A Fabulous Visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum

A Golden, Colorado Hidden Gem

Tucked just west of Denver in the foothills town of Golden, Colorado, the Colorado Railroad Museum is an absolute gem for history lovers, train enthusiasts, and curious families alike. The museum greets you with its charming yellow depot building — styled after a classic 19th-century Colorado railroad station — complete with the playful sign reading “Delay Junction,” a nod to the humor of the era. Set against a brilliant blue Colorado sky, the entrance alone sets the tone for the rich journey through railroading history that awaits inside. With over 100 pieces of historic rolling stock spread across the expansive grounds, it’s the kind of place where you could easily lose an entire afternoon.

Historic Locomotives Up Close

Wandering the outdoor grounds is like stepping into a living museum of American railroading. Among the standout pieces were a massive Burlington Route steam locomotive No. 5629, sitting in imposing black iron silence on the tracks, and a lively steam engine No. 491 that was actively fired up and billowing dramatic plumes of smoke against the clear sky — a breathtaking sight even just sitting still. We also discovered a fascinating piece of cog railway history: the original Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway No. 1, one of the oldest surviving cog locomotives in the country, along with a sleek mid-century streamlined car from the same line. And the gorgeous yellow and silver Rio Grande diesel locomotive No. 5771, leading a string of passenger cars, looked as if it could roll out on a mountain run any moment.

Model Trains & Garden Railways

Back inside, the basement level houses one of the most impressive model railroad layouts we’ve ever seen — a sprawling, incredibly detailed recreation of Colorado’s mountain railroading landscape. The layout features winding track through dramatic mountain scenery, miniature mining towns, tunnels, trestles, water towers, and dozens of tiny buildings that bring the golden age of Colorado railroading to life in miniature form. Outside, the garden railroad is equally delightful — a beautifully landscaped outdoor layout with live tracks weaving through manicured shrubs, rock formations, small ponds, and replica bridges. It’s the kind of charming detail that makes the museum special for every age group.

Plan Your Visit & Excursions

While the Colorado Railroad Museum does offer train excursion rides on select dates, there unfortunately weren’t any running during our visit — so we had to settle for admiring these magnificent machines up close rather than riding behind one. Honestly though, even without an excursion, the museum more than delivers. Whether you’re a lifelong rail fan or just someone who appreciates beautifully preserved history, this place is absolutely worth the trip. If you’re planning a visit to the Denver area, put the Colorado Railroad Museum on your list — and check their schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss the chance to actually ride the rails!