All Aboard – Granby’s Moffat Road Railroad Museum

If you’re cruising through Granby, Colorado, and have a few hours to kill, you’re in for a treat at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum. This place is a real gem that takes you back to the days when railroads were the heartbeat of the country.

Granby might be a small mountain town now, but back in the day, it was a big deal for the railroads. Located right in the heart of the Rockies, Granby was a crucial junction for transporting goods and people across the rugged terrain. The town’s location made it a key hub for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, which helped connect the East to the West and move tons of freight and passengers. So yeah, Granby had a pretty important role in keeping the trains rolling and the economy buzzing!

Moffat Road Railroad Museum – Short History

The Moffat Road Model Railroad began in 2009 thanks to the Grand County Model Railroad Club. Initially a holiday display at town hall, it showcased the Denver & Northwestern Pacific Railroad (Moffat Road) as it ran from Denver to Craig, Colorado, covering the era from 1905 to the 1960s. What started as a seasonal exhibit has now grown into a full-scale museum, with plans to open year-round in the future.

A Walk Through Time

The moment you step into the museum, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia. The building itself has a history that dates back to the days of steam engines and classic rail travel. As you wander through the museum, you’ll see a bunch of vintage trains, including a beautifully restored passenger car and some old freight cars. Climbing aboard these historical rides, you can almost feel the excitement and energy of train journeys from back in the day.

Cool Exhibits and Fun Finds

The museum doesn’t just stop at trains. It’s packed with interesting exhibits that dive into the nitty-gritty of railway history. Check out the old photos, maps, and documents that show how railroads shaped Granby and the surrounding area. There’s also a rad diorama of Granby’s old train station that gives you a glimpse into what the town looked like when trains were the main way to travel.

For the tech enthusiasts, there’s a whole section on how locomotives evolved over the years. You’ll get to see different models of engines and learn about the innovations that made trains faster and more powerful.

Interactive Fun

The Museum is all about making history fun. Kids and families will love the interactive stuff, like trying out a simulated train control panel or checking out the miniature train setup. It’s a great way for everyone to get hands-on with the history and have a blast while learning.

Personal Stories and Special Events

One of the coolest things about the museum is the personal touch. You’ll hear stories about the people who worked on the railroads – the brave engineers, hard-working conductors, and everyone else who made rail travel possible. These stories add a personal flavor to the exhibits and help you connect with the history on a deeper level.

Plus, the museum often hosts special events and talks. These are perfect for diving even deeper into railway history and meeting folks who share a passion for trains.

2024 Fall Season Hours  

Open weekends in September
(Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Bonus: Open Labor Day, 9/2
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm

Website: https://moffatroadrailroadmuseum.org/

Get Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RE7P7n4EnNf6gdsp7