Colorado Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Colorado's Railway History
Explore Colorado's rich railway history with historic trains, exhibits, and events at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.
The Colorado Railroad Museum, established in 1959 by Robert W. Richardson and Cornelius W. Hauck, stands as a testament to Colorado's pioneering railroad era. The museum is dedicated to preserving a tangible record of Colorado's dynamic railroad history, especially its narrow-gauge mountain railroads. Located in Golden, Colorado, the museum spans 15 acres along the former Colorado and Southern Railway line, nestled between the scenic North and South Table Mountains. The site features a replica of an 1880s-style railroad depot, serving as the main museum building. The museum boasts a collection of over 100 narrow and standard gauge locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and other rolling stock dating from the 1880s to the 1980s. Highlights include the oldest surviving steam locomotive in Colorado and two of the Rio Grande Southern's Galloping Geese. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring original photographs, paintings, and scale models, including the Denver HO Model Railroad Club's operating HO and HOn3 scale model train layout. The Robert W. Richardson Railroad Library houses over 10,000 historic photographs and reference materials. The museum offers train rides on a 1/3-mile loop, providing a living history experience. Special events include Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express Train Ride. Recent exhibits, such as "Hidden from History: A Century of Women in Railroading" and "Black Diamonds and Steel Rails," showcase the diverse stories and impact of railroads in Colorado.
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for special events like Day Out With Thomas or Polar Express, which require advance ticket purchases.
- Consider visiting on a Thursday for SCFD Free Days for free general admission, and take an optional train ride for a small fee.
- Take a train ride for a hands-on experience.
A brief summary to Colorado Railroad Museum
- 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, Colorado, 80403, US
- +1303-279-4591
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Driving
The Colorado Railroad Museum is located at 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403. From Denver, take I-70 west to exit 264 for CO-93 N/Golden. Follow CO-93 N into Golden, then turn west onto W 44th Ave. The museum will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. Parking costs vary.
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Public Transport
From Denver Union Station, take the Regional Transportation District (RTD) train to Wheat Ridge - Ward Station. From there, take a taxi or rideshare to the museum, which is approximately a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, several bus routes connect Denver to Golden, but may require a longer walk. RTD train fare is approximately $3, and a taxi/rideshare from the Wheat Ridge - Ward Station to the museum will cost approximately $14-$19.
