Did the smell of popcorn ever lead you to a train ride? At Griffith Park Train Rides, it just might. Griffith Park is a wonderland of trains. It boasts more train rides than any other recreational activity. Here, at the Griffith Park Train Rides, the aroma of popcorn mixes with the scent of steam and the cheerful chugging of miniature locomotives.
Griffith Park Train Rides actually encompasses several distinct experiences. One of these, Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, has been a beloved fixture since the 1960s. It offers a mile-long journey scaled to one-third the size of standard trains. The cars are lovingly crafted reproductions of classic American trains from the early 20th century. They chug across a bridge, through a forested area, and even an Old Western Town. The ten-minute ride is a favorite, especially during the holiday season when the special Holiday Light Festival Train illuminates the park. Another popular choice is the Travel Town Railroad. It started in the 1970s and circles the Travel Town Museum. The train itself has a fascinating history. It once belonged to the singing cowboy Gene Autry of Melody Ranch fame. The original steam locomotive has been replaced. However, the cars you ride in are the very same ones that once graced Autry’s ranch.
For Disney enthusiasts, a visit to the Carolwood Pacific Railroad is a must. Located next to the Los Angeles Live Steamers, this special spot preserves Walt Disney’s barn workshop, original engines, and railroad cars. You can’t ride Disney’s personal trains. However, the Los Angeles Live Steamers offer rides on their own 1/8th-scale trains. They run on a 1.5-mile track. They even host a spooky Halloween Ghost Train in October. All this exists within Griffith Park. From Disney’s legacy to scaled-down steam engines and even a train once owned by a singing cowboy, Griffith Park Train Rides truly has something for everyone. So next time you’re in Griffith Park, let the scent of popcorn and the whistle of a train lure you into a unique and memorable adventure.