Take a trip back in time at Roots of Motive Power, and learn about steam engines and the roots of the logging industry in northwestern California. California’s history was built on the backs of these rolling marvels, and at Roots of Motive Power the past comes alive with physical history. Standing next to these locomotives is like standing near huge, metal, fire-eating and steam-breathing giants.

Roots is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1982 to preserve and restore steam and diesel powered equipment used in the California north coast logging industry from the 1850s to the present. Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to become a member and lend a hand on scheduled workdays, which generally take place the first and third Sundays of each month. The organization also holds classes, such as Steam Engineer and Railroad Safety classes, and sponsors public events, including train rides and the Willits Frontier Days Steam-Up on the 4th of July.

Whether you would like to join in the action or just want to watch, this is a great way to connect with our collective past.

WHERE: 400 E. Commercial St., Willits