We’re Expanding !

Now Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday of Each Month

Next Open:

  • May 10 | 10:00 - 1:00 Mother’s Day Special

  • May 17 | 10:00 - 1:00

  • May 24 | 10:00 - 1:00

“Experience the Golden Age of Trains”

Replica of an observation car circa 1900's. Great opportunity for a photo.

Replica of an observation car circa 1900's. Great opportunity for a photo.

Lionel train layout as you would have found in the 1930's and 1940's.

Lionel train layout as you would have found in the 1930's and 1940's.

The museum building has been designated a City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmark. Click image to learn more

The museum building has been designated a City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmark. Click image to learn more

Another close up of the main layout.

Another close up of the main layout.

An authentic observation car drumhead featuring the Chief which was a apart of the Santa Fe Railway fleet of trains.

An authentic observation car drumhead featuring the Chief which was a apart of the Santa Fe Railway fleet of trains.

Another image of the Lionel train layout as you would have found in the 1930's and 1940's. Notice the LGB trains circling overhead that you will enjoy.

Another image of the Lionel train layout as you would have found in the 1930's and 1940's. Notice the LGB trains circling overhead that you will enjoy.

Another authentic sign from the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Another authentic sign from the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Examples of MTH reproduction standard toy trains from the 1930's. There is also an original Lionel stove that children played with. It actually makes cookies!

Examples of MTH reproduction standard toy trains from the 1930's. There is also an original Lionel stove that children played with. It actually makes cookies!

There are many cabinets featuring original trains from different time periods. Most are in meticulous condition. You'll see how the Lionel designs changed thru time as the railroads changed theirs.

There are many cabinets featuring original trains from different time periods. Most are in meticulous condition. You'll see how the Lionel designs changed thru time as the railroads changed theirs.

Another closeup of the main layout in the downstairs open section of the museum.

Another closeup of the main layout in the downstairs open section of the museum.

A wonderful display of assorted toy trains, cast iron horse drawn circus wagons, and cast iron train, bells, lights etc.

A wonderful display of assorted toy trains, cast iron horse drawn circus wagons, and cast iron train, bells, lights etc.

This case displays some examples of train stations, out buildings and tunnels used to complete toy train layouts.

This case displays some examples of train stations, out buildings and tunnels used to complete toy train layouts.

Original Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific hats from the ages, among arcade cast iron taxis and Lionel boats....all part of the era.

Original Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific hats from the ages, among arcade cast iron taxis and Lionel boats....all part of the era.

Close up of the main layout. Amazing details...you will want to spend hours taking it all in.

Close up of the main layout. Amazing details...you will want to spend hours taking it all in.

This is a scaled down version of a steam locomotive boiler front, complete with steam chests, cow catcher, original head lights, marker lights and Baldwin builder plate you will find as you enter the museum.

This is a scaled down version of a steam locomotive boiler front, complete with steam chests, cow catcher, original head lights, marker lights and Baldwin builder plate you will find as you enter the museum.