All Aboard for Fun! Travel Town

Since Retro Roadreporter Keith V is also a dad, we thought it might be fun for him to cover some Retro Family Worthy places in his Los Angeles neck of the woods. Here's his first installment:

Travel Town - Griffith Park, Los Angeles CA
by Keith Valcourt

Children of all ages love trains. Not sure why that is. But it is a universal truth. Maybe its the lure of seeing the world at a more relaxed pace. Maybe it's our pioneer spirit. Or maybe it's because they are just so cool to look at and ride.

When I was a kid growing up in New England, my family took regular trips to Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts. Those visits remain some of my favorite childhood memories. After I moved to the West Coast and started to have children of my own I longed for a family friendly Retro-Riffic place I could share with my kids. Sure, we have Disneyland here in California but it's long lines and high priced admission are somewhat restrictive.

I longed for a small, simple place. Lucky for me such a place exists nearby in Griffith Park.

That place is Travel Town.

Since 1952, Travel Town has been telling the story of the history of railroad transportation in the West. Sans hobos. And sans admission. Travel Town remains free, as it has been since day one. It is the perfect old school place to spend the day with the before mentioned children of all ages. The open air museum features fifty plus trains, box cars and transportation vehicles to explore. You are even allowed to climb into the cabs of some of the engines and live out your Train Engineer fantasies. You can walk among the tracks imagining a life on the rails.

An enclosed building also features some vintage cars, including a 1930s milk truck and circus animal cage car. In the far corner of the building under a rolled down metal gate covering a large window lives the East Valley lines Model Railroad N Gauge Club's mini railroad. On certain days (at random) you can press your face against the glass and watch the club building and running their tiny trains around the every changing track.

I know what your thinking, “I Wanna Ride!” Who wouldn't after walking among all these call engines and box cars? Lucky for you Travel Town has an amazing working train. For under $4.00 each you can take a trip on a scaled down steam engine passenger train. The fifteen minute journey circles the entire facility not once, but twice at a surprisingly fast pace. One tip: sit in the back of the train to avoid getting a face full of smelly hot steam. And hang on!

Travel Town also rents out a couple of the vintage box cars for events. We had our son's third birthday party in one and it was a blast! Check their site or at the small office for details and availability. Also ask about the free guided tours in and around the box cars that happen on certain weekends. Picnic areas and a shaded gazebo are scattered around the grounds and although they have a small snack store (and gift shop) Travel Town encourages families to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day.

Travel Town is located just down the street from the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park. It is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours tripping back in time when the rails ruled. Travel Town is a living, breathing history lesson. But don't worry you and your kids will be having so much fun no one will notice that they are learning something.

5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA in Griffith Park
Off the 134 Freeway. Forest Lawn Drive exit.