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Live Out Your Childhood Dreams On This Unique Train Ride Coming To Colorado

Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado in September to see Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy a variety of train-related activities.

Published Aug 25, 2023

Written by 

Christy Articola

Do you love trains? Do you have a child who loves trains? If either or both of these things are true, then you need to get yourself to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado on the second, third, or fourth weekend of September - because Thomas the Tank Engine is coming! Even if you don't love Thomas in particular, this museum is fantastic, and we think you're going to have a great time.

The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado was founded in 1959 to preserve the incredible history of trains in Colorado.

Two people in work overalls stand beside a vintage steam locomotive, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Facebook Colorado Railroad Museum

It's on 15 acres and it has a huge and interesting collection.

Outdoors, you'll find lots and lots of train cars, locomotives, and railroad equipment to view and, in some cases, even board. There are over 100 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars in the museum's collection.

A vintage steam locomotive on tracks, surrounded by greenery and mountains in the background.
Facebook Colorado Railroad Museum

These railway cars and engines give visitors an opportunity to look into - and step into - the past.

A vintage steam locomotive in a train shed, with smoke billowing and another train visible in the background.
TripAdvisor management

There are also small model trains at this museum as well, and they're just as cool and interesting.

Two young men adjust model trains on a miniature railway surrounded by trees and rocks on a sunny day.
Facebook Colorado Railroad Museum

The Denver HO Model Railroad Club's "Denver and Western" operating HO and HOn3 scale model trail layout is also on display.

A detailed model train landscape featuring mountains, trees, and miniature buildings along a railway track.
TripAdvisor Jason Rosenau

In September 2023, the Colorado Railroad Museum will have a special visitor. Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to town!

A cheerful blue train with a smiling face stands next to a black steam locomotive, surrounded by sunflowers.
Management/Facebook

This full-size version of Thomas the Tank Engine will be at the museum, and he's operational! You can take a ride on Thomas if you'd like.

A colorful model train resembling a cartoon character, with a blue body and red accents, set against a clear blue sky.
Management/Facebook

However, you'll need to buy tickets in advance - rides on Thomas the Tank Engine sell out quickly.

In addition to train rides, this event will include entertainment, a scavenger hunt, a hay bale maze, stage shows, sing-a-longs, and more.

A cheerful blue train with a smiling face is surrounded by four children in a forest setting.
Management/Facebook

Your whole family will have a blast at the Colorado Railroad Museum during Thomas the Tank Engine's visit.

A large blue train with a smiling face, with a child waving beside it at a sunny outdoor event.
Management/Facebook

Plan your visit now and buy tickets today so you don't miss out!

A blue train with a smiling face near a water tower and a railroad crossing sign, surrounded by sunflowers.
Management/Facebook

The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden is a hidden gem in the Denver metro. If you haven't been before, this is the perfect opportunity to go and show the little train enthusiast in your life all the cool trains - not just Thomas, but all of them. Have fun!

Are you coming in from out of town for this event? Looking for a place to stay nearby? Check out Booking.com to evaluate your options!

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