Fillmore & Western Railway Co. - Fillmore, California

Fillmore & Western Railway Co.: A Unique Historical Experience

The Fillmore & Western Railway Co. presents a captivating blend of history, scenic beauty, and entertainment. Located in the charming town of Fillmore, California, this privately-owned movie studio and tourist attraction offers visitors a remarkable journey back in time. Established with a dedication to preserving railway heritage, the company has evolved to become a beloved destination for families and train enthusiasts alike. Its address is 351 Santa Clara St, Fillmore, CA 93015, United States, and it can be reached by phone at 8055240330. For more detailed information and updates, please visit their website at fwry.com.

A Glimpse into Railway History

The Fillmore & Western Railway Co. boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the golden age of filmmaking. Originally established as a movie studio in the 1920s, it quickly gained recognition for its impressive sets and innovative techniques. The studio’s proximity to the railroad provided a unique advantage, enabling the creation of realistic scenes and facilitating the transportation of equipment and personnel. Over the decades, the railway has served as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows, contributing significantly to the region’s cinematic legacy. Today, the company meticulously maintains the original railway infrastructure, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the authentic atmosphere of a bygone era.

Key Features and Attractions

• The Historic Train Cars: Visitors are immediately greeted by a collection of meticulously preserved vintage train cars, offering a tangible connection to the railway’s past.
• The Two-Story Pepper Trees: A truly remarkable feature of the property is the presence of towering two-story pepper trees – a sight rarely encountered and a testament to the natural beauty of the area. The aroma of the pepper is remarkably strong, adding to the immersive experience.
• Movie Studio Tours: Guided tours of the working movie studio provide insights into the filmmaking process and the studio’s storied history.
• Scenic Train Rides (Currently Limited): While operational train rides are currently paused due to Covid restrictions, the company retains the iconic train that served as inspiration for the Polar Express, allowing visitors to imagine the magic of the journey.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Fillmore & Western Railway Co. is committed to inclusivity and offers wheelchair-accessible car parks and wheelchair-accessible entrances, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the experience.

Visitor Feedback and Reputation

The Fillmore & Western Railway Co. consistently receives positive feedback from visitors, as evidenced by the 357 reviews on Google My Business. The average opinion is a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars, reflecting the high level of satisfaction among guests. Many visitors highlight the relaxing atmosphere and the great rides, emphasizing the enjoyable experience for all ages. The opportunity to encounter these exceptionally tall pepper trees, a sight not commonly witnessed, is frequently mentioned as a highlight of the visit. The connection to the Polar Express train serves as a particularly enchanting element for families with young children, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia. It’s clear that the company’s dedication to preserving its unique heritage and providing a memorable experience resonates deeply with its audience.

Important Information and Current Status

Currently, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the company has adjusted its operating hours and access procedures. While full train rides are temporarily suspended, the historic train used as inspiration for the Polar Express remains accessible, allowing visitors to step into the world of this beloved story. The movie studio continues to operate, offering guided tours and showcasing the studio's impressive history. Visitors are encouraged to check the website at fwry.com for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, tour availability, and any applicable safety protocols. The specialties of the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. are undeniably its unique blend of railway heritage, movie studio history, and family-friendly attractions. The location in Fillmore, California, provides a picturesque setting for this memorable experience. The company’s commitment to wheelchair accessibility further enhances its appeal to a wider audience.

👍 Reviews of Fillmore & Western Railway Co.

Phyllis D.

5/5

Great place for anyone interested in locamotives, scenic rides and a little history. Relaxing, great rides. Experienced two story pepper trees. Never knew that pepper trees got this tall. You can smell the pepper in the air. Highly recommended for all ages!

Wendee T.

4/5

I think this could be a cool place. Due to Covid the hours and access are limited at this time. If you have kids or feel like a kid the train that served as the inspiration for the Polar Express is there. The actual train rides I believe are postponed for now. Enjoy!

Christopher E.

5/5

We had a fantastic time on our train ride.. we did the 4th of july train ride and got to see the town of Fillmore and experience the town celebrating in style with live music and food and booths to shop at as well as antique shops off main street and a great car show that they put on. Just a wonderful experience and the atmosphere was ELECTRIC because of the whole build up towards our train ride. They fed us dinner and we had tri tip and chicken and potato salad and beans and garlic bread. All while traveling about 10mph during dinner. Great experience and the staff was amazing and fast and friendly. A 1 hour train ride ended with a awesome fireworks show at 9pm and we had a wonderful seat at the back of the train where all the passengers moved to in order to view the fireworks above us
And get great photos. The atmosphere was amazing the whole time and i recommend anyone to put this on their bucket list because it sure was worth the money.. they put on a fantastic show and experience that i will never forget.

Travel C. L.

5/5

Our family made a short stop at the historic town center. It was such a beautiful experience like a going back in time type of situation. We made friends with a local family who advised us to come back specially during Christmas since the train and the Christmas decorations are the most popular during that season.We recommend you a trip to this city with the family, it is such an idilic town

D M.

4/5

Very great experience on the North Pole Express but they have to make it a better production and longer especially for the price. The decorations are awesome inside and outside. Please work on the train ride experience.

Liz S.

5/5

Thank you for keeping the magic of Christmas alive. I can’t say enough good things about our trip on the Polar Express. They were able to maintain all social distancing protocols with ease while we took an hour long journey to see Santa. My 3, 5, & 7 year old kids were delighted by Jingles, the lovely and ever so talented elf, who was taking orders for Santa while entertaining with stories, juggling, and a puppet. It was hilarious and wholesome and just what we needed. Can’t wait to come back to see the other adventures they offer.

Lynda C.

5/5

The Polar Express train ride was amazing, the interactive experience was just like the movie. Everyone received a silver bell, the only thing that would of make it better would of been meeting the Author 🎅 I have read this story to over 800 children as an librarian and really felt it was authentic. Highly recommend this during Christmas, children and adults wore their PJ's, I have my Golden Ticket!

Larry R.

5/5

Awesome. If your going for pumping show up early so you can sit in the air conditioned dinning car nicest ride on the train