Travel Town Railroad

Imagine a unique place where time seems to have slowed down, allowing us to touch the golden age of steam and steel. Travel Town Railroad is more than just an open-air museum; it is a true "railway zoo" located in a picturesque corner of Griffith Park. Here, on the outskirts of Burbank, lies an impressive collection of historical transportation that tells the story of railroad development in the USA, particularly in Southern California.

The museum spans 9 acres and is dedicated to the period from the 1880s to the 1930s. Its collection features over a dozen majestic steam locomotives, vintage passenger cars, freight platforms, and even streetcars. Unlike many other museums, Travel Town encourages curiosity: visitors can not only view the machinery from the outside but also climb inside certain exhibits, imagining themselves as engineers or travelers of the last century.

This place has become an iconic spot for family vacations thanks to its openness and friendly atmosphere. Admission to the museum grounds is free, making it accessible to everyone wanting to learn more about how railroads helped shape the modern West. Here, stories of transcontinental journeys, industrial giants, and technical progress that changed the world come to life.

To clarify travel details or plan a group visit, you can use the museum's official contact information.

The site's administration is always ready to answer questions regarding current exhibitions and special events.

The main attraction at Travel Town is the opportunity for hands-on interaction with history. Visitors are allowed to climb steel ladders into locomotive cabs, explore the interiors of old cabooses, and pull the bell cords that once rang across the prairies. It’s the perfect place to study the mechanics of complex machinery and feel the scale of the technology that built modern America.

A must-do on the agenda is a ride on the miniature train. This charming train has been circling the museum's perimeter since 1978, bringing joy to both children and adults. For a small fee, you can take a short journey, viewing the exhibits from a unique perspective. It’s a great way to feel the rhythm of travel, albeit on a smaller scale.

For those interested in the technical side, the museum often carries out restoration work right before the public's eyes. You can see craftsmen bringing century-old machines back to life. After touring the trains, it's pleasant to stroll through the shaded alleys or have a picnic in the designated areas, enjoying the atmosphere of good old California.

The most convenient way to reach the museum, located at 5200 Zoo Dr, is by car. Ample free parking is provided for visitors right at the entrance. If you are driving from central Los Angeles, look for the Hollywood Fwy (US-101) or Ventura Fwy (SR-134), which will lead you to Griffith Park and the area where Burbank is located.

For those who prefer public transport, a suitable option is the LACMTA Red Line metro to Vermont/Sunset or Highland/Rowena stations. From there, you can reach the museum in 10–15 minutes by taxi, rideshare services, or buses heading toward the park. The Griffith Observatory Shuttle also runs through the area, passing near the park's main attractions.

Active travelers can combine the visit with a walk or bike ride from the Griffith Observatory—the distance is about 3 kilometers. When planning your route, consider the city's traffic density, especially on weekends when the park becomes a particularly popular destination.

The idea for this amazing place was born in the late 1940s thanks to the enthusiasm of Charlie Atkins, an employee of the Parks Department. He dreamed of complementing the miniature railroad with a real, full-sized steam locomotive so children could see the powerful machinery up close. In 1947, city authorities supported the initiative, realizing that a new generation of residents had little opportunity to experience transportation history firsthand.

The official opening took place on December 14, 1952. The first and most honored exhibit was Southern Pacific No. 3025, which once had the honor of pulling presidential special trains. Its transport to the park grounds was a major event for the city. Soon, the collection was joined by Union Pacific caboose No. 2117, a vintage circus wagon, and even the historic Pacific Electric station building.

Interestingly, the museum grounds were used as an internment camp during World War II, but in peacetime, they were transformed into a symbol of technical progress and family leisure. The collection expanded continuously, including rare items like a Japanese Zero fighter plane and a Shell Oil fire truck. Today, the museum focuses on preserving the heritage of 1880–1930, continuing to restore unique locomotives such as Stockton No. 1.

For a thorough tour of the entire exhibition and visiting all interactive zones, most tourists need between 1.5 and 3 hours. This time is quite sufficient to leisurely inspect the locomotives, peek inside the passenger cars, and take memorable photos against the backdrop of vintage machinery.

If you plan on riding the miniature train or are traveling with children who will likely want to explore every engineer's cab, you should budget about 4 hours for the visit. Transportation history buffs and professional photographers may also spend more time here, studying the details of restoration projects and the unique mechanics of steam engines.

The museum is hospitably open to visitors daily. A steady schedule makes it easy to fit a visit to the railroad into your travel itinerary around Los Angeles.

Opening hours: daily (Monday to Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is open year-round without lunch breaks, making it a great option for a spontaneous visit at any time convenient for you.

The museum's location in the heart of Griffith Park opens up many additional opportunities for tourists. After immersing yourself in the world of railroads, you can continue exploring the cultural and historical landmarks located just a few minutes' drive away.

The surrounding area is rich in iconic locations related to the history of the film industry and the region's architectural heritage. Here is a list of interesting places to visit nearby: