In Ione, it’s worth planning history and activities around the dates. Public, self-guided tours of Preston Castle took place from April to August in 2026; that season has ended. The timeframe is different at the Ed Hughes Memorial Arena: outdoor activities are available there year-round, rain or shine, from sunrise to sunset. When choosing your focus, it’s also important to consider whether a tour date or an activity available year-round better fits your trip.
The History of the Castle, Depot, and Church
Preston Castle was built between 1890 and 1894 to house the Preston School of Industry. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1975. The construction period and the later registry listing mark different chapters: the construction years point to its original purpose, while the listing reflects a later historical designation. If Preston Castle is a deciding factor for you, check before your trip to see whether additional tour dates have been announced.
The historic Ione Railroad Depot is notable for its great significance to Ione and Amador County. It adds a railroad perspective to the town’s history; Preston Castle, by contrast, has its historical origins in the Preston School of Industry. The church’s history offers another distinct connection: the church, dedicated as Ione City Centenary Church, later acquired the popular name Cathedral of the Mother Lode. It was the first church to serve people in the region. Institutional, railroad, and church histories thus stand alongside one another, each telling a different chapter of the town’s history.
Arena, Baseball, and a Railbike Ride
The Ed Hughes Memorial Arena in Ione is a covered, multipurpose arena. Outdoor activities are also available there year-round—rain or shine, from sunrise to sunset. This gives you a specific timeframe to plan your day around. Parking for spectators and participants is available at the arena.
The City of Ione maintains five baseball fields and a snack bar at Howard Park. The fields have a clear focus on baseball, while the multipurpose arena offers outdoor activities. The two city facilities therefore differ mainly in the activity you have planned: Howard Park is the place for baseball, while the arena is for the outdoor activities mentioned there.
Another option is a ride with Rail Explorers, which begins at the Rail Explorers Depot just outside Ione. The Rail Explorers Amador Railbikes are equipped with specially designed electric motors. If this equipment detail matters to your choice, confirm the current setup before your ride. Starting at the depot sets this activity apart from those at the city’s facilities.
Discover more destinations: Amador City, Drytown, Pioneer, Sutter Creek, Jackson, Fiddletown, Plymouth
Go to the regional travel overview: Amador County.
