Less than an hour’s drive from metropolitan Los Angeles lies one of the oddest of LA County’s Natural History museums. The former residence of silent movie star William S. Hart, a Spanish colonial mansion atop a hill has been turned over to the county to serve as both a museum and a park that has its own herd of bison. Hart made 65 silent movies, starting his acting career at the age of 49, and when he died he deeded the property to the County on the provision that it be set aside for public use at no charge. The ranch now boasts a number of hiking trails that lead visitors through the dramatic terrain, a barnyard with farm animals, and the aforementioned bison, which were a gift from Walt Disney. The house itself acts as a museum of the silent film era, the American West and Native American art.
William S. Hart Park & Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
(616) 254-4584
www.friendsofhartpark.org
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