Steam Weekend Feb 15&16 Orange Empire Railway Musuem

Aside from amusement parks, have your kids ever ridden a real steam locomotive? We have a little gem of a museum in Perris, the Orange Empire Railway Museum. They have all types of trains, trolleys and train exhibits. We’ve talked about this place many times before, but it really is just a fun place for anyone that likes trains. History buffs will appreciate the various forms of railway transportation that has existed through the years. The museum has an extended line of train track and these trains actually run and you can ride as a passenger.

Bring the entire family to Steam Weekend at Orange Empire Railway Museum on Feb. 15-16. Everyone can ride behind the powerful VC #2, which will be chugging down the tracks and learn how a steam engine works. With an All Day Ride Pass, you can ride the steam locomotive, a diesel powered train and vintage trolleys for the entire day.

Date: Feb. 15 and 16
Admission: Ages 12 and up, $12.00, Ages 5 – 11, $8.00, 4 and under are free
Time: 9 am. to 5 p.m.

For directions and ticket information, visit www.oerm.org or call (951) 657-2605.

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Knott’s Berry Farm Ghost Town Anniversary

What is more Orange County than Walter Knott’s berry field turned theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm? You might know someone who still remembers when it was just a boysenberry field. I remember hearing about the days when there was no admission to enter the place and you could walk around freely. The Calico Ghost Town is one of my favorite things to see when we visit and today I was happy to visit it again.

We had the opportunity to attend the re-dedication and renaming of Engine 41 to the Walter K as part of the kick off to the 60th anniversary of Ghost Town and the Calico Railroad at Knott’s Berry Farm. Marion Knott, daughter of Walter and Cordelia Knott was in attendance. She presided over the recreation of the golden spike ceremony from January 12, 1952, which marked the completion of the Calico Railroad at Knott’s. She is into her 90s but gets around just fine still.

Marion Knott watching the gold spike

This weekend only, in honor of the anniversary, Knott’s is giving tours of the roundhouse where the locomotives are stored and repaired. Also on display is the private train car originally designed for the President of the Rio Grande Southern Railway, affectionately named “Edna.” It’s like a small house! The tour is only $5 and runs regularly between 11 AM and 4 PM.

We got to take the tour of the roundhouse. It’s amazing the size of these locomotives up close. What’s even more impressive is how the skilled train mechanics keep these old machines working like new. Did you know that most replacement parts for the trains are created right in the shop? How cool is that?

Locomotive repair work at Knott's

In addition to the tours, the Del Oro Pacific Modular Railroad has set up the “G” scale trains inside the Boardwalk Ballroom (the old Cloud 9 Ballroom for you purists). The trains are the larger scale than you typically see on display. The miniature scenes were also unique and fun to look at. Members of the club are on hand to answer any questions and talk trains with you.

Model of one of the actual Knott's trains.

If you have any train enthusiasts in your family, this is certainly the weekend to trek over to “The Farm.” We love Knott’s because it has character and charm like no other place. My kids love Camp Snoopy. Knott’s the only place I know where you can find Boysenberry Punch, which is about the best drink ever made, in my opinion. The food is awesome too, whether eating a fresh funnel cake with Boysenberry topping or dining at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Restaurant, you are sure have a happy tummy. For more information on this special event, visit here.

Travel Town Museum Revisited

One of my favorite places to visit is Griffith Park. I love so many of it’s attractions and it’s natural beauty. I would have to say that many fun times were spent at the Travel Town Museum. If you love trains or your little ones love trains this is a must stop. It’s an outdoor museum with many locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses on display.

There is a train ride that circles around the museum and is a must if you are going to visit. Train Rides are $2.50 for adults and children. There are also Public Play Days on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4pm where kids can play with the museum’s 400 wooden piece Thomas set. There are also docent guided tours every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month. Tours start at 11am. Admission and parking is free!! I

Travel Town Transportation Museum
5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Operations: (323) 662-5874

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day.