Ridgway Railroad Museum
Explore the history of the Rio Grande Southern line and its unique Galloping Geese at this free, always-open museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For train rides and volunteer interaction
Ridgway Railroad Museum
Best Time
For train rides and volunteer interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the history of the Rio Grande Southern line and its unique Galloping Geese at this free, always-open museum.
"A real gem for anyone interested in old trains, with passionate volunteers and unique history."
🚂 Weekend Train Rides
Rides on some equipment are usually Fri/Sat in summer. Check ahead!
💰 Always Free Entry
Enjoy the museum and exhibits anytime, day or night, at no cost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Galloping Geese
Main exhibit area
See the unique Galloping Geese, custom-built locomotives that tackled Colorado's treacherous terrain.
Locomotive Restoration
Outdoor display and workshops
Witness impressive restoration work on historic rolling stock, a testament to volunteer dedication.
Self-Guided History Tour
Throughout the museum grounds
Explore the rich history of the Rio Grande Southern line through informative panels and accessible exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Spirit
Weekend Ride Opportunities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Weekend Train Rides
Rides on some equipment are usually Fri/Sat in summer. Check ahead!
💰 Always Free Entry
Enjoy the museum and exhibits anytime, day or night, at no cost.
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are passionate and happy to share stories and restoration details.
🚗 Easy Access
Ample parking available, often hosts car shows. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Weekend Train Rides
Rides on some equipment are usually Fri/Sat in summer. Check ahead!
💰 Always Free Entry
Enjoy the museum and exhibits anytime, day or night, at no cost.
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are passionate and happy to share stories and restoration details.
🚗 Easy Access
Ample parking available, often hosts car shows.
☀️ Daylight Exploration
Best for viewing exhibits and understanding the history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ridgway Railroad Museum for its free admission and the dedication of its volunteers. The unique Galloping Geese and ongoing restoration projects are highlights, offering a genuine glimpse into railroad history. While train rides are limited to weekends, the accessible exhibits make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local heritage.
"Such a great little stop while I drove through town. I was drawn in by the sign that said "Always Free, Always Open" and was very happy to walk around and learn about the history of the local railroad industry - even when the sun was going down. They presented digestible information via self-guided tours & printed panels and have platforms to help you see inside some of the windows."
Isabel Gonzalez
"We love the museum and volunteers! We go as often as we can for rides on weekends in the summer and are so thankful to live nearby this awesome historic attraction!"
Kylie Grace Davis
"GREAT place. If you are even a little interested in old trains this place is a real gem. Spent 2 hours here and met one of the gentlemen who has been helping to restore the old trains. He was delightful and happy to spend time showing me around and explaining a lot of the backstories. They only give rides on some of the equipment on Friday and Saturday. We were there on a Wednesday so I look forward to going back."
Alan Babcock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Ridgway, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors stop by while driving through the scenic area.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! An SUV is perfect for exploring the scenic routes around Ridgway, and the museum has plenty of parking for all vehicle types.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Ridgway Railroad Museum is famously 'Always Free, Always Open,' meaning there is no admission fee to explore the grounds and exhibits.
The museum grounds are 'Always Open,' allowing for self-guided exploration at any time. However, specific events like train rides or indoor exhibits may have limited hours, often on summer weekends. +1
No advance booking is necessary for general admission as it's always free. If you're interested in specific events like train rides, it's best to check their schedule or arrive early.
While general admission is free, special events like train rides or access to the indoor ranch museum next door might have separate fees or require donations. +1
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
You can explore historic locomotives and carriages, learn about the Rio Grande Southern line, see ongoing restoration projects, and even take train rides on select days. +1
Yes, train rides are typically offered on weekends during the summer. It's a highlight for many visitors!
Yes, children often enjoy seeing the large trains and learning about their history. The museum has hosted family-friendly events like car shows and EV test drives with train rides. +1
The museum offers a self-guided tour with printed panels and platforms to view inside some of the rolling stock, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
The Galloping Geese are unique, custom-built locomotives designed to navigate the challenging terrain of the Rio Grande Southern line. They are a significant part of railroad history.
📸 📷 Photography
The historic locomotives, especially the Galloping Geese, and the scenic mountain backdrop offer great photo opportunities. The car shows also provide dynamic subjects.
You can often see inside some of the rolling stock via viewing platforms, which is great for photos. Access inside may be limited depending on restoration status.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. For commercial use or specific events, it's always good to check with the museum staff or volunteers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you visit during the summer weekends, you might catch the train rides, which are a huge hit with younger visitors. The museum also hosts community events like car shows that can add extra fun to your visit. It's a great place to spark an interest in history and engineering.
🚂 Rail Enthusiasts
Take the time to chat with the dedicated volunteers; their insights into the restoration process and the history of the line are invaluable. The opportunity to see ongoing restoration work provides a unique perspective on preserving these magnificent machines.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
Even if you can't make it for a weekend train ride, exploring the grounds and reading the informative panels offers a satisfying glimpse into the region's past. It's a perfect way to break up a longer drive and experience a bit of local charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Rio Grande Southern
Visitors can learn about the RGS's unique operational challenges and its eventual decline. The museum's exhibits and the passionate volunteers offer a deep dive into this fascinating chapter of American railroad history. It's a place where the spirit of the old West truly comes alive through the stories of the trains and the people who ran them.
Key to the RGS's story are the Galloping Geese, a series of self-propelled railcars built from automobile and truck parts. These were developed to provide more economical service on less-trafficked lines. Seeing these unique machines at the museum is a must for any rail enthusiast.
Volunteer Power and Restoration
Visitors often have the chance to interact with these dedicated individuals, who are eager to share their knowledge and the backstories behind the restoration projects. This personal connection adds immense value to the museum experience, transforming a simple visit into an engaging learning opportunity. Hearing firsthand accounts from those involved in the preservation efforts is a truly special part of the visit.
The museum showcases the tangible results of this hard work, with several pieces of equipment undergoing active restoration. This provides a unique glimpse into the meticulous process of preserving railway heritage. It's a testament to community effort and a shared love for history.
Community Events and Family Fun
+1Events like the Rods 'n Rails Car Show and opportunities to test drive Electric Vehicles (EVs) alongside train rides demonstrate the museum's commitment to engaging the wider community. These family-friendly occasions offer a fun and educational experience for all ages, often featuring live music and local vendors.
+1For families, these events are particularly appealing, offering a chance for children to experience the thrill of train rides while parents enjoy classic cars or learn about sustainable transportation. It's a unique way to experience Ridgway's charm and history.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit