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Travel Town Museum: A Nostalgic Journey Through Railroad History

Explore the golden age of railroading at Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Climb aboard historic trains and discover railway history.

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Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles' Griffith Park is a free, open-air museum dedicated to preserving the railroad heritage of the American West, particularly Southern California, from the 1880s to the 1930s. Visitors can explore a collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and railway artifacts, offering a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.

A brief summary to Travel Town Gift Shop

  • Travel Town Museum 5200 Zoo Drive next to the 134 Freeway at the Forest Lawn Drive exit, 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, Griffith Park, CA, 90027, US
  • +1323-662-4253
  • Visit website
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Admission to Travel Town is free, making it a budget-friendly outing for families and individuals.
  • Take a ride on the miniature train for a different perspective of the museum and its exhibits.
  • Visit the exhibit gallery to learn about the Harvey Houses and their impact on the American West.
  • Check the Travel Town website for special events, guided tours, and holiday closures before your visit.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the museum grounds, making it a full day of family fun.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Travel Town Museum is located in Griffith Park, adjacent to the 134 Freeway. From the 134, take the Forest Lawn Drive exit. Turn towards Griffith Park. Follow Zoo Drive to the museum entrance. Parking is free and available on-site, though it can fill up on weekends.

  • Public Transport

    The Metro Local Line 96 bus stops at the intersection of Zoo Drive and Riverside Drive, approximately a 1-mile walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the subway and bus. Several train lines also connect to the area. Check the Metro website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ride on Metro costs $1.75.

  • Ride Sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at Travel Town's entrance. From Hollywood, a ride typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Travel Town Gift Shop

Travel Town Museum, nestled in the northwest corner of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, is a captivating journey back to the golden age of railroading. Established in 1952, this open-air museum is dedicated to preserving the history of railroad transportation in the western United States, with a focus on Southern California's rich railway heritage from 1880 to 1930. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of over 40 full-scale locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars, each with its own unique story to tell. Visitors can climb aboard and explore these historic trains, imagining themselves as passengers or engineers from a bygone era. Highlights include the Southern Pacific 4-4-2 #3025, a passenger service engine, and the Los Angeles Harbor Department 0-4-0ST #31, which hauled rock for the construction of the LA Harbor. Beyond the trains themselves, Travel Town offers a glimpse into the cultural and economic impact of the railroads. The exhibit gallery showcases the Harvey Houses and their role in settling the American West and promoting tourism to Los Angeles. For younger visitors, the Holden's Corner Learning Area provides a space to play with toy trains and learn about railway history. A miniature train ride circles the perimeter of the museum, offering a unique perspective on the exhibits. Travel Town is more than just a museum; it's a community space where families can picnic, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, Travel Town Museum offers a nostalgic and educational experience for all ages.

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