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Steaming into History at Travel Town Train Museum
Travel Town Train Museum was dedicated on December 14, 1952, and has been delighting railroad fans of all ages ever since. Tucked away on a leafy 9-acre site in the northwest corner of Griffith Park, this free-to-enter gem showcases a remarkable collection of authentic locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, and motor cars dating from the 1880s through the 1930s. Young engineers-in-training can climb aboard several massive engines and imagine life in the cab—pulling the whistle, gripping the throttle, and dreaming of the open rails.
One of the most popular attractions is the miniature train that circles the museum grounds. The original steam locomotive once ran at Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch; today, modern non-steam engines pull those same charming original coaches on a half-mile loop. A ride costs just a few dollars and offers a delightful bird’s-eye view of the historic rolling stock. Families love wandering the outdoor displays, snapping photos beside gleaming black iron giants, and browsing the well-stocked gift shop filled with engineer hats, train whistles, Thomas the Tank Engine toys, and more.
FAQ: Visiting Travel Town, Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Is Travel Town free? Yes! Museum admission is always free; donations are appreciated. Miniature train rides are $4 for adults and $3 for kids/seniors.
What are the hours? Museum grounds are open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Mondays and Wednesdays for the train ride; confirm on traveltown.org). Griffith Park & Southern Railroad operates on similar hours, with weekday lunch closures. Live Steamers: Sundays 11 a.m.–3 p.m. only.
Is parking available? Free parking is available with plenty of spaces, even on busy weekends.
Can we host a birthday party? Absolutely! Travel Town offers parties inside vintage passenger cars, including a miniature train ride—perfect for young railfans.
Are the rides suitable for little kids? Yes—all three are family-friendly. The minimum height at Live Steamers is 34 inches; strollers are welcome at Travel Town.
Travel Town Train Museum is a favorite destination while visiting Griffith Park. Travel Town has a gift shop that sells train-related items, including engineer’s hats, train whistles, and Thomas the Tank Engine toys, as well as train rides and displays. Directions: Travel Town Train Museum, 5200 Zoo Dr.,. Los Angeles, California. Located at the northwest corner of Los Angeles, Griffith Park. Exit Forest Lawn Drive, Ventura Freeway (134)
Nearby Points of Interest to Extend Your Griffith Park Adventure
While you’re in the area, add these easy stops:
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (literally next door on Zoo Drive)—see koalas, elephants, and more after your train rides.
Griffith Observatory (short 10-minute drive)—stunning city views, planetarium shows, and hiking trails.
Autry Museum of the American West—cowboy culture and Western history that pair perfectly with the Old Western Town on the GPSR ride.
Griffith Park trails and merry-go-round—stretch your legs or enjoy a spin on the historic carousel.