School Programs
The Colorado Railroad Museum’s field trips and outreach materials are designed to engage students using historical objects and primary sources that build critical thinking skills, encourage vocabulary development and address Colorado Academic Standards.
Whether it’s one of our ongoing programs or a program related to our changing exhibitions – the Colorado Railroad Museum is committed to helping your students connect with and understand the topics critical to making Colorado what it is today, and the instrumental role that railroads played in that story.
Hope to see you soon!
RAIL DAYS: A COLORADO FIELD TRIP
10:00am-2:00pm
Thursday & Friday April 27 & 28, 2023
Designed for Grades 2-6
Celebrate the impact railroads had on Colorado through a variety of hands-on activities. Ride behind a historic Colorado locomotive, learn Morse code, meet a Hobo and learn his language, lay track on the Great Big Map of Colorado, try turning the turntable and more! The museum is joined by area cultural partner organizations at this program to help us tell this important story!
Admission: $9 per person, per day (includes train ride).
Educators, please save time and fill out the Rail Days Reservation Form available here and send the completed reservation form to roni@crrm.org.
Questions? Email roni@crrm.org or call 720-274-5147.
Bring your students to a place where they can:
RIDE behind a historic steam locomotive.
MEET a hobo and learn the secret code hobos used to send messages to each other.
TRY your hand at Morse Code.
EXAMINE the role Pullman Porters played and their important part in the Civil Rights Movement.
ANALYZE the math behind scale model railroads.
DISCOVER how railroads helped develop mining, agriculture and tourism in Colorado.
WORK with railroad tools to lay track.
LAY “TRACK” on the Giant Map of Colorado to see how our state was settled.
LOOK for the simple machines that make up a train.
STUDY the role economics played in creating the “Gallopin’ Goose” Motorcar.
AND MORE….
– Space is limited so make your reservations early to ensure a spot!
– 50% deposit due at time of reservation. Final confirmation of attendance numbers and balance of payment is due on the day of the program.
– No refunds once payment is made.
“Colorado without railroads is relatively useless.”
– Territorial Governor John Evans
Feedback from educators:
“Thank you so much for the beyond amazing day! My students took away so much. Your staff was very engaging and knew this age group so well. We are looking forward to always making the trip each year. Loved it!”
– Julia’s Crew
EDUCATION BROCHURE
RESERVATION FORM
Please save and fill out the Field Trip Reservation Form available here and send the completed form to fieldtrips@crrm.org.
Questions? Email fieldtrips@crrm.org.
LOGISTICS
Availability
Field trips are available by reservation Tuesday through Friday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate different times.
Cost
• See individual program listings
• Free admission for one adult chaperone for every five children (under 6) or 1 adult every 15 children. $10 for each adult over this ratio.
• Payment in full is due on the day of your field trip.
PREVISIT RESOURCES
COLORADO ACADEMIC STANDARDS
An updated overview of the Colorado Academic Standards addressed by each program is coming soon!
IN YOUR CLASSROOM
Artifact Trunks
PreK – 6th grades
Cost: $50 per class.
Explore the railroad through its objects!
• Technology & Trains
• Economy on the Tracks
• Social Customs on the Railroad
Meet My Friend…
ALL Grades
Cost: $100 per class.
• Ephraim Goble (Rail Yard Worker)
• Mary Coulter (Designer for AT&SF Railway)
• Hobo (Riding the rails looking for work)
• Harvey Girl (Waitress in Harvey Houses)
Great Big Map of Colorado – Train Timeline
2nd – 6th grades
Cost: $50
Learn how Colorado came to be settled from a railroad point of view using the giant map of Colorado to “lay” track.
A History of the Impact of Colorado’s Railroads, a Primary Source Set
3rd – 4th grades
Cost: Free
At the Museum:
Colorado Railroads On Your Own
Grades: preK – 12th grade $4.00 per student
This self-guided tour begins with a short welcome by museum staff before you set off on your own adventure.
Trains!
Grades: preK – 1st grade $4.00 per student
Learn the names of the different rail cars & the work they do!
Westward Ho! Colorado
Grades: 3rd grade-12th grade $4.00 per student
Explore the railroad’s impact on westward expansion and Colorado’s settlement!
Machines in the Age of Rail
Grades: 6th – 12th grade $4.00 per student
Delve into the simple and complex machines found at the museum’s active railyard!
*NEW* Riding the train at the Colorado Railroad Museum
Students can now experience what it was like to ride a historic train!
* On public train ride days $4/per adult & $2/per child
* Guest train ride opportunities when not running public trains:
– Galloping Goose #7 – $500
(1-100 Guests, 25 maximum per trip)
Note: not available during pandemic
– Diesel Locomotive with Passenger Cars – $1,250
(1-500 Guests, 125 maximum per trip)
– Steam Locomotive with Passenger Cars – $3,000
(1-500 Guests, 125 maximum per trip)
Please note – masks are required aboard trains & in Buildings for everyone ages 2 and older in alignment with local & Federal regulations.
