Welcome aboard, train enthusiasts! If locomotives, railroads, and models pique your interest, then the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is the perfect destination for you. Situated in Greeley, Colorado, this museum showcases one of the largest scale model train exhibits in the country, stretching over 500 feet of track. With intricate details and accurately depicted landscapes, visitors of all ages will be captivated by this charming miniature world. So climb aboard and immerse yourself in the wondrous world of trains!
Discover the Colorado Model Railroad Museum
Are you a railroad enthusiast? Do you like trains or just want to discover something new? If so, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is the perfect place for you. Located in Greeley, Colorado, this museum exhibits some of the most elaborate model trains and railroad collections. In this article, we will give you an introduction to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, including its founding, size, exhibits, and events.
Location and History
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum was founded in 2006 by a group of model train enthusiasts in the city of Greeley, Colorado. They aimed to create a space where the public could enjoy and learn about model trains and railroads. After several years of planning and community support, the museum finally opened its doors to the public in 2011.
The building that houses the museum is the old Great Western Sugar Company factory, which was converted into a museum in honour of the rich railroading history in Greeley. The museum is located in the heart of Greeley and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train.
Size and Exhibits
One of the unique features of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is the size of its model train layouts. Visitors can see over 5,500 square feet of train layouts, which have been constructed with great attention to detail and accuracy. The museum’s collections feature trains from various periods, including steam engines, diesel engines, and passenger trains. The exhibits show the development of railroading in Colarado since the early 20th century.
In addition to the layout, the museum also has a large collection of model trains in various scales. The collection is one of the most comprehensive in the region, and visitors can see trains from different eras, such as the golden age of railroading and the modern era of high-speed trains.
Events and Programs
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum has a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year. It hosts some of the most significant exhibitions and train shows in Colorado. The museum also offers education programs and scouting programs, such as merit badge programs, to teach young people about railroading and model trains. The museum also has a gift shop, where visitors can purchase train-related items, books and railway memorabilia to take home as a keepsake.
One of the museum’s most significant events is the annual Great Train Show, which features over 100 vendors selling train-related items such as train sets, books, and other memorabilia. The show welcomes hundreds of visitors every year and has become one of the most popular events in the region.
Conclusion
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is an essential destination for railroad enthusiasts and anyone interested in American history. With its impressive size and scale of train layouts and collections, the museum provides visitors with an unparalleled experience of the rich history of railroading in Colorado. The museum’s events and educational programs make it an excellent destination for family visits, school trips, scout groups, and train lovers.
Exploring the Train Layouts
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a wonderland for train enthusiasts. The museum is home to several amazing train layouts and collections that keep visitors entertained and engaged for hours. The train layouts feature interactive displays, themed layouts, and an extensive collection of model trains, railroad artifacts, and historical exhibits.
Interactive Displays
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum features interactive displays that allow visitors to control trains and accessories. The interactive displays are a great way to get hands-on with trains and learn about how they operate. These displays are great for kids and adults alike as they offer a unique and immersive experience.
The interactive displays include train control panels, train simulators, and other hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it’s like to operate a train. The controls on the panels are easy to use, and visitors can choose from multiple train routes to experience different terrains, weather conditions, and time periods.
The interactive displays are not just for fun; they offer educational opportunities as well. The information provided on the displays teaches visitors about the history of trains, how they operate, and the role they played in shaping the world we live in today.
Themed Layouts
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum features several themed layouts that are fascinating to explore. The themed layouts feature different terrains, structures, and landscapes that highlight different regions of the country. The attention to detail in the layouts is astonishing, with every inch of the model carefully crafted to represent real-life locations.
The themed layouts include the Rocky Mountains, Wild West, Northeast Corridor, and more. Each layout features unique structures like towns, mountains, and factories, as well as different weather conditions and types of trains. Visitors can experience what it’s like to travel through different regions of the country, and learn about the history and geography of each region.
The themed layouts are not just for display but also offer an immersive experience. Visitors can operate the trains on the layouts, and control the various accessories like cars, buildings, and bridges. The themed layouts provide a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to work on a model railroad, and visitors of all ages can enjoy them.
Model Train Collections
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is home to an extensive collection of model trains, railroad artifacts, and historical exhibits. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from the earliest days of rail travel to the present day.
The model train collection is impressive, with trains of all types and sizes, from steam engines to modern high-speed trains. The attention to detail in the collection is exceptional, with every train and accessory accurately represented. Visitors can see trains from different eras and regions, and learn about how they were used throughout history.
The museum’s collection of railroad artifacts includes everything from tools and equipment to uniforms and signage. Visitors can learn about the role of railroads in shaping America’s economy and culture, and how they continue to be a vital part of our transportation infrastructure today.
The historical exhibits at the museum provide a fascinating look at the history of rail travel, from its early beginnings to modern times. Visitors can see how railroads changed the world and contributed to the growth and development of the United States.
In conclusion, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of rail travel. With interactive displays, themed layouts, and an extensive collection of model trains and artifacts, visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring this amazing museum.
Learning Opportunities
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is not only a place where you can witness the beauty of trains and railroads, but it is also a center of learning. Here are some of the educational opportunities that you can find at the museum:
School and Group Tours
If you are a teacher looking for a fun yet educational field trip destination, then the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is an excellent choice. The museum offers guided tours for schools and private groups, which allow students to experience the history of railroads firsthand. Through the tours, students can learn about the technological advancements that led to the development of trains, as well as the impact of railroads on the economy and society. The museum also provides interactive exhibits that allow students to explore and have hands-on experiences.
The tours can be tailored to specific age groups and subjects. For example, elementary school students can participate in train-building activities or learn about the different types of trains, while middle and high school students can delve deeper into the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) aspects of railroads. The museum also offers special tours for homeschooling groups and special needs students.
If you are interested in booking a school or group tour, you can contact the museum’s education department. The museum also provides a downloadable group tour guide for teachers.
Scout Programs
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum also offers scout programs, which allow scouts to earn merit badges while learning about railroads. Boy scouts and girl scouts can participate in various programs, such as the Railroading merit badge, which requires scouts to learn about the history of railroads, railroad safety, and model railroading. The museum also provides activities that scouts can complete to fulfill the requirements of the merit badge, such as building a model railroad layout or identifying railroad signals.
Other scout programs offered at the museum include the Model Building Workshop and the Railroading Adventure Day. The Model Building Workshop gives scouts the opportunity to learn basic modeling techniques and build a wooden model train, while the Railroading Adventure Day allows scouts to explore the museum’s exhibits and participate in hands-on activities.
If you are a scout leader looking for a fun and educational activity for your troop, you can contact the museum’s education department to schedule a scout program.
Adult Programming
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is not just for children and students – adults can also find plenty of learning opportunities at the museum. The museum hosts various events for adults throughout the year, such as train shows, clinics, and workshops.
The train shows, which are held annually, bring together model train enthusiasts from all over the country. Visitors can see various model railroad layouts and interact with other hobbyists. The clinics and workshops provide opportunities for adults to learn about various aspects of model railroading, such as scenery building, wiring, and weathering. The museum’s volunteers and staff members, who are experts in the field, lead these programs.
The museum also offers memberships for adults, which provide access to exclusive events, discounts, and other benefits. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can visit the museum’s website for more information.
Whether you are a student, a scout, or an adult, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum has something to offer in terms of education and learning. By visiting the museum, you can discover the rich history and culture of railroads, as well as the art and science of model railroading.
Membership and Donations
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of its community to continue its mission of preserving and promoting the art of model railroading. The museum offers several membership and donation opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and support this unique attraction.
Membership Benefits
Becoming a member of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum grants you access to a host of exclusive benefits. Members enjoy free admission to the museum for the entire year, as well as invitations to special events and activities throughout the year. Members also receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases and can take advantage of member-only opportunities such as behind-the-scenes tours and access to new exhibits. Membership levels range from individual to family to lifetime, making it easy to find the right membership package that fits your budget and needs.
By becoming a member of the museum, you are supporting its mission to educate and inspire visitors of all ages with the history and art of model railroading. Your membership contribution directly supports the museum’s operating expenses, preservation efforts, and ongoing projects, helping to keep this unique attraction thriving and accessible to all.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are passionate about model railroading and want to contribute your time and skills to support the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, there are several volunteer opportunities available. The museum relies on volunteers to help with operations, events, and maintenance, offering a chance to get hands-on with the collections and exhibits. Volunteers can help with everything from building and maintaining layouts to greeting visitors and providing tours. Volunteering at the museum is a great way to gain new skills, meet like-minded people, and support a worthwhile cause.
The museum welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and provides training and support to ensure a rewarding volunteer experience. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups, and organizations, making it easy to get involved and give back to your community.
Donation and Sponsorship Opportunities
In addition to membership and volunteerism, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum also welcomes donations and sponsorships from individuals and organizations who are passionate about model railroading and supporting this unique attraction. Donations can be made in any amount, and sponsorships are available for a range of levels. Both donations and sponsorships directly support the museum’s operations, maintenance, and ongoing projects, ensuring that this attraction can continue to educate and inspire visitors for years to come.
As a donor or sponsor, you can feel good about supporting an organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and art of model railroading. Your contribution helps to ensure that the museum remains accessible to all visitors, maintains its collections and exhibits, and can continue to offer engaging programming and events for all ages.
Whether you are interested in becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation or sponsorship, there are plenty of ways to get involved and support the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Your contribution helps to ensure the success and longevity of this unique and beloved attraction, allowing future generations to experience the wonder and art of model railroading.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults. With interactive exhibits and a vast collection of model trains, the museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of railroads and their impact on society. Here is some information to help you plan your visit.
Admission and Hours
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. General admission for adults is $10, while children aged 12 and under get in for free. Seniors, students, and military members receive a discounted admission rate of $8.
Group rates are also available for groups of 15 or more people. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the museum.
If you plan to visit frequently, consider purchasing a membership. Members receive unlimited admission to the museum as well as other benefits like discounts at the gift shop and special event invitations.
Parking at the museum is free, and there is ample space for cars and RVs.
Gift Shop and Cafe
At the gift shop, you can find a variety of souvenirs and gifts related to model trains, railroads, and Colorado history. From books and DVDs to hats and t-shirts, there is something for everyone. Members receive a 10% discount on all gift shop purchases.
The museum also has a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. The cafe’s hours are the same as the museum’s.
Park History and Local Attractions
The museum is located in the beautiful Greeley Freight Station, which was built in 1930 and served as a hub for the Union Pacific Railroad. The station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and was restored in 2009 to its original Art Deco style.
The station is part of the Greeley Freight Station Museum Complex, which also includes a historic covered bridge, an antique caboose, and a model railroad layout of the Greeley area. The complex is situated in Greeley’s beautiful Lincoln Park, which features a swimming pool, playground, and picnic areas.
There are many other nearby attractions to explore in Greeley and the surrounding area, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture. The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is just 10 minutes from downtown Greeley, where you can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Other nearby attractions include local parks, nature preserves, and museums.
Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a must-see destination. With its fascinating exhibits, friendly staff, and convenient location, the museum is sure to provide a memorable experience for all.