The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The purpose of the organization is to preserve the physical aspects and atmosphere of Pacific Coast railroading during the period from 1910 to 1960. Our mission is to develop and operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public.

The museum is designed to increase public education, enjoyment, and appreciation of the significance of America’s western railroads by:

Operating historic railroad equipment using standard railroad practices for train crews, signaling, block operations, and equipment maintenance.
Preserving the atmosphere of railroads in small-town America before the 1960s by connecting the historic communities of Sunol, the Niles District of Fremont, and eventually Pleasanton.
Providing educational programs for schools, civic organizations, and community events.
Instructing the public in railroad history, tradition, and the evolution of rail transportation technology.
The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot.