History Park

Activity Overview

History Park is an open-air history museum in Kelley Park in San Jose that features over 30 historic buildings from the Santa Clara Valley. Visitors to the park can travel back in time to the early 1900s as they explore exhibits such as a post office, a livery stable, a gas station, and a doctor's office as well as numerous historic homes and cultural museums from the area.

Things to Do

• Visit the Trolley Barn, which showcases several electric streetcars that were used in the Santa Clara Valley in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• Stop into the Print Shop, a former downtown San Jose residence that has been transformed into a recreated print shop. During special events, visitors can use the various printing presses to create their own souvenirs.
• Check out the historic Pacific Hotel, which first opened in 1880. Today, it houses a wide range of history-related exhibits as well as an ice cream parlor.
• Explore the other period exhibits, including a doctor's office, a fruit barn, a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shed, a fire house, and a bank.

History Park Insider Tips

• Check out their calendar in order to learn about upcoming events such as special exhibits, hands-on history days, lectures, and festivals.
• Admission is free except during special events such as Hands-on History Days, which generally cost just $5 per person.
• Make sure to visit on a weekend before 3:30 p.m. if you want to go for a ride around the park on one of the historic trolleys.