Ridgway Railroad Museum - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Ridgway Railroad Museum is a must-see for any fan of trains or history. Located in the heart of the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of railroads in the West. The museum's collection includes more than two dozen restored locomotives and cars, as well as countless artifacts and photographs. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or enjoy a ride on one of the historic trains. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply looking for an interesting way to spend an afternoon, the Ridgway Railroad Museum is sure to please.

The Ridgway Railroad Museum was founded in 1992 by a group of local residents who were passionate about preserving the history of the narrow gauge railroad. The museum is housed in a former depot that was built in 1890. The depot was originally used as a stop on the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad. The depot was later used as a storage facility for the Shavano & Sawatch Mining Company. In 1983, the depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The best time to visit the Ridgway Railroad Museum is during the summer months. From June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors. During this time, the museum is also open extended hours, giving visitors plenty of time to learn about the area's rich railroad history. In addition, the summer months offer a variety of special events, including concerts and festivals. 

1. Dress for the weather. The museum is located in a high-altitude desert climate, so be sure to dress accordingly for both warm and cool weather conditions.
2. Stay on the trails. Please respect the museum property by staying on designated trails and pathways.
3. Leave your pets at home. While we love our four-legged friends, they are not allowed inside the museum buildings or on the grounds.
4. Be considerate of other visitors. Please be mindful of other visitors and do your best to avoid creating any noise disturbances.
5. Purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. The museum has an excellent selection of books, clothing, and other items available for purchase at the gift shop.

1. The museum's collection includes more than 20 locomotives and 100 pieces of rolling stock. 
2. The majority of the equipment on display was used on the narrow gauge railways that operated in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah from the 1860s to the 1930s. 
3. The museum's grounds include a restored depot building, a water tank, and a turntable. 
4. In addition to its collection of locomotives and rolling stock, the museum also houses an extensive library of books, photographs, and documents related to the history of railways in the American Southwest. 
5. The museum grounds also include a replica of a wooden trestle bridge, which was built using techniques from the late 19th century. 
6. In addition to its exhibits, the museum offers educational programs and special events throughout the year. 
    

While there is no set time limit for exploring the museum, most visitors spend between 1-2 hours experiencing all that it has to offer.

To reach the Museum, take Highway 550 North from Montrose for approximately 25 miles. The Museum is located on the left side of the highway, just past the town of Ridgway. There is a large parking lot and a picnic area next to the Museum. 

Admission is free for children under 12, and $5 for adults. Seniors and students are admitted for $4.

The museum is open year-round, and its hours vary depending on the season. In the summer, it is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and in the winter, it is open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.