Colorado Railroad Museum

The Museum exists to share Colorado's rich Railroad heritage with the widest possible audience in a hands-on and three-dimensional fashion by preserving and making accessible important historic artifacts, artwork and documents, and by offering outstanding interpretive and educational programs to the community. The Museum has systematically acquired a collection of over 100 historic Railroad locomotives, passenger and freight cars dating from 1879 to the present, and also manages one of the largest archives of Railroad print, photographic and research materials in the united states. It is dedicated to sharing Colorado's rich Railroad history through the use of both small and large artifacts, along with archival materials associated with railroading in Colorado and the rocky mountain region. The Museum's research library is the second largest of its kind, and library volunteers are recognized for their in-depth knowledge of western railroads and their lines. Authors of all genres may be found researching timetables, payroll records and photographs for their projects. The Museum library is also home to an extensive collection of Railroad related art, some of it painted by world-famous artists, and donated to the Museum by dedicated collectors. This collection is sometimes loaned to other institutions in collaborative efforts. Since 1961 the Museum has published over 50 scholarly books and pamphlets on the railroads of Colorado and the west that are internationally recognized by historians. The Colorado Railroad Museum has been ranked among the top 25 denver area attractions by denver business journal and as one of the top 10 paid attractions by visit denver.the Colorado Railroad Museum continues to focus on conservation and restoration of its full-size rail vehicle collection. The importance of restoration and maintenance of historic rolling stock cannot be overstated. By ensuring that visitors are able to view and sometimes ride painstakingly restored Railroad artifacts, we are able to bring history to life and to inspire our guests to learn more about how railroads have transformed our state, the nation, and the entire world. Tour hosts address the ways in which railroads contributed to the dynamic economic, social, and agricultural changes in the american west, and helped create modern-day colorado.in 2022, major running gear repairs to denver & rio grande western steam locomotive no. 491 (vintage 1928) were completed. This locomotive today is recognized as Colorado's largest operating coal-fired steam locomotive. A Railroad kitchen car was repainted, an 1881-vintage coach had one end platform replaced and was repainted and re-lettered, and an 1880s caboose was renovated and repainted as well. Paved pathways were expanded to improve accessibility.

Starting in november of 2014 and running for almost two months each winter holiday season, the story of "the polar express" is re-created. This theatrical production blends together actors, stage productions, dramatic entrances, and quiet moments of reflection as guests are immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children's tale. And of course, the entire production is themed around a magical train ride, helping to connect Colorado's rich Railroad heritage with the broader influences of american popular culture.