Visiting The Railroad Museum In Dolores, Colorado

While camping in the national forest near the small town of Dolores, Colorado, we decided to explore the area one morning.

After finishing our shopping at a local grocery store and an antique shop, we noticed a railroad museum across the road and decided to check it out.

 

The museum, officially named the Galloping Goose Historical Society Railroad Museum, is free to visit. It’s located in a replica of the original Dolores depot and highlights the history of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad.

The collection includes photographs, interpretive displays, artwork, models, and various artifacts.

I especially enjoyed their miniature train layout depicting Dolores in the 1940s and had fun using an old-fashioned telegraph.

 

The highlight of the museum is Galloping Goose No. 5, a railcar from a series of seven built in the 1930s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and operated until the early 1950s.

The one in Dolores has been fully restored, and they occasionally run it with passengers, which sounds like an amazing experience.

Though the museum is small, with a tiny gift shop, it’s packed with fascinating displays.

The volunteer working there was very cheerful and answered all our questions. Despite its size, the museum offers a lot to see and learn, making it a worthwhile, educational stop for the whole family in just fifteen minutes.