Fairplex Garden Railroad/Historic Trains

Witness the birth of California industry. Get close to the action by walking among the trains and station at the historic exhibit at Fairplex.

California history comes to life when students explore the Fairplex GardenRailroad. The oldest andlargest garden railroadin the nation, the Fairplex Garden Railroad sits on an acre of detailed, scenic landscape and features more than three miles of winding track! Students will marvel at the span of California history depicted in miniature,presenting such milestones as the California mission era, the Old West, Central Valley agricultureand the birth of the film industry. It’s an engaging lesson in history, unique to the L.A. County Fair!

The nation’s largest steam engine and diesel-owered locomotive are on permanent display at the Historic Trains exhibit, a fixture at the L.A. County Fair for more than 50 years. These colossal wonders will dazzle students and teachers alike, highlighting the critical role that the railroads played in California and U.S. industry. The original Arcadia Station (more than a century old and part of the exhibitsince1969) is also featured in this on-site historic museum.