Never Stop Learning

The Colorado Railroad Museum’s popular topical lecture series, Rails & Cocktails, returns with a diverse schedule of talented presenters. Additional programs include Behind-the-Scenes Tours and other unique experience opportunities.

Each Friday, the Museum offers two traditional walking tours. The Highlight Tour acts as a wonderful introduction to the Museum, its collections and the railroads impact on Colorado’s history.

Visitors can also join us for the afternoon tour where each week our trained guides delve more deeply into a different aspect of Colorado’s railroad history.

Highlights Tour every Friday at 10:30am
Special Topic Tour every Friday 1:30PM-2:30PM

Tours are subject to change and are based on guide availability. Each week’s theme is explored using a variety of museum resources to help bring the subject to life with the understanding that guests are welcome to continue their visit on their own after their tour.

2024 Special Topic Tour Dates & Subjects

Afternoon Highlight Walking Tour:
March 29, May 3, August 23.

“Moving the Message” Walking Tour: 
June 28, October 4, November 1.

Steam & Diesel Locomotive  Walking Tour:
May 10, July 12, September 13, October 18, November 29, December 20.

The Caboose Walking Tour:
April 19, May 24, July 26, September 27, November 8, December 13.

The Galloping Goose Walking Tour:
April 5, May 17, July 19, August 2, October 11, December 27.

The Railroad Kitchen Walking Tour: 
March 15, May 31, June 14, July 5, August 30, November 15.

The RPO (Railroad Post Office) Walking Tour: 
March 22, April 12, June 7, August 9, September 6, October 25, December 6

Freight Train Walking Tour:
April 26, June 21, August 16, September 20, November 22

Guided Theme Tour: $3 plus General Admission (Free for Museum Members, ages under 2).
General Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids 2-15 (under 2 is free), $8 seniors (60+). Museum members and children under age 2 are free.

 

An Evening of Colorado History – Relax, enjoy a beverage and travel back to a time when railroads shaped the American West.

7:00pm Select Fridays
Presentation lengths vary, bar opens at 6:30pm.

Admission: $20 Adults. Ages 21+ only. Admission includes 2 beverages of your choice (beer, wine or soda) and snacks.

 

APRIL 5th – Railroad Stations In American Life
Join award-winning documentary producer Richard Luckin for a showing of his just-released program Railroad Stations in American Life.

This beautifully illustrated film documents the U.S. railroad station’s development from civic center into today’s temples of transportation. Researched by Peter A. Hansen and narrated by Michael Gross, the program presents a diverse cast of historians on-camera examining the role of the railroad station in America.

The railroad station was once an institution in American life, in small towns and big cities alike. This human-interest tale is interweaved with history as the program explores how people interacted with the stations in their towns through multiple generations. Locations are covered across the U.S. and include both stations still active in transportation, and others preserved but re-purposed. An intermission break will be included, plus Q&A with producer Luckin at the conclusion of the showing.

JUNE 7th – Eating, Drinking, and Railroading with Buffalo Bill
Steve Friesen has published four books and numerous articles about American history. He retired from a 40-year museum career in 2017, after serving as director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave for 22 years, located right here in Golden. This month’s program is based upon his latest book Galloping Gourmet: Eating and Drinking with Buffalo Bill, released in December 2023.

William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was a hunter, frontiersman, and showman. Less well known was the fact that Cody was as comfortable eating at Delmonico’s in New York City as dining on wild game around a campfire. He dined with kings, queens, princes and presidents, as well as notables including Thomas Edison, Oscar Wilde, and James McNeill Whistler. He was even an innovator on the culinary scene, opening the first Mexican restaurant east of the Mississippi (in New York City), introducing popcorn to the European continent, and promoting American cocktails in England.

In this presentation, Friesen will showcase Buffalo Bill’s life as a gourmet, as well as the important role that the railroad played in his life. “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World” traveled throughout the U.S. during its heyday, with America’s railroads doing the job of transporting the show’s many aspects including animals, tents and more. It’s a story filled with intrigue, excitement, even a train wreck—with this presentation weaving railroading and gourmand together into a truly “Galloping Gourmet” of a program!

Additional dates for 2024 to be announced soon!

For the early part of January, the Colorado Railroad Museum does NOT offer Saturday Train Rides. The Museum Depot and Outdoor Railyard are open as usual Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Early winter in Colorado can be delightful, but when winter weather comes to Colorado, it can become frightful! Snowfall can vary greatly by region, and we strive to clear parking lots and pathways for your safety, but sometimes it’s just not safe. If it’s snowing mightily outside, or if the snow has just stopped after a large snowfall event, please call ahead (Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) before your visit: (303) 279-4591.

Tour The Colorado Railroad Museum

The familiar whistle has always promised adventure. The gentle rock of the rails has set the rhythm of our lives. Enjoy touring our outdoor railyard filled with vestiges of Colorado’s rich railroad heritage. See our indoor HO Model Railroad and our Changing Exhibits. Then, catch a ride on-board a passenger train pulled by a powerful, vintage locomotive!

The Colorado Railroad Museum features a large, outdoor exhibit space and is effectively an active rail yard. Please wear appropriate clothing for Colorado weather and good footwear – we recommend good walking shoes or hiking boots as well as flexible layers. Grounds open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday Train Rides depart every 30 minutes 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (crews take a lunch break at 12:30 p.m).

UPCOMING EVENTS BY DATE

1

Come Hitch a Ride

15-acre railyard with over 100 locomotives is waiting for you to explore. 

Address

17155 W. 44th Avenue
Golden, CO 80403

Office hours

Open Daily
9:00am – 5:00pm

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(800) 365-6263

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