Exploring Laws Railroad Museum: A Great Road Trip Stop in Bishop, CA
Hi friends! Nestled just north of Bishop in California’s scenic Eastern Sierra, the Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site serves as a living testament to late 19th and early 20th century pioneer life. Spread across 11 acres at the original 1883 Laws train depot, the museum immerses visitors in an era of steam locomotives, mining equipment, and frontier architecture, all carefully preserved to share the rich history of the Owens Valley. Join me below as we dive into this fascinating stop on your next road trip up the 395.
Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site in Bishop, CA
Location
Situated about 5 miles north of Bishop off U.S. Highway 6, Laws Railroad Museum is nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east, near Silver Canyon. Its grounds feature the original train depot along with dozens of historic buildings relocated here, featuring the mining, railroad, ranching, and homesteading activities that once anchored the Owens Valley. This California Historical Landmark makes the perfect stop for road trippers passing through Bishop, heading up to Mammoth Lakes.
Eastern Sierra views from Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
The original depot at Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
History
Originally known as “Station,” the site began servicing the Carson & Colorado narrow-gauge railroad in 1883. It was renamed Laws in 1905 to honor railroad superintendent R. J. Laws. The iconic Baldwin “Slim Princess” engine No. 9 (a staple on these rails for decades) remained in operation until the final train between Laws and Keeler rolled in 1960. Shortly after, Southern Pacific donated the depot, engine, and surrounding land to the City of Bishop and Inyo County. The local Bishop Museum & Historical Society was founded in 1964, and the museum opened to the public on April 1, 1966.
Over time, the museum expanded well beyond its railroad roots. Dozens of historic structures, including shops, homes, a school, church, mine equipment, and even a stamp mill, were rescued and relocated to the site. Combined, they offer a comprehensive snapshot of everyday life from from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s.
Exploring train cars at Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, CA
Historic structures & equipment at Laws Railroad Museum
Visiting Today
Today, visitors wander through nearly 50 authentic buildings, from a blacksmith and print shops to an ore mill and historic ambulance‑turned‑hearse. The centerpiece is the engine house, featuring Slim Princess No. 9, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment project. On select weekends, you can even ride the historic Death Valley Railroad Brill Car No. 5.
Facilities include a Reception Center and Gift Shop, offering snacks, local crafts, branded sauces, and memorabilia. Visitors can also commemorate special occasions, like weddings or photo sessions, in a unique historic setting.
Twenty Mule Team Wagon exhibit at Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
The original depot at Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
Other Laws Railroad Museum property highlights include...
Depot: The classic 1883 Laws Depot sets the tone: wooden benches, ticket windows, vintage signage, and even original train models tell the story of early passenger travel. Step inside and wander through memorabilia and photographic displays of Bishop’s railroad heyday.
Train Cars: Climb aboard vintage train cars and see what it was like traveling by rail over a century ago.
General Store, Camera & Bottle House: Wander down the wooden boardwalk and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto an old Western set. The General Store is stocked with antique tins, farming supplies, and a vintage soda fountain that just begs to be photographed. Nearby, a delightful camera collection, originally built for a Paramount film set, ranges from 1930s bellows models to classic movie-era lenses. Don’t miss the magical Antique Bottle House, filled with iridescent depression glass salvaged from temporary homes near the last Laws postmistress.
Schoolhouse: The restored 1880s schoolhouse is complete with chalkboards, original desks, and a functioning school bell you can ring as loud as you dare!
Print Shop: The print shop hums with history, showcasing century-old presses and a slice of early printing labor and craftsmanship.
Mining & 20 Mule-Team Wagon: Law’s museum tells more than just railroad tales. It dips into the wider history of the Owens Valley and nearby Death Valley. Inside the Wells Fargo and Mining buildings, you’ll find dramatic displays about borax wagons and beautiful gems and minerals mined from nearby mountains.
Blacksmith: The workshop buildings transport you into the dusty, smoke-filled heart of pioneer ingenuity.
Pioneer Residences & Equipment: Throughout the site you’ll find restored pioneer homes and ranch tech used by Bishop-area families. Artifacts, photographs, and interpretive signs offer a warm glimpse into everyday life a century ago.
Inside the train cars at Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, CA
Antique Bottle House at Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
Know Before You Go
• There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult when visiting, and the museum grounds are open 10am-4pm most days. There are some exceptions for holidays—check out the official Laws Railroad Museum website for more details.
• Temperatures can be brutally hot during the summer months, so bring plenty of water. There is shade scattered across the grounds, but none of the buildings have AC and they can get quite hot inside.
• Leashed well-behaved dogs are welcome.
• Train rides are available on select days. Click here for the most up-to-date schedule.
• Please be respectful while viewing these historic structures and artifacts, honoring the Leave No Trace Principles and abiding all posted signage.
Top Things to Do Near Bishop, CA
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center
Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
Old saddles and ranching equipment at Laws Railroad Museum
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Vintage print shop at Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Bishop. For a virtual visit of the Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Exploring Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site in Bishop, CA
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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