The Alamosa Years 1948
In the late 1940s when Colorados narrow gauge railroad companies started going out of business, Robert W. Richardson began collecting rolling stock, railway records, and other pieces of equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado history. Bobs collection quickly outgrew the available space at his Museum in Alamosa, Colorado and in 1958, with the help of his friend Cornelius Hauck, Richardson moved the Museum to Golden, Colorado.
Many Colorado railroad companies closed down in the late 1940s and 1950s, when falling ore prices and increasing operating expenses made business unprofitable. The Uintah Railway Company closed in 1939, the Silverton Northern in 1942, the Rio Grande Junction in 1941, the Midland Terminal in 1949 and the Rio Grande Southern in 1951.
Experience The Polar Express At A Discounted Rate
This year, the Colorado Railroad Museum is offering discounted pricing on tickets for all Polar Express experiences taking place before Thanksgiving – and you’ll want to buy yours sooner rather than later.
“In past years this event has sold out quickly. For 2022, you wont want to wait to purchase your tickets!”, officials say.
To learn more about The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum, visit coloradorailroadmuseum.org.
Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad Leadville Colorado
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America and has a rich history of mining.
The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad provides great views of the Arkansas River Valley and two of Colorados tallest peaks: Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert.
During the winter, the Leadville Railroad offers a Holiday Express adventure. The train is decorated with lights and passengers can enjoy snow-covered vistas from the warmth of the coaches.
The Holiday Express departs at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on select dates through January. Learn more about tickets and schedules. The Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad station is located at 326 E. 7th St. in Leadville, Colorado. Learn more online or call 719-486-3936 or 866-386-3936.
Recommended Reading: Blanton Museum Of Art Hours
Royal Gorge Route Railroad In Caon City
While we havenât ridden the Royal Gorge Santa Express train, riding the train any time of the year is a really cool way to see this area of the state. This train takes you through the Royal Gorge with 1000+ foot cliffs on either side, rafters running the river right beside the train and the sight of the Royal Gorge Bridge 1000 feet above.
During the holiday season the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City runs a Santa Express train to the North Pole. At the North Pole, Santa and his special Elves board the train to pass out a special holiday bell to each ticketed child as he makes his way through the train.
The Polar Express On The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad In Durango Colorado
For this experience, parents and children board The Polar Express . The train cars are all lavishly decorated for the holidays. Families depart from the Durango Depot, then enjoy a performance and take a train ride to the North Pole. Along the way, chefs serve train passengers hot chocolate and a sweet treat. Then the conductor reads The Polar Express. Once at the North Pole, parents and children enjoy a light show set to holiday music. Then Santa and his elves board the train. They visit each train car on the way back to Durango and Santa gives out the first gift of the Christmas season.
Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas . Layers help keep people warm and the conductor recommends snow boots and coats to keep the riders warm.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has a wheelchair accessible coach and a hydraulic lift that is available upon request and enables people in wheelchairs to join in the fun.
The Durango & Silverton railroad also offers a scenic winter train known as the Cascade Canyon Winter Train. During this journey, passengers venture into snow-cloaked wilderness areas in Colorados San Juan Mountains, home to several stunning 14,000-foot peaks. The area where the train goes is otherwise inaccessible in the winter. Heated coaches keep travelers warm as they gaze at a winter wonderland outside. Passengers enjoy a one-hour layover in Cascade Canyon, where they can enjoy a fireside lunch or a walk along the Animas River.
Recommended Reading: Wilbur D May Museum Wedding
Whistle Stop Trains And Christmas Festival
Experience a six-week-long Christmas celebration at Hulen Park at 1010 Hillsboro St., in Cleburne. Be immersed in multicolored Christmas lights decorating trains, cars and homes in the area.
From Dec. 3-18, Hulen Park will provide children’s train rides from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, priced at $3 per rider.
Additional information is available at whistlestopchristmas.com.
‘all Aboard’ Tickets For The Polar Express On Sale Now
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo – The Colorado Railroad Museum won’t begin service to the North Pole until later this year, but travelers can buy tickets now. The Polar Express ticket sales opened Thursday for members of the museum.
The Christmas story comes to life when the train leaves for the round-trip to see Santa.
The public will be able to purchase tickets starting Aug. 6.Last year, tickets sold out in less than 24 hours once they were open to the public.
The Polar Express began its runs through Colorado five years ago. Passengers can expect an experience mirroring the movie and the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
The Polar Express train ride runs for six weeks staring Nov. 9.
- In:
First published on August 1, 2019 / 2:28 PM
Don’t Miss: Children’s Museum Of Alamance County
Riding The Polar Express Train In Colorado
Sharing is caring!
One of our favorite holiday excursions is riding the The Polar Express Train in Colorado. The magic of Christmas totally comes alive at the Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, CO particularly if there is a fresh dusting of snow!
And hooray! The train is back for the 2020 season! Tickets go on sale October 1st, so make sure to grab a spot early since capacity is reduced this year!
If you are unfamiliar, the Polar Express is a Christmas childrens book and movie about a boy who takes a train to the North Pole.
The Colorado Railroad Museum always goes above and beyond for the Polar Express ride with actors playing all of the major characters and creating a really wonderful atmosphere.
Wasnt that soo cool?! My family and I were just enamored with the whole experience!
Colorado Railroad Museum Golden Co
Confirm Time SlotDESCRIPTIONMasks are RequiredWe cannot accommodate guest arrival earlier than 60 minutes prior to your ticketed show time.www.ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org/Polar-Express
This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to better personalize your browsing experience, to analyze website traffic, and to present you with targeted content from the partner venues and organizations you visit on etix.com.
Also Check: Natural History Museum New York Admission
What Is The Polar Express Train Ride
First told in the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this is the story of a childs Christmas Eve journey. It was adapted to the big screen in 2003. And now it comes alive each year with THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride! All ages can enjoy the experience, warmth, and fun of the Christmas season on a special steam train trip to the North Pole! Certain dates and car types will sell quickly so youll want to book soon to reserve your preferred seating!
What to ExpectTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is our most popular event of the year and is an annual holiday tradition for many riders. While the train excursion is roughly 65 minutes in duration, we recommend allowing 2 hours for the entire adventure so you can enjoy the full experience! The weather can be cold at the North Pole, so we recommend layering properly, even though all the cabins are heated aboard the train. As always, we recommend wearing pajamas to capture the Christmas spirit! Click below for more frequently asked questions about THE POLAR EXPRESS Train.
The Expansion Years 1991
Although Museum founder Bob Richardson retired in 1991, his legacy was just starting to grow. Recognizing the need to invest in infrastructure, the Board of Trustees started taking major financial steps to improve and expand the Museum. After hiring permanent full-time staff, the Museum built the Robert W. Richardson Railroad library in 1997, finished the track loop in 1999 and completed the roundhouse and turntable in 2000.
Read Also: The Oakland Museum Of California
Dining And Story Telling On The Polar Express In Colorado
The evening started in the dining car in a small intimate group. The dining car portion occurred in several dining cars spread out throughout the museum based on a pay grade scale.
This year, to allow for social distancing, the evening is going to look a bit different. All patrons will enjoy the dining and storytelling portion in a pavilion setting before the train ride. This allows for more spacing between groups and a safer overall experience.
From there, those who purchase standard seating will board assigned coach cars on the Polar Express. First class tickets are available this year as a table of four purchase. Those who decide to ride first class get to sit at a table as a group and receive commemorative mugs and first class silver bells!
The evening starts with a retelling of the classic childrens book by the conductor of the train! Followed by musical numbers and many of the tales characters making an appearance!
Of course, the chefs performed the iconic Hot Chocolate song from the movie with Tom Hanks and then handed out the cookies and hot chocolate. Yum!
Once everyone was done with their hot chocolate, we de-boarded the dining car and followed the conductor over to the station to board the actual ride. Along the way, you see performances by the ghost from the storyline and Mrs. Clauss who gets you ready for the Christmas magic!
The Polar Express Train Ride At The Colorado Railroad Museum In Golden Colorado
Passengers at the Colorado Railroad Museum begin their journey in a new pavilion built especially for The Polar Express Train Ride. Once the boarding time comes, passengers get to watch a performance followed by a dramatic reading and dramatization of The Polar Express story.
Next, passengers move outside to await the arrival of The Polar Express train, which features vintage railroad coaches pulled by an authentic, coal-burning steam locomotive. The passengers board the train and head to the North Pole where Santa and his elves board the train. Once the train returns to the station, children can visit with Santa and each receives a silver bell.
For this ride, just like the one in Durango, children and their parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.
Learn more about The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum. The museum is a wonderful place to visit year-round and is located at 17155 W. 44th Ave. in Golden, Colorado.
The Royal Gorge Route bills itself as Colorados most breathtaking rolling restaurant.
During the holiday season, the route transforms into the Santa Express Train and the Holiday Train. People of all ages can wear cozy pajamas and travel to the North Pole deep within the Royal Gorge.
Passengers enjoy holiday music and beautifully decorated train cars during trips that depart up to four times each day: 9:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Read Also: Entrance Fee To Vatican Museum And Sistine Chapel
The Polar Express Train Ride In Golden Colorado
As you wait for the train to arrive, listen to Christmas carols that power the train with Christmas spirit! From the dark, you will see the steam of the train first and then hear its whistle while the Polar Express ballad plays over the loud speakers. It gave me chills.
For more Christmas fun, check out how we celebrated Chilean-style in this post.
Member Highlight: Colorado Railroad Museum
Tell us about you:
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden is one of Visit Denvers Top 10 Attractions. Through exhibits and programs, train rides and special events, the Museum seeks to share Colorados rich railroad heritage.
The Museum welcomes volunteers from the business community to help welcome guests during major special events, including Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express Train Ride. Sponsorship opportunities are available year-round or specifically for the above-listed events.
How have arts and/or creativity helped you or your company draw inspiration or innovation during this challenging time?
We depend on our entire community businesses, families, individuals, and government working together to make our programs and success possible. The Museum has benefitted in numerous ways, including in-kind gifts of products and services, event sponsorships, and more.
How is your organization supporting the creative economy?
The Colorado Railroad Museum employs actors and entertainers throughout the year for special events, with The Polar Express Train Ride representing a major commitment especially. We also are proud to employ a full-time staff which year-round releases a series of virtual programs for kids, families and adults.
Why are you involved with CBCA?
Don’t Miss: Washington African American Museum Tickets
Texas State Railroad Polar Express
Depart for a train ride to the North Pole singing Christmas carols with iconic “The Polar Express” characters at Texas State Railroads depot at 789 Park Road 70 in Palestine.
The one-hour adventure leaves in the late afternoon and evenings with additional times added as Christmas approaches. The week of Christmas will have have five departures Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2, 3:30, 5, 6, and 8 p.m. Christmas Eve will have 3 departures at 3:30, 5 and 6 p.m.
As chefs sing and recite the children’s book “The Polar Express,” Santa and his elves prepare to pass out gifts once the train reaches Santa’s home. Chefs will also give out sugar cookies and hot chocolate.
Costs range from $30 to $80 per child, depending on class of service, $50 to $100 per adult, depending on class of service, and $60 to $110 per adult with a lap child, depending on class of service.
Masks are optional for the ride. Tickets are available at texasstaterailroad.net.
Tickets Are Now Available For The 2022 Season
Experience the magic this holiday season! Join us for a truly magical recreation of the classic holiday story, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride. Climb aboard a vintage steam train as it departs our Durango Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Upon arriving at our depot, youll be immersed in the story as our chefs serve you hot chocolates and sweet treats while the conductor recites a reading from the Polar Express book. After arriving at the North Pole, youll enjoy an incredible light show set to holiday music. On the return trip to Durango, Santa will visit each coach and hand out the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.
You May Like: Children’s Museum Library Pass
Oklahoma Railway Museum Polar Express
Although the tracks through the Sooner State haven’t always been the easiest to navigate, The Polar Express Train Ride keeps chugging along in Oklahoma.
After the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the moving theatrical production in its tracks in 2020, The Polar Express Train Ride is making a comeback this season at the Oklahoma Railway Museum, where the first trains departed Nov. 13.
Merrymakers have the chance to board The Polar Express through Dec. 28 at the OKC museum, which is only open for this event through Jan. 5.
Tickets range from $52 to $67 per child, and $59 to $75 per adult. Children younger than age 2 can ride for free on the lap of a parent or guardian.
The Oklahoma Railway Museum is located at 3400 NE Grand Blvd., Oklahoma City. Visit okcthepolarexpressride.com for more information.
Galveston Railroad Museum Polar Express
Experience a Christmas from the movies and purchase a ticket to the North Pole on The Polar Express Train Ride. Visit Galveston and get picked up at the island’s railroad museum’s vintage train station at 2602 Santa Fe Place.
Singing chefs will serenade passengers as they serve cookies and hot chocolate. Santa Claus will announce who is on his “nice” list and gift the first present of Christmas a silver sleigh bell. Polar Express staff encourage guests to wear pajamas.
Once at the North Pole, dancing elves will greet passengers. Once back at the station following the one-hour ride, passengers will have the opportunity to take photos with the crew.
Coach class tickets start at $30 for a child and $35 for an adult, but can go as high as $70-$75 depending if the museum determines the date and time as a higher-demand departure. First-class tickets range from $45-$50 and can go as high as $85-$90. Presidential class tickets start from $65-$70 to $105-$110. Lap infants younger than 2 ride for free.
Trains will depart at several times Thursday through Sunday for the first two weeks of December. Leading up to Christmas from Dec. 20-23, trains will depart at 5:30, 7 and 8 p.m., however, the museum anticipates trains to sell out.
Masks are required and passengers must purchase tickets online. Information:
Also Check: Moxi Museum In Santa Barbara
Are We Missing Any Santa Train Rides
Here’s the thing about the West: It’s big and there’s a lot of ground to cover. If we missed your favorite Santa train offering in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas or Oklahoma, and you think it’s worth traveling for, email Eric Larsen at ericlarsen@coloradoan.com.
Contributing: Erin Udell, the Fort Collins Coloradoan Tracy Harmon and Luke Lyons, the Pueblo Chieftain Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman.
Fort Collins Coloradoan editor Eric Larsen can be reached at or 970-224-7745.
Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express
Tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado go on sale to the General Public on October 4, 2022. Museum Members have the week prior to purchase tickets in advance exclusively.
Our family has not had the opportunity to experience the Colorado Railroadâs magical Polar Express journey. Every year it sells out immediately. The Colorado Railroad Museum runs their Polar Express a few less days that the Durango Silverton Railroad. That combined with the location next to the major metropolis of Denver makes it very difficult to book.
Don’t Miss: Harvard University Museum Of Natural History
