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Parks #7 in Riverside, California

Hunter Hobby Park

4.5 · 1,920 reviews
Nostalgic and enthusiast-focused
Hunter Hobby Park, 1401 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
Interesting facts
1

The Riverside Live Steamers organization has operated at this location since the early 1970s.

2

The park features a dual-gauge track system to accommodate different scales of miniature locomotives.

3

The tracks cover significant acreage, incorporating bridges and tunnels to mimic full-scale rail topography.

4

Locomotives running on the tracks are often coal-fired, live-steam scale models rather than electric replicas.

5

The track layout is maintained entirely by volunteer members of the non-profit Riverside Live Steamers club.

Overview

Hunter Hobby Park is a specialized recreational space in Riverside, California, best known as the home of the Riverside Live Steamers. The park features an extensive network of miniature railroad tracks designed for riding-scale steam and diesel locomotives. The Live Steamers organization maintains and operates these trains on a volunteer basis. The park serves as a community hub for rail enthusiasts and local families. Its grounds include open turf areas and picnic facilities adjacent to the train tracks. The facility is situated within an industrial zone, providing a unique contrast to the recreational activities hosted within. Regular public ride days are coordinated by the local club throughout the year.

Photo spot

The pedestrian bridge overlooking the main track junction provides the best vantage point for action shots.

Insider tips

Bring sun protection as the park has limited natural shade in the viewing areas.

Check the official Riverside Live Steamers calendar before visiting to confirm public ride schedules.

Wear closed-toe shoes if you intend to ride the trains for safety reasons.

What to avoid

Do not wander onto the train tracks or into restricted maintenance yards used by the modelers.

Good to know

Public rides are typically restricted to specific weekends each month; the park grounds are otherwise a standard city park.

Etiquette

Maintain a safe distance from active tracks and follow all instructions from train engineers regarding boarding.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekend mornings during the spring or fall to avoid extreme Riverside summer temperatures.
Address
Hunter Hobby Park, 1401 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, United States
33.999, -117.341
Get directions
Details
Primary AttractionMiniature live steam railroad
FacilitiesPicnic tables and open lawn areas

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekend mornings during the spring or fall to avoid extreme Riverside summer temperatures..

The pedestrian bridge overlooking the main track junction provides the best vantage point for action shots.

Close by you'll find Fairmount Park, UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, Sandals Church Hunter Park.