Support the Colorado Central Railroad Museum

Preserving Colorado's Rich Railroad History: Join Us in Restoring the Colorado Central Railroad

The Colorado Central Railroad and Mining Museum is more than just a glimpse into the past; it’s a living testament to the pioneering spirit that built Colorado. Our mission is to preserve, restore, and share the rich history of railroading in our state, and we need your help to bring this history back to life.

Our Goal: $125,000

We’ve embarked on an ambitious journey to restore several key pieces of our railroad’s legacy. Here’s how your generous contributions will be used:

1. Depot Restoration - $10,000 The Depot is the heart of our historical narrative, and we aim to restore it to its former glory. This involves the installation of beadboard walls, flooring, paint, and trim in both the Depot and the Section House, ensuring historical accuracy and preserving the authenticity of the experience for future generations.

2. Box Car Renovation - $10,000 Our historic boxcar is in dire need of attention. Your support will help us strip the old paint, apply new lettering, conduct a mechanical check, and ensure safety compliance, allowing us to share this piece of history with visitors in its best form.

3. Track Extension - $50,000 One of our most exciting projects is the extension of our track by 1,350 feet, from the west end to Packard Gulch. While the ties and rails have been generously donated, we need funds for the installation and ballast to bring this extension to life, allowing our trains to travel further into history.

4. Evaluation and Movement of Engine 71 - $50,000 Engine 71, a cherished piece of Colorado’s railroading heritage, currently sits at the Grand Casino. We need your help to move it to our Depot and conduct an initial evaluation to see if it can be made operational. Bringing Engine 71 back to life would be a monumental achievement in preserving our state’s history.

5. General Expenses - $5,000 To keep our museum running, we must cover ongoing expenses such as website upkeep, utilities, and other operational costs. These are the unseen but essential components that keep our mission alive.

Why This Matters

Historical tourism is a vital part of our community, offering educational opportunities, fostering a deep appreciation for our heritage, and driving economic growth in the area. The Colorado Central Railroad and Mining Museum plays a crucial role in this by preserving the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shaped our region.

By supporting this campaign, you’re not just donating to a museum—you’re investing in the preservation of Colorado’s rich railroad history. Your contribution will help us continue to educate, inspire, and connect people to the past in a tangible and meaningful way.

How You Can Help

No donation is too small. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal of $125,000 and ensures that the Colorado Central Railroad and Mining Museum can continue its mission. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Colorado native, or someone who believes in the importance of preserving our past, your support is invaluable.

Please donate today and help us make history come alive once again. Together, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Colorado’s railroad heritage.

Thank you for your support.