Only in Simi Valley: Signature Experiences You Can’t Miss

Simi Valley is home to experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else—and Adams Forge is one of its most unforgettable. This hands-on blacksmithing studio brings ancient craftsmanship to life, giving visitors a rare chance to see metalworking up close in a way that’s both immersive and inspiring.

• On December 19, Adams Forge is turning up the heat with a special event featuring Forged in Fire’s nine-time champion and judge Ben Abbott, who will be on-site for a live forging demonstration. Guests can watch Ben craft a traditional Seax knife right before their eyes, offering a front-row seat to expert technique, artistry, and the raw power of the forge.

If you can’t make it to Ben Abbott’s demonstration, don’t worry—Adams Forge has a full lineup of upcoming events, including hands-on workshops where guests can forge their own letter openers, knives, and more.

Corriganville Park is one of Simi Valley’s most unique treasures—a place where natural beauty meets Hollywood history in a way you won’t find anywhere else. Once a bustling movie ranch, the park’s rugged rock formations, scenic trails, and open landscapes served as the backdrop for countless Westerns and classic films.

Today, visitors can walk the same paths once traveled by stunt performers and film legends while enjoying peaceful hikes, wildlife viewing, and story-filled interpretive signs that bring the past to life. It’s a rare blend of outdoor adventure and cinematic heritage, making Corriganville Park an experience truly unique to Simi Valley.

The Skateboarding Hall of Fame is a Simi Valley experience you won’t find anywhere else—an immersive tribute to the sport’s culture, history, and legends. As the world’s first and only museum dedicated entirely to skateboarding, it offers an unmatched collection of vintage boards, rare memorabilia, iconic photos, and stories that shaped the evolution of the sport.

Visitors can explore decades of skate history, celebrate groundbreaking athletes, and even step into interactive spaces that capture the energy of skate culture. Whether you’re a lifelong skater or just curious about the sport’s roots, the Skateboarding Hall of Fame delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that proudly belongs to Simi Valley.

The Santa Susana Depot and Museum is a beautifully restored 1903 Southern Pacific train station that blends local history, vintage charm, and hands-on discovery. Only in Simi can you step inside and be transported back in time, surrounded by period artifacts, railway memorabilia, and stories from Simi Valley’s early days as a bustling rail stop.

Outside, the model railroad layout—built and operated by passionate local enthusiasts—brings the golden era of railroading to life for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff, a train lover, or simply looking for a uniquely Simi Valley experience, the Santa Susana Depot offers a nostalgic journey that’s as educational as it is enchanting.

• December 20-21, stop by the depot from 1-4pm for their annual Santa at the Depot event where you can strike a pose with Santa in your cheeriest holiday outfit, grab some popcorn and candy canes, and enjoy a showing of The Polar Express.

The depot is open regular hours to the public every Saturday and Sunday, except major holidays, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

A living time capsule,  Strathearn Historical Park and Museum is one of Simi Valley’s most distinctive experiences. Spread across 6.5 acres of beautifully preserved grounds, the park brings Simi Valley’s history to life through its collection of original and carefully relocated historic buildings, including the Strathearn House, the Colony House, barns, churches, and early ranch structures.

Visitors can walk through more than a century of local stories to catch a glimpse of the families, pioneers, and cultures that shaped the region. Whether you’re exploring antique furnishings, wandering shaded pathways, or stepping inside lovingly restored landmarks, Strathearn Historical Park offers an authentic, uniquely Simi Valley journey into the past.

• You can catch the Holiday Open House on December 7th when the grounds will be beautifully decorated for the Season.
• On December 12-14, fans of “Little House on the Prairie” are invited to step back into the warmth of Walnut Grove at the Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion.

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll only find in Simi Valley—a beautifully restored 1920s landmark that has become the heart of the city’s performing arts scene. Inside this historic stone building, visitors can experience an impressive lineup of live theater, musicals, concerts, comedy shows, film events, and cultural performances, all produced with the charm and intimacy of a community-focused venue. Whether you’re catching a Broadway-style production or attending a special event, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center delivers an artistic experience that’s distinctly and proudly Simi Valley.