Buena Park, CA
Knott’s Berry Farm Calico Railroad
4.7· 20 Google reviews
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeHistoric narrow-gauge theme-park railway making a round trip through Knott’s Berry Farm
- LocationBuena Park, CA
- Rating4.7 ★20 Google reviews
- Operating windowNo bounded Calico Railroad departure calendar is published; park hours do not guarantee train operation
- Tickets & faresA valid Knott’s Berry Farm admission ticket or season pass is required
- AccessibilityAlternate access at the ride exit; one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time
About Knott’s Berry Farm Calico Railroad
Calico Railroad is Knott’s Berry Farm’s historic narrow-gauge train ride, boarding in Ghost Town for a round trip through the park. Knott’s says the authentic Denver and Rio Grande equipment worked in the early 1900s and has operated at the park since January 12, 1952. The Western presentation includes staged bandit hold-ups, so the ride is both transportation history and themed theater. It requires Knott’s admission and should be checked in the official app or at the park because attraction availability can change without notice.
Plan a Calico Railroad Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, rail-history travelers, and Ghost Town visitors
Calico Railroad round trip
Board the antique narrow-gauge train at Calico Square for a round trip through Knott’s Berry Farm.
Visitors comfortable with participatory Old West theming
Ghost Town story
Expect staged Western theater, including the park’s long-running bandit hold-up presentation.
Visitors planning a full theme-park day
Knott’s park day
Combine the railroad with Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, the Boardwalk, and Camp Snoopy under park admission.
Travelers adding a quieter outdoor stop
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
Drive to an independent county park for trails, a lake, picnics, play, and a fossil-rich landscape.
Current Operating Status
Official operating information
Calico Railroad currently listed · not on scheduled-closure list · verify day-of
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check official operating status ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingStandard auto or motorcycle parking is currently $35; buses and RVs $40; special events can differ
- Operating StatusCurrently listed and not named on the August 23 scheduled-closure list; verify live availability day-of
- ScheduleNo bounded Calico Railroad departure calendar is published; park hours do not guarantee train operation
- AdmissionA valid Knott’s Berry Farm admission ticket or season pass is required
- Boarding AreaCalico Square depot in the Ghost Town area
- Ride FormatAntique narrow-gauge train making a round trip through the park
- HeightGuests 46 inches or taller may ride alone; guests under 46 inches ride with a supervising companion
- WheelchairAlternate access at the ride exit; one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time
- InfantsHand-held infants may ride with a supervising companion and sit in the center of the bench
- Service AnimalsPermitted when leashed, controlled, able to fit on the floor, and seated on the floor
- ReentrySame-day park re-entry requires valid admission and a photo; special-event rules can differ
- DistinctionCalico Railroad is separate from the Calico Mine Ride dark ride
- TimezoneAll park times are local Pacific Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
Knott’s identifies the attraction as an authentic Denver and Rio Grande narrow-gauge train used in the early 1900s. The current public page does not promise a particular locomotive, car, consist, fuel, or daily operating pattern, so those details should be confirmed onsite rather than inferred from historic rosters or fan sources.
History
The narrow-gauge Denver and Rio Grande equipment served in the early 1900s.
Calico Railroad began Knott’s Berry Farm operation on January 12.
The separate Calico Mine Ride opened, creating a distinction visitors still need to make.
See full history
Knott’s says the train worked for the Denver and Rio Grande in the early 1900s and began operating at Knott’s Berry Farm on January 12, 1952. Its park role is tied to Ghost Town’s Old West storytelling, including theatrical bandit hold-ups. This is not the Calico Mine Ride, the separate indoor attraction that opened in 1960.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calico Railroad operating today?
It is currently listed and was not on the scheduled-closure list when checked August 23, but Knott’s says attraction availability can change. Check the app and onsite signs.
Do I need a separate train ticket?
No separate Calico Railroad ticket is advertised. You need valid Knott’s Berry Farm admission, and live attraction availability still controls.
What is the height rule?
Guests 46 inches or taller may ride alone. Guests under 46 inches may ride with a supervising companion and sit in the center of the bench.
Can a wheelchair be accommodated?
Yes. The current accessibility guide lists alternate access at the ride exit and says one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time.
Can a hand-held infant ride?
Yes with a supervising companion, according to the current guide. The infant should sit in the center of the bench.
Can a service animal ride?
The guide permits service animals that remain leashed and controlled, fit on the floor without blocking evacuation, and sit on the floor.
Is this the Calico Mine Ride?
No. Calico Railroad is the outdoor narrow-gauge train. Calico Mine Ride is a separate indoor ore-car attraction.
Where does the train board?
The official park map places Calico Railroad at the Calico Square depot in Ghost Town. Use the app or map for live wayfinding.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official Calico Railroad page for current listing, history, equipment, ride format, location, and themed presentation
- Official scheduled-closure page for current maintenance status and day-of availability warning
- Official dated park calendar for changing park hours
- Official FAQ for address, admission, parking, re-entry, rentals, and park contact
- Current official guest accessibility guide for Calico Railroad boarding, wheelchair, height, infant, pregnancy, oxygen, and service-animal rules
- Current official park map for Calico Square depot and attraction distinction
- Official Knott’s park page for themed areas and full-day context
