Colorado Railroad Museum: Collection, Overview, Photos
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.
Colorado & Southern "bobber" #1009 preserved at the Colorado Railroad Museum. American-Rails.com collection.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.
Recent Articles
-
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:37 PM
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog—year-round summit trains with late September–mid-October aspen color. ~3-hour RT from Manitou Springs. Book cograilway.com. -
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Fall Colors Trains (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:28 PM
Named Fall Colors trains from Osceola, WI through the St. Croix River Valley—~90 minutes, weekends mid-Sept through late Oct. Book trainride.org. -
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM
Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com. -
Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM
Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips. -
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips. -
Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips
Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM
2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips. -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM
Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide. -
Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM
Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide. -
Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads
Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM
Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides. -
Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM
Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide. -
Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory
Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM
American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory. -
New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM
New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide. -
Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History
Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM
North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles. -
Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM
Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide. -
Amtrak Unique Trainsets: TurboTrain, Turboliner, Metroliner & More
Aug 14, 26 03:44 PM
Amtrak’s distinctive trainsets—United Aircraft TurboTrain, French RTG and Rohr RTL Turboliners, German ICE and Swedish X2000 tests, and Budd Metroliners on the Northeast Corridor. -
Amtrak Locomotive Roster: Historical & Current Power
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Amtrak motive power—heritage E/F/SDP40F/F40/Genesis roster research plus mid-2020s ALC-42 Chargers, state SC-44s, ACS-64 electrics, NextGen Acela, and Airo ALC-42E dual-modes. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides From Essex
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Virginia Dinner Train Rides From Staunton
Aug 14, 26 01:41 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Discontinued Amtrak Trains: Lost Named Services & Routes
Aug 14, 26 01:25 PM
List of discontinued Amtrak and Amtrak-era named trains—Broadway Limited, Floridian, Pioneer, Desert Wind, Metroliners, North Coast Hiawatha, and dozens more with route and date notes. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides From The MRM
Aug 14, 26 01:11 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Georgia Dinner Train Rides From Nashville
Aug 14, 26 01:05 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Amtrak Ridership by Year (1971–2025): Passengers, Miles & Revenue
Aug 14, 26 01:03 PM
Amtrak fiscal-year ridership tables 1971–2019 from American-Rails.com research, plus FY2024–FY2025 record years from Amtrak public reports. -
Amtrak (USA): History, Routes, Ridership, Fleet & The National Network
Aug 14, 26 12:21 PM
Amtrak history and network—Railpax 1970, May 1 1971 startup, Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, ridership through FY2025 records, Superliners to NextGen Acela and Airo, ALC-42s, and route di… -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides Departing From Bardstown
Aug 14, 26 11:10 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Railroad Infrastructure (USA): Track, Bridges, Signals, Yards, History
Aug 14, 26 10:54 AM
American railroad infrastructure—what it means (track, ballast, ties, bridges, tunnels, signals, yards, towers), T-rail and standard gauge roots, and a full directory of fixed-plant topics. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams
Aug 14, 26 10:48 AM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Equipment: Machines, Track Work, History
Aug 14, 26 12:22 AM
Railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW)—section gangs to mechanized track work: ballast, tampers, undercutters, Jordan spreaders, spike machines, Sperry defect cars, and a full equipment directory. -
Railroad Freight Cars (USA): Types, History, AAR Codes, Modern Designs
Aug 14, 26 12:10 AM
American freight cars—from Granite Railway tram flats and B&O gondolas to boxcars, hoppers, tanks, reefers, autoracks, well cars, AAR type codes, and a full car-type directory. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 12:03 AM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
Passenger Train Cars (USA): Types, History, Pullman & Streamliners
Aug 13, 26 11:53 PM
American passenger cars—from stagecoach-style coaches and B&O’s Imlay cars to Pullman sleepers and diners, heavyweights, air-conditioning, streamliners, and a full type directory (coach, dome, RPO… -
Electric Locomotives (USA): History, Models & Preservation
Aug 13, 26 10:41 PM
American electric locomotives—from B&O’s 1895 Belt Line and Sprague’s streetcars to PRR GG1s, Milwaukee Little Joes, Virginian rectifiers, NEC power, and a roster of preserved classic motors. -
Steam Locomotive Terms & Definitions: Glossary of Parts, Types & Talk
Aug 13, 26 09:14 PM
Steam locomotive glossary—articulated, Mallet, superheater, feedwater heater, cab-forward, camelback, Shay/Heisler/Climax, duplex-drive, pop valve, quartered drivers, and more shop and type terms used… -
Steam Locomotives (USA): History, Types, Whyte Notation & Builders
Aug 13, 26 08:47 PM
American steam locomotives—from Trevithick and Stephenson to Tom Thumb, Super Power Berkshires, Big Boys and Challengers, How steam works, Whyte types, Baldwin/Alco/Lima, dieselization, and living ste… -
Locomotive History (USA): Steam, Electric & Diesel Power
Aug 13, 26 04:50 PM
How American trains are powered—steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives from Tom Thumb and Stourbridge Lion through B&O’s Howard Street motors, EMD FT, and today’s Progress Rail &am… -
Interurbans & Streetcars (USA): Definition, History & State Guides
Aug 13, 26 04:09 PM
American interurbans and trolleys—what an interurban was, peak ~15,580 miles (1916), Hilton & Due, Midwest epicenter, decline, survivors (South Shore, Iowa Traction), and links to state traction h… -
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 03:09 PM
Maryland tourist trains—Western Maryland Scenic, Walkersville Southern, B&O Railroad Museum, streetcar museums. 2026 mountains-to-Baltimore guide. -
Streamliners (USA): History, Famous Trains & Why They Mattered
Aug 13, 26 02:51 PM
American railroad streamliners—UP M-10000, Burlington Pioneer Zephyr, Hiawatha, Super Chief, California Zephyr, Art Deco design, diesel power, and the decline into Amtrak. Full named-train directory. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides From Owosso
Aug 13, 26 02:28 PM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides From Duluth
Aug 13, 26 01:02 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Delaware Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:58 PM
Delaware tourist trains—Wilmington & Western Railroad steam and specials in the Red Clay Valley. 2026 planning guide. -
Connecticut Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:42 PM
Connecticut tourist trains—Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Naugatuck Railroad, Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Shore Line Trolley. 2026 planning guide. -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides From Spencer
Aug 13, 26 12:15 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
West Virginia Railroads: History, Map, Coal Lines & Today’s Network
Aug 13, 26 12:09 PM
West Virginia railroad history—B&O, C&O, N&W, Virginian, Western Maryland; coal and logging heritage; abandonments; CSX, Norfolk Southern, short lines; Amtrak Cardinal; Cass and mountain tourist train… -
Railroad Bridges (USA): History, Types, Trusses & Famous Spans
Aug 13, 26 11:51 AM
History of American railroad bridges—from stone viaducts and wooden trestles to Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses, plate girders, movable spans, and landmarks still carrying freights and Amtrak today. -
California Dinner Train Rides From Sacramento
Aug 13, 26 11:47 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides From Woodstown
Aug 13, 26 11:42 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Aug 13, 26 11:38 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides From Boone
Aug 13, 26 11:07 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum… -
Railroad Landmarks (USA): Famous Bridges, Tunnels, Passes & Grades
Aug 13, 26 11:04 AM
U.S. railroad landmarks hub—Horseshoe Curve, Tehachapi Loop, Hoosac and Moffat tunnels, Starrucca and Thomas viaducts, mountain passes, cutoffs, and railfan hot spots. Engineering feats still carrying… -
Indiana Dinner Train Rides From Jasper
Aug 13, 26 10:00 AM
In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with…
