share the holiday spirit and give the gift of seasons past. It is a marvelous journey back in time that can be experienced nowhere else.
Best Season
Summer is super for kids of all ages, and train rides on the old Death Valley Brill Car No. 5 are fun for everyone. See the summer train ride schedule here. The Laws Good Old Days, held on the second Saturday in September, is a fantastic fall family event filled with music, pioneer crafts, and the famous pie auction. Wander through the museum buildings, ride the train, watch skilled artisans create their crafts the old-fashioned way, or simply relax on the cool grass under the spreading cottonwood trees while enjoying live music performances.
Celebrate the holiday season on the second Saturday in December at the “Railroad Express,” featuring rides on the DV#5 rail car, games, prizes, delicious treats, carol singing, storytelling, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more railway magic. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, especially from fall through spring. Winter often brings warm, sunny days, but it’s best to dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly between indoor and outdoor areas. There’s always a chance of winter wind, rain, or snow, so be prepared for surprises. In summer, expect hot, dry conditions—wear a hat, sunglasses, and use plenty of sunscreen to stay protected.
Directions. Parking. Regulations.
Just six miles north of Bishop on US Highway 6, the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site offers more than a typical theme park experience—it stands as a beautifully preserved tribute to the once-bustling town of Laws and the railroad station that brought it to life.
The museum is open daily:
Summer Hours (June through August) from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Winter Hours (September through May) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Admission by donation.
Amateur photography, video, and filming during the Museum’s normal operating hours are always welcome. Any other photography or filming requires special permission. The use of any sort of aircraft such as drones, radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, etc. is subject to rules and regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration because of the proximity of the Bishop Airport. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds of the museum site. The site has many ramps for access by wheelchair.
For more information about Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site visit http://www.lawsmuseum.org/index.htm or pop into the Bishop Visitors Center at 690 N. Main St.
Read more about the history of the Slim Princess in a previous blog here.
Written by:
Gigi de Jong
Gigi is “crazy mad in love with Bishop.” Since moving here in 2006 she has made it her mission to participate in as many of the outdoor activities as possible. She learned to snowboard, improved upon her very average climbing skills, took long hikes, has driven up and down innumerable mountain roads and 4x4 tracks, cycled and occasionally tumbled down mountain bike trails, taken to the roads on a bicycle or motorcycle – sometimes for fun and sometimes to commute, and successfully completed her first attempt at a triathlon. She spent 10 months touring the western US and Canada on a bicycle and after 4,000 plus miles returned to Bishop – for the beauty of the place and the spirit of the community. “My soul belongs here,” she says.
