Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum in Simi Valley
Are you a train enthusiast looking for your next adventure? Tucked away in the hills of Ventura County, the Santa Susana Railroad Depot and Museum in Simi Valley, California is a hidden gem offering a unique experience for all ages. From historic train cars to interactive exhibits, this charming museum rewards visitors with a glimpse into the golden age of railroads. Let us tell you more about this unique destination from our home town.
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Introduction to the Santa Susana Railroad Depot and Museum
On the eastern edge of Simi Valley, California, the Santa Susana Depot and Museum holds a special place in the community. This train station building celebrates America’s rich railway history, preserving memories of a time when locomotives ruled the transportation world. It’s easy to find, and parking here is hassle-free, making it a great stop if you’re in the area.
From historic photos to a remarkable collection of train memorabilia, this museum is a true gold mine for anyone fascinated by railroads like us.
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What To Expect During Your Visit
What can you expect when visiting? The Depot is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, except national holidays. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated and helpful.
When you visit, you can experience a guided tour, where friendly and knowledgeable staff bring the stories of the exhibits to life. During our visit, we attended a special event talk about the history of railroad travel from the early days of this depot.
You’ll find exhibits that you can view during a self-guided exploration. The Depot has a great collection of artifacts, including early communication devices and railroad memorabilia. We love looking at the old photographs in this museum as they help us understand the formation of our city.
The station office looked like it may have been nearly one hundred years ago. A highlight of our day was taking a guided tour to view the historic living quarters of the Station’s caretaker. It’s all memories of a bygone era.
Santa Susana Pacific Model Railroad Society
This location is home to the Santa Susana Pacific Model Railroad Society. This group is based inside a Southern Pacific Class 22 depot, initially built in 1903. They oversee a fantastic model train exhibit: The Santa Susana Pacific Model Railroad.
Spanning over 530 feet of mainline track—150 feet of which is a double-track mainline—this impressive layout features six sidings that can accommodate trains as long as 20 to 40 cars. With challenging 2% grades, it’s a true testament to the skill and precision of scale model railroading.
We enjoyed watching the enormous model train exhibit. The miniature trains run through a replica of historic Simi Valley, passing by the original St. Rose of Lima Church and the Western movie and television studio ranch that once stood in Simi Valley called Coriganville.
Model Railroading is a fun hobby enjoyed by over 500,000 model railroaders in the United States alone. The hobby has been around for over a century and attracts new enthusiasts yearly. Some of you may have had Lionel trainsets in your youth. Our grandkids love playing with their Thomas the Train railroad set at our house. You’ll even find hobbyists among the rich and famous including Tom Hanks and Sir Rod Stewart, yes the rock star.
History of the Santa Susana Depot
The Santa Susana Depot, built in 1903 in Simi Valley, California, was originally located on Los Angeles Avenue at Tapo Street. It was more than just a train station. Designed in Southern Pacific Railroad’s iconic Two Story Combination Depot No. 22 style, the train depot served the Rancho Simi community as a passenger station, telegraph office, and vital freight depot for farmers in the Rancho Simi community. The railroad allowed local farmers to ship crops and receive essential farming equipment.
With the opening of the Santa Susana Tunnel in 1904, it became a key stop on the Coast Route connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, declining passenger use led to its closure in the early 1970s. Saved from demolition, it was moved two miles to county property in 1975 and later designated as Ventura County Landmark #29.
The present Santa Susana Depot found its home in May 1975 at 6503 Katherine Road in Simi Valley, located near the Santa Susana Pass in Simi Valley. It is situated along milepost 420.8 of the Southern Pacific Coast Line—now known as the Metrolink Ventura Subdivision.
Today, the railroad traffic remains lively with Amtrak and Metrolink connecting passengers through scheduled services and Union Pacific freight trains supporting commerce. From the bustling Gemco Yard in Van Nuys, trains regularly carry cars to Port Hueneme in Oxnard and serve Central Coast farmers. It’s a vibrant tie to both the past and present of railroads in the region!
Closing Thoughts on the Santa Susana Railroad Depot
This fun little Simi Valley Train Museum is just a short drive from Los Angeles. It’s a place where history comes alive, and you leave with a deeper appreciation for the railroads that helped shape our country.
If you find yourself near Simi Valley, bring the family to learn about railroad history in the Western United States. Check the official website for the Santa Susana Railroad Depot before your visit to confirm visiting hours.
Thanks for reading our article. Happy travels and we hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art
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