The Santa Susana Depot was moved from its original 1903 location in Chatsworth to its current Simi Valley site in 1974.
The interior of the depot serves as a museum detailing the operational history of the Southern Pacific line through the Santa Susana Pass.
The model railroad layout housed in the park is one of the largest HO-scale displays in Southern California.
The depot is a recognized historical landmark that retains its original architectural features from the early 20th century.
Santa Susana Park is a public community space managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, centered around historical rail preservation. The park features the Santa Susana Depot, a meticulously restored 1903 Southern Pacific Railroad station originally located in Chatsworth. A large-scale model railroad layout operates on-site, maintained by the Santa Susana Railroad Historical Society. The park includes open turf areas, picnic tables, and shaded seating zones. Walking paths connect the historic depot to the model train facilities. The site serves as an educational hub for local transportation history. It is situated within a broader regional park context featuring diverse terrain and native landscaping. The park facilitates public access to both local history and recreational amenities.
The front platform of the restored 1903 Santa Susana Depot.
Check the local historical society calendar for special 'run days' when the model train exhibits are fully operational.
Bring a picnic as there are designated shaded tables located near the depot grounds.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the paths surrounding the historic station buildings.
Do not expect the model train exhibits to be running on standard weekdays without a prior event reservation.
The museum and model railroad exhibits typically operate on limited weekend schedules; the outdoor park grounds are generally accessible daily.
Respect all historical signage and do not touch the model train equipment or displays.
