Galloping Goose Museum
Ride a piece of Colorado history! Experience the unique Galloping Goose, a restored 1930s railcar, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of transport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Seasonal rides are offered
Galloping Goose Museum
Best Time
Seasonal rides are offered
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a piece of Colorado history! Experience the unique Galloping Goose, a restored 1930s railcar, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of transport.
"A truly unique experience stepping back in time on a piece of Colorado's fascinating railway heritage."
🎯 Book Goose Rides Early
Rides on the Galloping Goose are seasonal and limited. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
📞 Call Ahead for Museum
Museums are often volunteer-run. Calling ahead ensures they're open and staff are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ride the Galloping Goose No. 7
Colorado Railroad Museum
Step back in time on a restored 1930s railcar, a unique hybrid of automobile and train.
Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum
Dolores, Colorado
Discover the fascinating history of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and its iconic railcars.
Galloping Goose No. 1
Ridgway Railroad Museum
See another beautifully preserved example of these unique motorcars, a testament to engineering ingenuity.
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Planning Your Visit
Ride the Rails of History
Museum Hours & Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Goose Rides Early
Rides on the Galloping Goose are seasonal and limited. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
📞 Call Ahead for Museum
Museums are often volunteer-run. Calling ahead ensures they're open and staff are available.
💰 Donations Welcome
Entry to the museum is free, but donations are crucial for preservation efforts.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning shots of these historic railcars, especially Goose No. 7.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Goose Rides Early
Rides on the Galloping Goose are seasonal and limited. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
📞 Call Ahead for Museum
Museums are often volunteer-run. Calling ahead ensures they're open and staff are available.
💰 Donations Welcome
Entry to the museum is free, but donations are crucial for preservation efforts.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning shots of these historic railcars, especially Goose No. 7.
📚 Learn the History
The museum offers great exhibits and friendly staff to share the story of the RGS and the Goose.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Galloping Goose museums for their well-preserved historic railcars and the passionate, friendly staff who share fascinating stories. The free entry to the Dolores museum is a significant plus, though donations are highly valued. While rides are seasonal and require booking, the overall experience is described as unique and educational.
"We had a great experience at the museum, the Galloping Goose Historical Society has done a wonderful job preserving this piece of history. Very nice museum full of information with a very friendly staff that showed us the inside of #5 and told us all about the restoration and the interesting story of how they move the Goose to the Durango and Silverton and the Cumbres and Toltec lines for excursion rides. Cool gifts in the museum as well all proceeds going to the preservation of the Galloping Goose."
rockierubicon
"Want to give a big shout out to this amazing museum not only was I given the most amazing customer service ever. Additionally, they understood that my father was a quarter plegic living back home in Venezuela South America and the only way for me to share this amazing experience was by being allowedto take a couple pictures to send to him through a special messaging application."
Ellery A. Strebin
"Lovely free museum dedicated to the Goose and RGS. We loved the museum which was clean and well cared for, with extremely informative information about the railroad. Such a feat of engineering and tenacity. I’m also fascinated by Otto Mears :) great gift shop with some cool items like goose letterpress greeting cards and books galore. Staffed by volunteers so best to Call ahead."
Laurel Keenan-Coniglio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum is located in Dolores, Colorado. The Colorado Railroad Museum, which also features Goose No. 7, is in Golden, Colorado. Check specific addresses for each location.
Parking is generally available at both the Dolores museum and the Colorado Railroad Museum. It's advisable to check their respective websites for specific details.
Public transport options may be limited, especially to Dolores. It's best to plan your travel by car or check local transit schedules if available.
Yes, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad are in the general region and sometimes host Goose excursions.
The museum is a 'cute little museum' in Dolores, often found after lunch spots like Kelly's. Look for signage indicating the Galloping Goose Historical Society.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum is free. However, donations are greatly appreciated to support preservation efforts.
Yes, rides on the Galloping Goose, particularly Goose No. 7 at the Colorado Railroad Museum, require purchased tickets. These can often be booked online in advance.
Museum hours can vary as they are often staffed by volunteers. It's highly recommended to call ahead to confirm operating hours before your visit.
Galloping Goose rides are typically offered seasonally, often in the spring and fall, and on specific Tuesdays. Check the Colorado Railroad Museum's schedule for exact dates.
While on-site purchases might be possible, booking tickets for Galloping Goose rides in advance online is strongly advised to guarantee your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Galloping Goose refers to a series of seven unique motorcars built in the 1930s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. They were a hybrid of automobile and railcar, used for mail, freight, and passengers.
You can see restored Galloping Goose railcars, learn about the Rio Grande Southern Railroad's history, and explore exhibits detailing their engineering and operation. +1
Yes, children often enjoy the unique experience of riding a historic railcar and exploring the train exhibits. It's a fun way to learn about transportation history.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Visitors have shared many photos of the restored railcars, especially Goose No. 7.
Accessibility can vary. While some visitors have mentioned accommodating needs for photos, it's best to inquire directly with the specific museum or ride operator about accessibility for railcar access.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored railcars themselves, especially Goose No. 7 at the Colorado Railroad Museum and Goose No. 1 at Ridgway, are prime subjects. The surrounding museum environments also offer great backdrops.
Yes, many visitors capture photos and videos during the rides to document the unique experience. Ensure you follow any safety guidelines provided by the crew.
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, it's always best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about specific policies.
Popular shots include close-ups of the railcar's details, wide shots showing the Goose on the tracks, and action shots during rides.
Yes, the railcars can look stunning against various seasonal backdrops, from spring blooms to fall colors or even a winter wonderland if rides are offered.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores, the free entry and informative exhibits make it an accessible and educational stop. Parents can share the fascinating story of these resourceful vehicles with their children, making learning fun. Remember to check ride schedules and book tickets in advance, as these are popular family activities.
🚂 Rail Enthusiasts
Experiencing a ride on a Galloping Goose offers a rare opportunity to understand their functionality and feel the distinct character of these vehicles. The chance to see multiple Geese at different locations, like the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Ridgway Railroad Museum, allows for a comprehensive appreciation of this iconic part of railroad history.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
While rides on Goose No. 7 at the Colorado Railroad Museum do have a cost, the museum itself often has affordable admission. Planning your visit around free museum days or focusing on the Dolores location can make for a very economical yet enriching historical excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: What is a Galloping Goose?
Each Goose was unique, with modifications and rebuilds over their operational life. Goose No. 7, often featured at the Colorado Railroad Museum, is one of the largest and most well-known. These vehicles were essential for the RGS, especially during times when maintaining full steam locomotive operations was challenging. Their distinctive appearance and the ingenuity behind their creation continue to fascinate rail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Today, several of these Galloping Geese are preserved and can be seen or even ridden. The Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores, Colorado, focuses on their history, while the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden showcases Goose No. 7, offering rides that allow visitors to experience a piece of this remarkable railway heritage firsthand.
Experiencing a Galloping Goose Ride
+1During the ride, passengers can feel the gentle sway of the railcar and hear the distinctive sounds of its engine, providing an immersive historical adventure. It's a fantastic opportunity for families and train enthusiasts to step back in time. The experience is often described as charming and nostalgic, offering a glimpse into how mail, freight, and passengers were transported through Colorado's rugged terrain.
Beyond the rides, the museums dedicated to the Galloping Goose offer extensive information about their construction, operation, and the history of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. These museums are often staffed by passionate volunteers eager to share their knowledge, making the visit both educational and engaging.
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