May 11th is National Train Day, which means it will be an excellent day to ride a train or visit a train museum, like the Colorado Railroad Museum or the Greeley Freight Station Museum.
There are wonderful, year-round opportunities in Colorado to experience trains, both full-size passenger trains and model railroads.
I have compiled a list of festivals and shows for you to consider this summer, fall and winter. I did my best to find of these events as possible, but I know I haven’t found all of them, so please feel free to leave a comment if you know about one I haven’t mentioned here.
I have not included the many special events that occur on passenger trains, such as “beer train” or “Christmas train,” but I have included links to all the passenger trains in Colorado at the bottom of this post, so you can visit each of their websites to learn more.
Colorado Train Festivals
3rd Annual Durango Blues Train
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
May 31-June 1, 2013 in Durango
The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival presents the 3rd Annual Durango Blues Train Ride. Listen to six live blues and Zydeco acts while aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
White Water Rafting Race Train
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
June 21, 2013 in Canon City
The train follows the Down River Kayak Race & Down River Raft Race from Parkdale back to Canyon City. Pick a team and cheer them on.
Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days Train
July 20 & July 21, 2013
Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 powers the annual excursion from Denver, Colorado to Cheyenne Wyoming and return trip.
Durango Railfest
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
August 15-18, 2013 in Durango
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is partnering with TRUE WEST Magazine for this year’s “True West Railfest.”
For other events aboard the Leadville, Colorado & Southern and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, including photography excursions, check out this informative website.
Colorado Train Shows
TECO Train Expo Colorado
June 15-16, 2013 in Colorado Springs
Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show
November 30-December 1, 2013 in Denver
Train Show
December 14, 2013 in Longmont
At the Boulder County Fairgrounds
More info bmrc.info@gmail.com
Rails in the Rockies 2014
February 15-16, 2014 in Estes Park
Links to Colorado passenger trains:
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
The Royal Gorge Route
Note: Many of these trains have special events throughout the years, including Christmas trains, wine trains, beer trains and more. Check their websites to learn more.