Railroads were critical to Colorado’s early development, and historic artifacts of locomotive expansion remain throughout the Centennial State. Enthusiasts of all ages can view artifacts not just in museums, but also by participating in fun, interactive experiences. Walk inside a century-old depot, see train cars swivel on a roundhouse turntable and take a ride along the state’s historic tracks—via steam locomotive or an open-air railbike.
Ready to embark on a journey through Colorado’s railroad history? Here are seven activities to add to your bucket list.
Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden offers far more than just educational exhibits. Its 15-acre railyard features over a hundred locomotives and train cars, plus a track that encircles the property. Climb aboard a 20-minute train ride during its operating season, which includes special events like The Polar Express holiday performance.
This family-friendly attraction also has incredibly detailed model train layouts, one of which appears within its 1880s-replica depot museum. Drop in quarters to see a locomotive 1/87th of its real size chug along teeny, tiny tracks. coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Pedal Along the Tracks with Colorado Railbike Adventures
Colorado Railbike Adventures opened in Erie earlier this year and provides families with a fun, interactive way to learn about local railroad history. The attraction has repurposed the state’s second-oldest train tracks, which were built in 1871 and previously guided Union Pacific trains.
Now, railbikes are affixed to the tracks and carry groups of four along the 4.2-mile Boulder Valley Mine Route. Passengers can pedal past the mine’s former entrance, the original Erie Depot site and other historic markers, along with scenic views of the Front Range. A longer experience, the 8-mile Longs Peak Route, will become available this fall before Colorado Railbike Adventures closes for the season. coloradorailbikeadventures.com
Step Back In Time at the Broomfield Depot Museum
The Broomfield Depot Museum chronicles this metro area town, which grew from 160 residents in 1909 to more than 76,000 today. In part, early development can be attributed to the railroad system, which first crossed through Broomfield in 1873.
Various companies developed additional lines, including the Colorado and Southern Railway which began passenger service at the turn of the century. It also built a live-in depot building complete with a kitchen, parlor and guest rooms which today, serves as the Broomfield Depot Museum. Visit to view more than 8,000 artifacts, many of which relate to railroad history. broomfield.org
Chug Along on the Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown was once regarded as the “Silver Queen of the Rockies,” but miners moved out of the region in 1877 when riches were discovered in Leadville. Scrambling to maintain its status, the town began developing a railroad to Leadville with hopes of transporting its new-found silver. But steep terrain caused difficulties and Union Pacific intercepted, finding an easier route to navigate. Instead of serving industrial purposes, the Georgetown Loop Railroad pivoted and became one of Colorado’s earliest contributors to its tourism industry.
Learn more about this fascinating history aboard one of its scenic rides, available from late March into the holiday season. The route to and from Silver Plume is roughly an hour in length and can involve additional experiences. These include underground mine tours and gold panning, giving visitors a broad overview of the region’s storied past. georgetownlooprr.com
Explore the Como Roadhouse
The Como Roadhouse is an incredible piece of Colorado history, set about thirty minutes west of Bailey along US 285. This complex formerly served the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad and featured a hotel, a tenement house for railroad workers, maintenance facilities and more, including a roadhouse with a large turntable and nineteen engine stalls.
Several of these structures remain today, as the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The current owners and volunteers continue to restore the complex, which can be viewed from a distance but is better toured up close on open house days, which include September 21 and September 28. southparkrailsociety.org
Take the Kids to Tiny Town and Railroad
Tiny Town and Railroad is a charming attraction in Morrison, especially for families with young children. It takes cues from model train displays but scales features down to a sixth of their actual size. Single-story structures in its Western town replica stand as tall as toddlers, allowing them to peer into the windows of colorful homes, shops and dozens of other buildings.
There’s also a small train ride with multiple locomotives, one of which is powered by coal. Rides are available on select days through Labor Day when Tiny Town closes for the season. While this isn’t the place for history buffs, the hands-on learning and entertainment will thrill train-loving little ones. tinytownrailroad.com
Check Out Historic Trains at the Forney Museum of Transportation
Located in Elyria Swansea, the Forney Museum of Transportation highlights an array of motor vehicles, from historic automobiles to steam locomotives. Several trains are on display, including a Denver and Rio Grande dining car and a caboose once carted along The Colorado and Southern Railway.
However, none are more impressive than the Big Boy 4005. Only twenty-five of these high-power models were manufactured by Union Pacific and their massive size is astounding. See this rarity and more than eight hundred other artifacts when visiting. forneymuseum.org
