Stagecoach Inn Museum — Attraction in Thousand Oaks

This is one of the very best in the Passport 2 History series! There is quite a lot to see and do! Outside there is a cool trail that makes kids feel like they're trailblazing pioneers. There are various stations, buildings and artifacts outside where you can press a button and hear a bit about what you're looking at. Some of them are in need of repair, but others work well.

Inside the museum, there is lots to see! My three favorite rooms are: The Victrola Room, where they have TONS of phonographs that are SUPER impressive! Amazing collection! The Jungleland Room! Did you know that the whole reason Thousand Oaks exists is because there used to be an amusement park/zoo called Jungleland??? This room has some cool pictures and memorabilia from the park. And finally... The Victoria Hair Room! It's probably the best collection of Victorian Hair Art in the world! Every now and then you can find something in an antique shop or museum... but they have a whole room full of impressive, large and detailed hair art! It's incredible!

I travel with my toddler and he gets kind of antsy sometimes at museums, but the woman who gave us the tour (that I wish I could remember her name) was absolutely fantastic! She was always reading his cues and catering to exactly what we needed. She even had a whole activity she did with my son in the next room while I looked at the victorian hair room, because she knew I was really interested in that. Most docents don't pick up on such things and are afraid to stray too far from the script... so we're always really thankful when we get someone like this who really makes it a great experience for all.

Additionally there is a playground just across the street! This is really a great little museum that I'd strongly recommend. There are 84 museums in Passport 2 History, and I think thus far, this is...

Docent Tom Riley was an excellent tour guide with very interesting details about the history of the Stagecoach Inn. The docent ladies were as sweet and informative as they could be. It's a beautiful building, two storeys of period furniture, vintage gramophones, lovely dresses on mannequins to show them to best advantage, wonderful old photos of the Baldwin and Haight families and the original Stagecoach Inn in the late 1800s. The entire experience was fun, educational, surprising, and a lovely pre-Christmas experience for the whole family. A whole room dedicated to beautiful dolls, and another full of vintage and handmade Christmas decorations. Each bedroom dressed in lovely furnishings and the 1800s kitchen is a wow that anyone who cooks in a modern kitchen will marvel at. I am a photographer medium and often catch mists and other spirit anomalies in my photos, so bring your cameras, take lots of pictures, and tell the Baldwin and Haight families they are welcome to show themselves in the photos. You may not see them in real time, but check your photos carefully and you might be surprised at the number of anomalies you cannot explain away! (These are NOT scary events, but goosebumps just might happen. Just say THANK YOU when you get them.) Really a wonderful experience. One photo I've included has mist, so look closely. The large Gift Shop has great offerings including...

I spent a wonderful afternoon in the museum! My lovely docent Lydia told me a lot of interesting history of Stagecoach Inn, just like taking me back to the life in 1800s. She is extremely friendly, enthusiastic about the history and extraordinary with her knowledge. The display of historic antiques in the museum is amazing and interesting. Besides the Inn, there are other good places to visit, such as Blacksmith shop, Carriage House, Pioneer House, Timber school, etc. I had a lot of fun here. This is a beautiful memory. It’s definitely worth a visit! The museum only opens on Wed and Sat 1-4 PM. Admission is just $10 per adult. Plan...