PERRIS HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Railway Afternoon Recreated: Dining, Trolleys and the Story of Fred Harvey in Perris
A four-hour, museum-led program on January 25, 2025—tea and a Fred Harvey presentation, a private trolley loop, and a four-course meal drawn from original Fred Harvey recipes—this guide explains what to expect.
A Railway Afternoon Recreated: Dining, Trolleys and the Story of Fred Harvey in Perris.
At the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, The Fred Harvey Experience condenses a chapter of American railroad hospitality into a single afternoon: arrive at the Fred Harvey Exhibit for tea and a presentation, ride a private museum trolley, sit down in a recreated 1800s Fred Harvey eatery for a four-course lunch prepared from original recipes, then spend the last hour exploring the museum or the gift shop. The event runs on January 25, 2025, and mixes interpretive history with tangible period detail.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Fred Harvey Exhibit and Presentation
The day begins at the Fred Harvey Exhibit with tea and water while a presentation traces the story of Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls; guests then have time to browse the exhibit and take in the archival material and interpretive displays.
A Private Trolley Circuit Through the Museum
At noon guests board a private trolley for a short circuit around the museum, a brief moving introduction to the site that ends with a drop-off in front of Town Hall at roughly 12:30pm.
A Four‑Course Lunch in an 1800s Re-creation
Lunch service begins at 1:00pm inside a historic 1800s re-creation of a Fred Harvey eatery: a four-course meal drawn from original Fred Harvey recipes (appetizer, salad, main entrée, dessert). The program also incorporates the Fred Harvey cup code and each guest receives a take-home keepsake.
What the day feels like
How the Afternoon Unfolds
Guests assemble at 11:00am at the Fred Harvey Exhibit for tea and a presentation on Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls, with time afterward to browse the exhibit. At noon the group boards a private trolley for a short ride around the museum and is dropped off in front of Town Hall around 12:30pm. At 1:00pm the recreated 1800s eatery opens for a four-course meal served from original Fred Harvey recipes; the programmed portion of the day concludes at 3:00pm, after which attendees are welcome to continue exploring the museum, visit the gift shop, or take another operating train or trolley.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this afternoon suits—and what to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Fred Harvey Experience runs on January 25, 2025, for four hours, beginning at 11:00am and concluding at 3:00pm; arrival and the initial presentation occur at the Fred Harvey Exhibit.
No special gear is required; tea and water will be provided during the presentation and each guest receives a take-home keepsake.
Ticket price is $75; members receive a 10% discount.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the Fred Harvey Experience take place?
The event is scheduled for January 25, 2025.
How long is the program?
The experience runs four hours, beginning at 11:00am and ending at 3:00pm.
Where is the meeting point?
Guests meet at the Fred Harvey Exhibit at 11:00am.
What is included in the ticket price?
The program includes tea and a presentation, access to the Fred Harvey Exhibit, a private trolley ride, a four-course lunch from original Fred Harvey recipes, and a take-home keepsake; ticket price is $75 and members receive a 10% discount.
What time is lunch served?
Lunch service begins at 1:00pm in the recreated 1800s Fred Harvey eatery.
Can I stay at the museum after the experience concludes?
Yes. After the program concludes at 3:00pm, guests are welcome to explore the rest of the museum, visit the gift shop, or take another operating train or trolley.