Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.
Event Series Event Series: Saturday Train Rides

Celebrating the California Zephyr and Train Rides

March 23 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

California Zephyr 75th: This special offering centers on the beloved California Zephyr passenger train, a Colorado railroading icon that inaugurated service between Chicago and Oakland/San Francisco in March 1949—75 years ago. Featuring shiny new Vista Domes so passengers could enjoy its scenic route, the California Zephyr was operated as a partnership by three different railroads (Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Denver & Rio Grande Western, and Western Pacific). The celebrated train ceased operating in 1970, just prior to the inception of Amtrak.

The Denver & Rio Grande Western went on to operate its own Rio Grande Zephyr between Denver and Salt Lake City, using original California Zephyr cars and locomotives. This allowed the D&RGW to remain unaffiliated with Amtrak for its first dozen years. When the Rio Grande Zephyr ceased service in 1983, it was the final inter-city passenger train in private operation in the U.S. Today, Amtrak continues to operate the California Zephyr between Chicago and Oakland/San Francisco. In Colorado, the train still follows its original route, too!

On Saturday, March 23, the Colorado Railroad Museum will offer several activities focused on the California Zephyr. Join us (9:30 a.m.) for a re-christening of the “Dome Car Monument,” which was erected alongside the Zephyr’s route in Glenwood Canyon to commemorate the location’s significance in coming up with the concept behind the modern, streamlined railroad dome car.

From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tour the cab of Denver & Rio Grande Western streamlined F9A locomotive No. 5771, which pulled the California Zephyr and Rio Grande Zephyr. At 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Pavilion, former Zephyrette Cathy Moran (later von Ibsch) will share what it was like from the perspective of on-board crew. Video documentaries will also be screened from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the new Video Wall in the Pavilion, and of course, Saturday Train Rides will be operating.

Rides depart every 30 minutes 10am-3p.m

CLICK HERE ORDER TICKETS ONLINE
Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 2-17, $8 seniors ages 60+. Free for Museum members and children under age 2.
Train Rides:
$4 adults, $2 ages 2-17. Free for Museum members and children under age 2.
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 9am–5pm. Rides depart every 30 minutes 10am-3pm (crews take a lunch break at 12:30pm).

Details

Date:
March 23
Time:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Series:
Event Category:
Event Tags:
,

Organizer

Colorado Railroad Museum
Phone
303-279-4591
Email
info@crrm.org
View Organizer Website

Venue

Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W 44th Avenue
Golden, CO 80403 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
303-279-4591
View Venue Website

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

Call us

(800) 365-6263

Let's get connected

Come Visit Us