Colorado Railroad Museum | Denver

The Colorado Railroad Museum is a non-profit educational institution located in Golden, Colorado, dedicated to preserving and interpreting Colorado's railroad heritage.

It houses a significant collection of locomotives, railroad cars, and artifacts, offering a comprehensive look at the state's railway history.

Visual Characteristics

The museum grounds feature a collection of over 100 pieces of rolling stock, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Structures on site include a historic turntable, a roundhouse, and various outbuildings constructed from wood and corrugated metal. The rolling stock exhibits a range of colors, primarily reflecting the liveries of former railroad companies such as Denver & Rio Grande Western, Burlington, and Union Pacific.

Location & Access Logistics

The Colorado Railroad Museum is situated at 17155 West 44th Avenue, Golden, Colorado. It is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Denver. Access is via US Highway 6 (6th Avenue) West, then turning north onto Heritage Road. Ample free parking is available on-site for vehicles and tour buses. Public transportation options are limited; the nearest RTD bus stop is approximately 1.5 miles from the museum, requiring a significant walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was founded in 1959 by railroad enthusiasts and historians. Its primary purpose is the preservation and exhibition of Colorado's railroad history, which was crucial for the state's development, particularly in mining and agriculture. The site itself is on land that was historically part of the Denver, Golden & Arvada Railway's right-of-way.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the extensive collection of historic locomotives and railcars. Guided tours of the roundhouse and workshops are available. The museum operates a narrow-gauge steam locomotive for short excursion rides on select days. Interactive exhibits are present for younger visitors. Special events, such as "Day Out With Thomas" and "Polar Express" train rides, occur seasonally.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main visitor center. Shaded areas are limited to the interior of buildings and some covered picnic spots. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available on the grounds. A gift shop sells railroad-themed merchandise. Food vendors are typically present during special events; otherwise, visitors should plan to bring their own food or dine in nearby Golden.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer moderate temperatures for outdoor exploration. Summer months (June-August) can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 85°F (29°C). Excursion train rides operate on a schedule, and checking the museum's website for operating days and times is recommended. Early morning visits can provide better lighting for photography of the rolling stock.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact is the Denver & Rio Grande Western K-37 steam locomotive #491, one of the last of its kind built. A local legend suggests that during its operational days, a phantom engineer was sometimes seen tending to the engines late at night, though this is unsubstantiated.

Nearby Landmarks

• Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave (0.8km Northwest)
• Golden History Museum & Park (1.2km Southwest)
• Coors Brewery Tour (2.5km Southeast)
• Clear Creek Trail (2.8km Southwest)
• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (6.5km Southeast)