Independent live-steam railroad

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Adjacent Griffith Park property; about 0.3 mile straight-line between mapped site coordinates

Add a separately operated Sunday miniature-railroad ride beside Travel Town when every rider meets the published safety rules.

The place

About Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, donor-funded 501(c)(3) public-benefit organization in Griffith Park. Founded in 1956, it interprets railroad history through member-built live-steam, gas-mechanical, and electric model equipment in operation.

The public program uses 7.5-inch-gauge riding trains on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The organization publishes two standing exceptions: no public ride on the Sunday before Memorial Day and on the first Sunday in October.

Public rides carry a suggested donation of $4 per person. The organization applies firm safety limits: riders must be at least 34 inches tall, weigh less than 350 pounds, sit upright for at least 20 minutes, and use a straddle-type riding car. Babies cannot ride, animals are not allowed, and riders needing mobility assistance must be able to transfer.

The railroad is adjacent to Travel Town but independent. Its public entrance, volunteer schedule, weather decisions, donation, equipment, and rider rules are not controlled by the Travel Town museum or its miniature-train concession.

What stands out

Ride member-built model trains

Experience live-steam, gas-mechanical, or electric railroad technology when the volunteer operating day and assigned equipment allow.

See an active model-engineering railroad

Use the public ride to understand how member-built locomotives, cars, track, signals, and stations form an operating miniature railway.

Build a Sunday rail pairing

Combine the independent public run with Travel Town's free historic collection while preserving both sites' separate gates, rules, and schedules.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Travel Town trip

The two mapped properties are about 550 meters apart as a straight-line estimate, but visitors must use the Live Steamers' separate public entrance and directions. Pair the sites only on a confirmed Sunday public-run day and keep Travel Town's separate hours and paid concession ride distinct.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Public ride hoursSundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting
  • Standing exceptionsNo public rides on the Sunday before Memorial Day or the first Sunday in October
  • Suggested donation$4 per rider
  • Height and age ruleEvery rider must be at least 34 inches tall; babies cannot ride in carriers or on laps
  • Weight and seating ruleRiders must weigh less than 350 pounds and sit upright on a straddle-type car for at least 20 minutes
  • Mobility boundaryRiders needing assistance must be able to transfer to the straddle-type riding car
  • AnimalsAnimals are never allowed to ride
  • Independent entranceUse the Live Steamers public entrance and directions; do not assume access through Travel Town

Return to the City railroad museum

Add Travel Town

Use Travel Town's separate museum hours and concession page for the free collection and paid miniature ride around its grounds.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When are public rides offered?

The organization publishes Sunday rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, with no public ride on the Sunday before Memorial Day or the first Sunday in October.

How much does a ride cost?

Public rides carry a suggested donation of $4 per person.

Can babies or small children ride?

No baby may ride in a carrier or on a lap. Every rider must be at least 34 inches tall and able to sit upright on the riding car for at least 20 minutes.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The published maximum is under 350 pounds per rider.

Is the ride wheelchair-accessible?

The organization says a rider needing assistance must be able to transfer to a straddle-type riding car and sit upright for at least 20 minutes.

Can animals ride?

No. The current public-ride rules say animals are never allowed aboard.

Does a Travel Town ticket include Live Steamers?

No. Los Angeles Live Steamers is independent, donor-funded, and controlled by its own volunteers, public entrance, schedule, donation, and rider rules.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.