More than 100 years ago, Allensworth was founded as a bold vision of freedom, opportunity, and self-determination. Gold Runner invites you to honor that vision at the Allensworth Rededication on Saturday, October 10 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Gold Runner has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.”
Gold Runner will offer special-priced train tickets to the event from stations across its corridor, which connects the Bay Area and Sacramento to Bakersfield, with bus connections to Southern California. Trains will make a stop at the Allensworth station (CNL), which is normally a whistle stop for pre-booked groups. Riders can combine the event fare with Gold Runner’s standard discounts for children, seniors, veterans, and riders with disabilities, listed on the Deals webpage.
Hosted by California State Parks, the Annual Rededication of Col. Allensworth State Historic Park honors the park’s original dedication in 1976. Join us for historical re-enactments, tours of historic buildings, square dancing, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man, the town was designed to be a self-sustaining community where African Americans could live, work, and thrive. Today, visitors can see the legacy of this trailblazing community come alive through re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20th century buildings. Step into the Colonel’s house, walk through the halls of the historic schoolhouse, and explore the church and library for an inspiring journey through a pivotal moment in history.
“The Annual Rededication celebration is a chance to reflect on what Colonel Allensworth and the town’s founders built here, and to make sure that story keeps reaching new people,” said Lori Wear, California State Parks. “We’re glad to be working with Gold Runner again this year. With the cost of driving going up, the train gives families an affordable way to get here, and that matters for a park that belongs to all Californians.”
The southbound trains running for the event include trains 702 (11:41 am arrival), 710 (12:41pm arrival). Northbound trains include 713 (9:40 arrival), 715 (11:39 arrival), 717 (2:46 arrival). Riders must select “Col Allensworth State Park, CA (CNL)” When purchasing train tickets when booking. A discount will automatically be applied, and if eligible, riders can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available which include:
· Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
· Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
· Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
· Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
· Disabled riders save 15% off
Visitors attending the Rededication Celebration via the Amtrak San Joaquins trains will arrive at the Allensworth station (CNL), which will serve as a special stop for this event. Upon arrival, two complimentary 29-passenger shuttles provided by Tulare County Area Transit will transport riders between the train platform and the historic schoolhouse. Typically, a whistle stop available only to pre-booked groups, the Allensworth station (CNL) will be fully activated for travelers on October 10, offering a rare and seamless opportunity to experience this historic park by rail.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at the Colonel Allensworth landing page or contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at [email protected].