Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Imagine a place where a passion for technology and history brings generations together in the heart of California. The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is a unique space in the city of Burbank, built by dedicated volunteers. Here, in the USA, you can witness more than just static exhibits—it’s a fully operational miniature railroad system.

The museum is dedicated to live steam technology and railroad history. Its pride and joy are the scale models of steam, gas-mechanical, and electric locomotives, most of which were hand-built by club members. Visitors can not only watch the trains move through a complex network of tracks but also feel like a part of this small yet intricately detailed world.

The museum holds special significance for animation fans: the grounds feature the historic barn that once belonged to Walt Disney himself. This small pavilion has become a true sanctuary for those wanting to learn more about the great animator's passion for trains.

To plan your visit, please review the organization's main contact information.

The main attraction that draws thousands of guests here is riding the miniature trains. Visitors can hop into the cars of scale-model trains and set off on a short journey along the museum's winding tracks. The route passes through actual tunnels, bridges, and viaducts, allowing you to experience the dynamics of the ride and the skill of the engineers.

For those interested in how machinery works, the museum offers a unique chance to see steam engines in action. You can appreciate the jeweler-like precision of the models, where every detail—from the pistons to the tiny rivets—matches the original. It is a living demonstration of transportation history coming to life right before your eyes.

Be sure to set aside time to visit the exhibit in "Disney's Barn." This quiet and inspiring spot tells the story of how Walt Disney's personal hobby influenced the creation of his fairytale worlds. Exploring this collection is a wonderful addition to the more active part of your walk through the museum grounds.

The museum is located within the scenic Griffith Park. The most convenient way to reach it is by car. Parking is available near the entrance, and the nearby Los Angeles Zoo serves as an excellent landmark for navigation.

The drive from downtown Los Angeles by car or taxi usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic density. If you are traveling from central Burbank, the travel time is reduced to 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, there are bus routes serving the zoo. Alternatively, you can take the metro to the nearest station and then use a taxi to cover the remaining distance quickly and comfortably.

The history of this extraordinary place began in 1956, when a group of live steam enthusiasts from Los Angeles decided to find a permanent home to showcase their models. The project was supported by the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, Charlie Atkins, who saw the miniature railroad as a wonderful addition to Griffith Park.

By 1960, the museum had become so popular with locals that a proper station was needed to manage the crowds—it was named Old Sherwood Station in honor of Gordon Sherwood, a talented artist and one of the club's founders. Over time, the infrastructure expanded: in the 1980s, volunteers built large-scale viaducts and bridges, including the impressive O’Brien-Moore Bridge.

A special chapter in the museum's history is linked to the Walt Disney family. In 1949, Lillian Disney donated the original tracks to the club, and later, the family moved the famous barn from the Disney studio to the site. This building once housed the animator's personal train collection, and today it remains one of the museum's primary historical treasures, highlighting the inseparable link between technical progress and art.

Usually, exploring the grounds and visiting the main exhibits takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is enough time to enjoy a ride on a miniature train, examine the detailed locomotive models, and stop by Walt Disney’s historic barn.

If you are traveling with children or are a dedicated railroad enthusiast, your visit may take longer. A leisurely stroll through the open-air museum grounds allows you to study the craftsmanship of the volunteers in detail and soak up the park's atmosphere.

The museum welcomes guests on a specific schedule: it is open only on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During the rest of the week, the grounds are closed as volunteers handle the maintenance of the tracks and locomotives.

It is important to remember that the operation of the miniature railroad is directly dependent on weather conditions. In the event of rain or other unfavorable factors, rides may be canceled, so it is recommended to check the current status on the museum's official website before your visit.

A visit to the railroad museum in Burbank is the perfect excuse to explore the northern part of Griffith Park. In the immediate vicinity, you will find many interesting locations related to cinema history and architecture.