Colorado Railroad Museum
Published: February 12, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Nestled against the breathtaking foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Railroad Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of rail transport in the American West. As you plan your visit or simply wish to learn more about this fascinating institution, this guide will provide all the information you need to enjoy every aspect of what the museum has to offer.
Westside Lumber 3-truck Shay #12 leads an excursion on the Westside & Cherry Valley at Tuolumne, California in May, 1979. The engine now resides at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Drew Jacksich photo.Introduction
The Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Golden, Colorado, has been preserving the vibrant history of railroading since its opening in 1959. This 15-acre site is home to an extraordinary collection of over 100 narrow and standard-gauge locomotives, railcars, and other rolling stock, set amidst a picturesque landscape that mirrors the beauty of historic rail routes.
The museum building is an accurate replication of a railroad depot from the 1880s. It hosts exhibitions that include original photographs taken by notable pioneer photographers like William Henry Jackson and Louis Charles McClure, alongside artworks created by distinguished artists such as Howard L. Fogg, Otto Kuhler, and Ted Rose.
Additionally, the museum showcases locomotives and railroad cars crafted at a one-inch scale by Herb Votaw. A bay window features a meticulously reconstructed telegrapher's office from a depot, complete with a functioning telegraph sounder.
On the museum's lower level, there is an exhibition hall dedicated to seasonal and traveling exhibits pertinent to the historical narrative of railroading.
This level also accommodates the Denver HO Model Railroad Club's "Denver and Western" operating HO and HOn3 scale model train layout, which serves as a miniature representation of Colorado's railway heritage.
The Robert W. Richardson Library within the museum boasts a collection of over 10,000 rare historic photographs, supplemented by a wealth of reference materials including timetables, maps, employee records, and engineering documents related to the railroads of Colorado.
Whether you're a train enthusiast or a curious traveler, the museum promises an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Exhibits and Attractions
Rolling Stock Collection
The museum boasts an extensive collection of narrow-gauge rolling stock, each measuring 3 feet in width, and offers narrow-gauge train rides during special events known as "Steam Up" days.
Among the museum's prized exhibits is the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad No. 683, a coal-fired 2-8-0 "Consolidation" class steam locomotive. Crafted by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1890 with builder's number 11207, it stands as the sole surviving standard gauge (4 feet 8 ½ inches) steam locomotive from the D&RGW.
Notable Pieces
| Locomotive Name | Completion Date | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 4-8-4 #5629 | 1940 | Display | Constructed in the year 1940 at CB&Q's West Burlington Shopss, the Type O-5B class was retired in 1956. In 1963, it was transferred to the Colorado Railroad Museum, where it continues to hold the distinction of being the museum's largest steam locomotive. |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-2 #491 | 1928 | Operational | #491 is a classic 2-8-2 "Mikado" type narrow-gauge steam locomotive, originally constructed by the D&RGW at its Burnham Yard. Displayed at the museum since 2000, it subsequently underwent a comprehensive restoration, culminating in its return to operational status in August 2014. |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 #346 | July 1881 | Out of Service | #346, built as #406, is a narrow-gauge 2-8-0. It was constructed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in July 1881. |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 #318 | 1896 | Display | #318 is a narrow-gauge 2-8-0, manufactured by Baldwin in March 1896. Originally designated as #8 "Goldfield" for the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad (F&CC), it was acquired by the Denver & Rio Grande (D&RG) Railroad in 1917, initially assigned #428. It was subsequently renumbered as 318 in 1921. |
| Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway #1 | 1890 | Display | #1 is a steam locomotive of the 0-4-2 configuration, constructed in 1890 by Baldwin. Initially christened "John Hulbert," it was in operation on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from 1891 until the 1960s. In March 1893, it was rebuilt into a Vauclain compound locomotive and renumbered 1. |
| Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 #20 | 1899 | Operational | #20, a narrow-gauge Ten-wheeler built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works in Schenectady, New York, in 1899. |
| Denver Leadville & Gunnison 2-8-0 #191 | 1880 | Display | #191 is a narrow-gauge 2-8-0 built by Baldwin in 1880. Originally built as #51 for the Denver, South Park & Pacific, it was later renumbered 191 following its reorganization into the Denver, Leadville & Gunnison. It was redesignated as No. 31 under the Colorado & Southern Railway before it was sold to the Edward Hines Lumber Company. It continued to see various owners over the years including the A. A. Bigelow Lumber Company of Washburn, Wisconsin, and then purchased in 1904 by the Robbins Railroad Company, where it operated as Thunder Lake Lumber Company #7. In 1973, the Colorado Railroad Museum acquired #191 and brought it back to its original state, later performing a cosmetic restoration for exhibition purposes. The locomotive holds the distinction of being the oldest in the state of Colorado. |
| Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 #683 | 1890 | Display | #683 is a standard-gauge 2-8-0. Retired in 1955, the locomotive stands as the last surviving standard gauge locomotive from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. |
Other pieces not mentioned above within their collection includes Rio Grande 0-4-0 #50, F9A #5771, F9B #5762, GP30 #3011, and SD40T-2 #5401. The museum also owns West Side Lumber Company's Shay #12 and #14 as well as "Gallooping Goose" #2, #6, and #7.
Museum Activities
Train Rides
All railroad artifacts are showcased in an outdoor setting. The display tracks feature a rare three-way stub switch, dual gauge tracks and switches, along with century-old switch stands. These tracks accommodate over 100 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars. On operational days running from April to October a ⅓ mile oval track of 3-foot gauge is employed for train rides.
These trips provide a direct line back to the golden age of rail travel, offering beautiful views of the mountains and a genuine feel of train travel’s bygone era.
Overview
The Colorado Railroad Museum is more than just a collection of trains; it's an immersive journey through history, technology, and the pioneering spirit of Colorado’s railroaders.
Whether you're riding the rails on a vintage locomotive, marveling at the craftsmanship of model railroads, or delving into the stories of the past, the museum promises an educational and inspirational experience for all visitors.
Whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast or a curious traveler, this remarkable museum offers a day of adventure and discovery in the heart of the Rockies. Plan your visit today and ride along the tracks of history.
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