Griffith Park & Southern Railroad: A Miniature Train Adventure Since 1948

Family Fun on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

Since 1948, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad has delighted families with a miniature train journey through Griffith Park. This 18½-inch-gauge railroad adds fresh air, gentle thrills, and Old West adventure. Combine a Griffith Park & Southern Railroad ride with Travel Town’s historic engines and Live Steamers’ wonders for a full day of train excitement. Nearby shaded picnic areas and benches welcome families with snacks and grassy spots.

You’ll find food stands and snack carts in the park for quick bites, especially on weekends and during events. If you want to eat out, family-friendly restaurants and cafes are close by in Atwater Village and Los Feliz. You might also want to pack a picnic, bring your camera, and get ready for your Griffith Park railroad adventure.

A Rich History of Trains in Griffith Park

Opening in 1948 by Samuel Borstein—formerly of a similar Kansas City ride—the railroad quickly became a beloved fixture, offering affordable family entertainment for generations.

After closure in the 1950s, the railroad was reconstructed in the 1960s with a figure-8 track, a barn, a station, and a scenic bridge. Miller’s Outpost later donated the Old Western Town facade, adding playful “cowboy” sightings for kids.

GP Rah Enterprises, LLC has run the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad since 1972 and the Travel Town miniature train since 1978. Today, about 164,000 people ride each year, showing how much families still love classic miniature trains after 75 years.

The Scenic Ride Experience

On your ride, you’ll travel a full mile along tracks that wind through shady groves, cross a wooden bridge over a gentle stream, and pass a playful Old Western Town with cowboy figures. You can choose between open-air or covered coaches, each pulled by one of three unique locomotives. As you go, listen for the click of the tracks and the train’s whistle, and watch for birds and squirrels in the trees. All these details make the experience memorable for guests of any age.

• The Colonel Griffith is a handsome 2-8-0 Consolidation-style locomotive built by Severn Lamb Ltd. in 1983.
• The Freedom Train — a sleek 1950s streamliner modeled after famous EMC “F” series diesels (repainted in 1976 to echo the real American Freedom Train).
• The Stanley Diamond — a 2-6-0 Mogul-style engine built in 1993, evoking the narrow-gauge timber and mining locomotives of the early American West.

The gentle 10-minute ride features slow curves, light breezes, and charming park views that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Riders enjoy the sights and sounds of trees, old western scenes, and the train’s whistle. For extra fun, families can try the $5 T-6 flight simulator, an interactive adventure for all ages.

Tip for first-time visitors: For a smoother, more relaxed trip, come on a weekday morning when lines are shorter, and it’s cooler. Bring sun hats, sunscreen, and water, since there isn’t much shade while you wait or ride, especially on warm days.

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FAQ: Visiting Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

What are the operating hours?
Generally 10:00 AM–4:30/5:00 PM (spring/summer); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and for a weekday lunch break. See website for special hours.

How much are the tickets?
Adults: $4; children/seniors: $3. T-6 Simulator: $5 extra.

Is parking free?
Yes, free parking at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive.

Are there special events?
Yes, there are seasonal events like Easter, Halloween, and the Holiday Lights Train.

Is it suitable for strollers and little ones?
The ride is very family-friendly. You may need to fold larger strollers, but the gentle ride is fun for toddlers and older kids. Restrooms are close to the station, and most have changing tables, making it easy for parents with young children to park.  Enjoy an easy visit.

Is the ride accessible for wheelchairs?
Wheelchair accessible platform; staff can assist. Call ahead for specific needs.

Nearby Points of Interest

For a half-day trip, choose two of these attractions. If you want the full experience, plan for a morning or afternoon—about three hours—to see all three, with time for snacks, breaks, and exploring nearby sights.

• Travel Town Train Museum (short drive or pleasant stroll) — climb aboard massive historic locomotives from the 1880s–1930s and enjoy their own miniature loop ride.
• Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum (nearby on Zoo Drive) — experience real puffing, whistling live-steam trains every Sunday, plus Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn on the third Sunday of the month.
• Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (right next door)
• Autry Museum of the American West
• Griffith Observatory and miles of hiking trails

Why This Train Ride Creates Lasting Memories

Starting in 1948 and still loved today, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad brings joy, fresh air, and adventure to families. Kids can spot “cowboys” in the Old Western Town, cross the bridge, or enjoy the ride through the trees. This miniature railroad is an affordable way to have fun in one of Los Angeles’ best parks.

Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California

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