Railroad days, murder mysteries, and wine and rails events on track through the fall.
Railroads are a huge part of Colorado history. Trains traversed the state and tied together our communities and economies from the start, making it possible to cross both the plains and the Rocky Mountain terrain.
You can enjoy some of our preserved history through a number of events running through the fall! They are perfect for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and people of all ages.
Railroad Days at Georgetown Railroad
Location: Georgetown Railroad and Mining Park
Dates: Sept. 8-9
Family-friendly fun is afoot at the Georgetown railroad. Events and activities are available all weekend long, as well as train rides. In addition, it has been rumored that the Park Country Regulators, the friendliest train robbers in the Rocky Mountains, are looking to loot the train, so be on guard!
Don’t Miss: The park offers several real mine tours, in addition to or in conjunction with, the train rides. The tours are a great look into both our mining and geological history, and they are just plain cool.
Murder at the Railroad
Location: Colorado Railroad Museum (Tickets)
Dates: 24-25
“You are cordially invited to toast the joyful union of ‘Lucky’ James Dandy, silver tycoon to the famous Italian opera star, Elenora Serenelli, at the Golden Railway Station, in the year 1880. Before they ride off into the sunset in their private railway car, a crowd gathers to celebrate! But marital bliss may have a tiny hiccup when dangerous liaisons, thievery and murder are afoot!”
Immerse yourself, literally, in this fun Wild West-themed whodunit at the railroad. This event allows you to be part of the action, following characters of your choosing for an experience you won’t forget!
Don’t Miss: The Colorado Railroad Museum itself! It has over 100 narrow and standard gauge steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses HO Model Railroad G-scale garden railway and more on a 15-acre railyard. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Concert Trains
Location: Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Dates: Aug. 26
“Come see how the West was sung!” The Rio Grande Railroad’s Mountain Rail Live concert series combines a train trip and live music performances. According to its site, the recent Spring Fire burned the Magic of Fir amphitheater where over 300 outdoor concerts have been held, but the event is still running on schedule. Come out and enjoy great music and a piece of Colorado history.
Don’t miss: Visiting the local sights, like Ft. Garland and La Veta, and support these local communities after the Spring Fire. The event is also just a short drive away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a must-see natural wonder.
Trains and corks: a winning combination. Courtesy of Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.
Sometimes you just want to enjoy the finer things in life and travel in style. Two events across the state offer a train experience with a little sophistication, so you can travel like the mining magnates and rail barons of old.
Big Fat Cigar Train
Location: Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Dates: Sept. 22
Savor life’s pleasures on a trip like no other! This train ride will serve scotch, host beer tastings, offer a four-course meal and beautiful scenery. Perfect for cigar aficionados or beginners alike, participants will learn how to select, cut, light and smoke a cigar properly. More experienced smokers will be able to mingle with fellow enthusiasts and swap tales. Must be 21 or older.
Wine and Rails
Location: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Dates: Sept. 30
This is a do-not-miss for wine connoisseurs with a sense of adventure. Participating wineries will offer wine samplings while the train chugs through the Animal Valley and San Juan Forest. Once you reach your destination, you will get a chance to sample wine, listen to music, enjoy lunch and enjoy the fall scenery. The trip back offers dessert and coffee to wrap up your trip. Must be 21 or older.
What do you think? Are you on-board? (See what we did there?) Let us know in the comments below.
A look at the life and legend of Colorado's infamous Molly Brown.
