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!

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. The Railroad Museum also has an outdoor G-Scale layout and an area for operating model real steam locomotives.

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.

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.