Denver's Wide World of Model Railroads
Denver and the surrounding area is a Mecca for model railroad enthusiasts, boasting some of the most intricate and lovingly detailed miniature trains and environments in the world. If you’re a die-hard model railroad fan or you’re simply curious about this fun and fascinating hobby, the Mile High City will not disappoint. Here’s a look at some of the key sites in the area. All aboard!
Denver Society of Model Railroaders
1701 Wynkoop Street, Suite 10
Denver, CO 80202
303-572-1015
www.denveroscaleclub.org
It’s one of Denver’s greatest hidden gems – hidden,
almost literally! The basement of Denver’s Union Station
is home to one of the Mile High City’s most exciting, historical attractions – the oldest (and one of the largest) O Scale (1/4 inch = 1 foot) model railroad layouts in the country. A true labor of love, the “Colorado Midland Railway” layout encompasses a whopping 6,500 square feet, The amazingly detailed trains depict railroad commerce, including passenger trains, priority freight trains and local traffic, as they wind their way through a realistic composite of the Colorado’s geographic makeup. You’ll see the plains areas, the Rocky Mountains, the mesas west of Grand Junction and much more. How can you check out the Society’s work-in-progress? The basement is open to the public on the last Friday of each month (except for the summer months – a lack of air-conditioning in the basement makes visiting a bit too warm). Check the website or call for more info and schedules – the next open house is Friday, Sept. 26 from 7-9pm. (Image copywright 2008 Erik C. Lindgren, copywright 2008 Hugh Blaney).
Also located in the basement of Union Station is the Platte Valley & Western Model Railroad (www.pvwrr.org), boasting a magnificently true-to-life scale model of Union Station, a recreation of the long-gone 16th Street viaduct and a perfectly rendered replica of a Morrison formation uplift that's layered like a listing geologic torte. All in all, these two clubs add up to model railroad heaven.
Denver HO Model Railroad Club
17155 W. 44th (Basement of the Colorado Railroad Museum)
Golden, CO
303-279-4591
www.denverhomodelrrclub.org
Another basement full of model railroad treasures can be found in the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. The Denver HO Model Railroad Club has painstakingly constructed one of Colorado’s largest HO model railroad exhibits representing over 20 years work in an area 45 feet by 20 feet, much of it recreating a cross-section of the state’s most interesting railroads such as those at Cripple Creek, Telluride and Tennessee Pass. Thanks to a coin box, visitors to the Museum can always get to see a train run for a mere 25¢ donation, even when no members are present. (Photo credit: Randy Lee)
Caboose Hobbies
500 South Broadway, Denver, CO
303-777-6766 
www.caboosehobbies.com
Caboose Hobbies is a family owned business established in 1938 that is a must-visit for all model train enthusiasts visiting Denver. The sprawling South Broadway store is one of the largest model train stores in the world, stocking over 100,000 items in 18,600 square feet of floor space. You could easily spend a few hours browsing the goods and talking with fellow train lovers and the supremely knowledgeable staff.
Mizell Trains
3051 W. 74th St., Westminster, CO
303-429-4811
www.mizelltrains.com
Mizell Trains isn’t quite as large as Caboose Hobbies, but they’re just as passionate about model trains, and they’ve got an amazing selection of hardware for you to check out. Most impressive is the huge “Wall of Trains” in the store – an immense wall filled from floor to ceiling with model trains. Don’t miss out on Mizell.
Tiny Town Railroad
6249 S. Turkey Creek Rd., Tiny Town, CO
303-697-6829
www.tinytownrailroad.com
Tiny Town was created at the site of the Denver-Leadville stagecoach stop in a scenic mountain canyon southwest of Denver in 1915. Moving company owner George Turner began constructing one-sixth-sized buildings with a turn-of-the-century flavor to delight his young daughter. In 1920 the town was opened to the public. In just five years, it became one of Colorado's top attractions. By 1939, the "World Famous" Tiny Town Railway was in operation. Today, you and the family can still clamber aboard the enchanting miniature train, powered by an authentic steam locomotive for an enchanting mountain canyon ride. Note: Tiny Town is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Daily 10am-5pm; May and September, weekends only 10am-5pm
Hudson Garden Railroads
6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO
303-797-8565
www.hudsongardens.org/content/Garden_Railroad.php
Little engineers and adult train buffs will love Hudson Gardens’ two trains as they toot and chug their way through a Colorado-inspired landscape! Constructed in the spring of 2000, the Garden Railroad features over 700 feet of “G” gauge railroad brass track, trestles, bridges, waterfalls, and a variety of plantings matching the scale of the miniature trains. Higher and lower loops allow two trains to run simultaneously – a diesel engine and a steam engine. And a third rail even runs a trolley on a short line. It typically runs May through October, 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and during concerts and many events.
More Model Railroads in Colorado
Limon Union Depot
899 First St., Limon
719-775-8605
www.townoflimon.com/culture.
This 98-year-old depot is home to a working N-scale model of Limon's rail yard (circa 1940). Open Memorial Day to Labor Day; free.
Rails in the Rockies
Holiday Inn Conference Center
101 S. St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park
970-586-5393
www.estesvalleymodelrailroaders.org
There are 15,000 square feet devoted to model railroad layouts and vendor displays here. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; admission $5 adults; kids free.