Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Museum Name | Colorado Railroad Museum |
| Website | https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/ |
| Train ride | Narrow gauge steam pulling train around museum grounds |
| Location | 17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403 |
| Cost of single ticket | $10.00 admission. Additional $4 to ride train |
| Special Trains | Day out with Thomas Dinosaur Express Train Harvest Haunt Polar Express |
Information/History
The Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Golden, Colorado, is a fascinating museum that offers a glimpse into the history of railroads in the American West. Founded in 1959, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Colorado’s railroads, as well as the history of railroading in general.
The museum’s collection includes more than 100 locomotives, passenger cars, and other railway artifacts, many of which date back to the 19th century. Visitors can explore the collection at their own pace, either on self-guided tours or with the help of knowledgeable docents.
One of the museum’s highlights is the working turntable, which is used to rotate locomotives for display and maintenance. The turntable, which dates back to the 1920s, is an impressive piece of engineering and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see locomotives up close and in action.
The museum’s main building features exhibits that cover a wide range of railroad-related topics, including the history of Colorado’s railroads, the role of railroads in the development of the West, and the various types of locomotives and cars used throughout history.
Additionally, the museum offers train rides on select weekends, providing visitors with a chance to experience the thrill of riding on a historic steam engine.
For those interested in learning more about the history of railroading in Colorado, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events. These include lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities for all ages.
The Colorado Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of railroads in the American West. With its impressive collection of locomotives and railway artifacts, as well as its engaging exhibits and educational programs, the museum provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Gauge | Builder | Notes |
| 1 | 0-4-2 Cog | Standard | Baldwin 1890 | Ex-M&PP |
| 4455 | 0-6-0 | Standard | Lima 1920 | Ex-UP |
| 191 (51) | 2-8-0 | 36” | Baldwin 1880 | Ex-DSP&P |
| 318 (8) | 2-8-0 | 36” | Baldwin 1896 | Ex-F&CC/D&RG |
| 346 | 2-8-0 | 36” | Baldwin 1881 | Ex-D&RG |
| 683 | 2-8-0 | Standard | Baldwin 1890 | Only surviving standard gauge locomotive of the D&RG |
| 74 | 2-8-0 | 36” | Brooks 1898 | Ex-RGS |
| 44 | 2-8-0 | 36” | Baldwin 1921 | Ex-IRCA |
| 491 | 2-8-2 | 36” | Burnham 1929 | Ex-D&RGW Operational |
| 20 | 4-6-0 | 36” | ALCO 1899 | Ex-F&CC Operational |
| 5629 | 4-8-4 | Standard | CB&Q 1940 | Ex-CB&Q |
| 5771 &5762 | F9 | Standard | EMD | Ex-D&RGW |
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to the museum is located in Denver. The station is called Denver Union Station and is approximately 20 miles east of the museum. Amtrak trains that stop at this station include the California Zephyr, which travels between Chicago and San Francisco, and the Southwest Chief, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles. The California Zephyr stops in Denver at 8:05 AM and 7:10 PM daily, while the Southwest Chief stops at 7:40 AM and 8:05 PM daily.
The nearest commercial airport to the museum is Denver International Airport, which is approximately 40 miles east of the museum. Visitors can reach the museum by car from the airport by taking I-70 west to the Colfax Avenue exit and following the signs to the museum. Alternatively, visitors can take the RTD bus or train from the airport to the Golden station and then take a taxi or Uber to the museum.
For visitors who prefer to drive to the museum, it is located just off of I-70 in Golden. Visitors traveling from Denver can take I-70 west to exit 261 and follow the signs to the museum. Visitors traveling from the west can take I-70 east to exit 259 and follow the signs to the museum. There is ample parking available on-site at the museum.
