Travel Town Museum Museum

Address: 5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (Griffith Park), CA 90027

Website: https://traveltown.org

Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm (check website for seasonal changes and special events)

Admission: Suggested donation; check website for current fees (children often free)

The Travel Town Museum is a railroad museum located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, established in 1952 to preserve and display historic locomotives and railroad equipment. It focuses on American railroad history with an emphasis on equipment used in the western United States.

A compact outdoor collection of full-size steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars and maintenance equipment arranged for close viewing. There is a small-gauge miniature railroad that offers short rides, an exhibit area with model trains and interpretive signage, and visible restoration work on selected pieces.

The site was developed in the early 1950s to exhibit donated and retired railroad equipment, expanding over time into the current museum layout. The collection has been maintained and exhibited by the City of Los Angeles with volunteer support for restoration and educational programs.

Sited inside Griffith Park just north of central Los Angeles, the museum sits near the Los Angeles Zoo and other park facilities, making it accessible by car and park transit from the city.

• Location: Located in the northwest portion of Griffith Park adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo and other park attractions, making it easy to combine visits.
• Access and cost: Admission to the outdoor museum displays is free; the miniature train and some special programs require separate, low-cost fees.

What to See#

• Locomotive and rolling stock yard: Outdoor display yard of full-size steam and diesel locomotives and passenger cars arranged for close viewing and photography; many pieces are static exhibits rather than operational equipment.
• Miniature railroad: A small-gauge miniature railroad that runs on site and offers short rides for an additional fee; the ride track encircles part of the museum grounds.
• Restoration shop: On-site restoration and maintenance workshop where volunteers and staff perform conservation and occasional mechanical work on rolling stock visible from public areas.

Located in Griffith Park at 5200 Zoo Drive, Travel Town is best reached by car; ample Griffith Park parking is nearby. From central LA, take the I‑5 or US‑101 to the Franklin Avenue/Los Feliz area and follow signs into Griffith Park. Bus routes serve the park perimeter, but a short walk is usually required from public transport stops.

• Go on a weekday morning to see school‑age locomotive enthusiasts at play without the weekend families.
• Don't miss the tiny operating narrow‑gauge line - volunteers run short demonstration rides on weekends.
• Combine a visit with nearby Griffith Observatory or the Los Angeles Zoo; Travel Town sits within Griffith Park.