Located less than 40 minutes from Los Angeles in the Newhall hills, William S. Hart Park & Museum is a 265-acre public property in Santa Clarita that features historic structures, a 10,000-square-foot mansion, a small bison herd, and working ranch animals. The park preserves the former personal ranch of silent-film cowboy star William S. Hart, who starred in nearly 70 silent films between 1914 and 1925 and earned the nickname “Two-Gun Bill.” Admission to the park is free, offering visitors an escape from the city that blends local film history with open space.
Exploring the Historic William S. Hart Museum and Ranch Property
The centerpiece of the Santa Clarita property is Hart’s 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival home, which is preserved as the William S. Hart Museum. Visitors can join guided tours to view original artwork, books, clothing, and film memorabilia. Additional historic structures on the grounds include the Ranch House and Tea Room, ensuring guests can experience the authentic layout of the former star’s estate.
Outside the mansion, the 265-acre property maintains the feel of a working Western ranch. Friendly barnyard animals, including pigs, alpacas, ducks, and chickens, reside on the grounds. A separate enclosure houses a small bison herd, which is descended from animals originally gifted to the park by Walt Disney in 1962.
Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Information
Four short trails wind across the park property, passing campgrounds and the bison enclosure. Designated picnic areas allow visitors to pack a lunch, while open-space trails offer sweeping foothill scenery for those looking to stretch their legs.
The park property at 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is open for guided tours during limited hours between Wednesday and Sunday. The ranch house is available for self-guided tours on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the barnyard operates Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Did You Know? The park’s small bison herd is directly descended from a group of bison once owned by Walt Disney, who gifted the original animals to the park in 1962.
Future Outlook for the Park and Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is William S. Hart Park & Museum located?
The property is located at 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321, less than 40 minutes from Los Angeles.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to the park and museum grounds is free.
What are the operating hours for the park and its attractions?
The park property is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The ranch house is open for self-guided tours on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the barnyard is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What aspects of early Hollywood history or local wildlife would you hope to explore first when visiting a preserved ranch like this?