Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Imagine a whole world in miniature, where tiny trains race along endless steel threads through dense forests and majestic mountains. The Colorado Model Railroad Museum, located in the city of Greeley, is a unique space in the USA that is rightfully considered one of the most impressive facilities of its kind in the world.

The heart of the museum is the giant Oregon, California and Eastern Railway layout, covering more than 500 square meters. This is not just a toy railroad, but a detailed reconstruction of a 1970s transportation system. It features over 20,000 feet of track, more than a thousand miniature buildings, and hundreds of realistic trees, each handcrafted with striking precision.

Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the museum carefully preserves the history of real railroading. Its collection features antique lanterns, tools, and vintage conductor uniforms. It is a living, ever-changing project where volunteers work daily on new elements, turning a visit into a true journey through time and space.

For more information or to organize a group tour, you can contact the museum administration directly. The volunteer team is always ready to answer questions from railroad enthusiasts.

The main attraction at the museum is an interactive immersion into the world of model railroading. Visitors don't just watch from the sidelines: you can press special buttons to set trains in motion or activate landscape elements. The "Eye Spy" game, popular among guests, encourages a close look at the details, searching for hidden figures and tiny everyday scenes in miniature towns.

Be sure to step inside a real caboose, which you can walk all the way through, feeling the scale of real machinery compared to the models. The halls display an impressive collection of railroad artifacts: vintage signal lanterns and tools provide a better understanding of how the railroad operated in the last century.

For those interested in the creative process, the doors to the volunteers' workshop are open. Here, you can see in real-time how masters paint railcars, create landscapes, or work on complex control system electronics. If you're lucky, volunteers might give you a "behind-the-scenes" tour, showing the intricate web of wires that brings this little world to life.

Located in the heart of Greeley, the museum is situated in close proximity to active railroad tracks, creating a special atmosphere even before you enter the building. If you are traveling from Denver, the drive takes about an hour (approximately 80 km): take I-25 North to Exit 262, then follow US-34 straight to 10th Street.

Free parking is available for visitors right at the entrance. If you prefer public transportation, you can use the RTD regional buses running between Denver and Greeley, then take a taxi or enjoy a short walk if you are already in the downtown area.

The museum is also conveniently located for those who enjoy walking or cycling through the center. It is part of the Greeley Creative District, so the path to it leads through well-maintained urban areas that are planned to be decorated with themed sculptures in the future.

The story of this amazing place began in 2009, thanks to the dream of one man. The museum was founded by Dave Trussell, a former journalist and co-founder of the local Greeley Tribune newspaper. A passionate fan of model railroading since childhood, he decided to turn his hobby into a true gift for city residents and tourists upon his retirement.

The creation of the exhibit was the result of a colossal community effort. Over the years of the project's existence, volunteers have invested more than 400,000 labor hours into it. The scale of dedication is staggering: some enthusiasts travel here from neighboring states like Wyoming or New Mexico. The museum has a special tradition—any volunteer who contributes more than 3,000 hours of work earns the right to run their own personalized railcar on the layout.

Interestingly, for all its historical accuracy, the layout is not without a touch of good humor. The creators intentionally added fun "easter eggs" and anachronisms to the realistic 1970s landscapes, such as miniature dinosaur figures hidden among the dense forests. This emphasizes the museum's main mission—to bring joy and inspiration to visitors of all ages.

To fully appreciate the incredible detailing of the layouts and immerse yourself in the world of miniature trains, it is recommended that the average visitor set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely explore the main exhibit, watch the trains in motion, and examine the collection of artifacts in the workshop.

For families with children, the visit may last up to 3 hours, as young explorers are often delighted by the opportunity to control landscape elements themselves using interactive buttons or participate in "eye spy" quests to find hidden details on the layout.

When planning your visit, please note the operating schedule, as the museum is not open every day. Most visitors are welcomed from Thursday to Monday.

The operating hours are as follows: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Sunday, the museum doors are open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please keep in mind that the museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A visit to the model railroad museum can easily be combined with a stroll through the city's central streets. The area around 10th Street offers guests cozy coffee shops, authentic eateries, and cultural venues that allow you to experience the welcoming Colorado atmosphere.

Within walking distance, you will find places for family recreation, including modern parks with splash pads and theaters featuring live performances by local artists.