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MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Leadville: A Mining Mecca

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Story by Linda DuVal. Leadville is feeling like it’s on top of the world. Because, at 10,152 feet in altitude, it is the highest incorporated city in the United States. And it’s a fun place for an affordable, laid-back kind of weekend getaway with a perfect mix of outdoor activities and insight to some essential Colorado history. [Read more…] about MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Leadville: A Mining Mecca

Get Free Devices To Deter Auto and Catalytic Converter Theft

Note: The AAA program is funded through July 1, 2022. Many shops are out of converter kits, so you may need to call around. Shops will continue to attached the etched ID while supplies last. If the program receives new funding, we’ll let you know. The CSP label kits and Sheridan engine immobilizer programs remain active. AAA Colorado is partnering with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) and other state and law enforcement partners to give Coloradans free devices to stop automotive theft. Motorists can now get a special traceable number etched into their catalytic converter for FREE. And Sheridan residents can also receive a FREE engine immobilizer. [Read more…] about Get Free Devices To Deter Auto and Catalytic Converter Theft

Get Free Local Attraction Passes Through Arapahoe Libraries

The Arapahoe Libraries offers FREE Exploration Passes good for admission to 15 Denver area museums and attractions. Passes are available in limited quantities each day and grants admission for up to 7 people (some are fewer, so be sure to check the pass for specifics) to these places at no cost. You can book passes up to 30 days in advance. [Read more…] about Get Free Local Attraction Passes Through Arapahoe Libraries

MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Greeley: Hub of the Plains

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Story by Linda DuVal. When Horace Greeley exhorted young adventurers to “Go West,” its likely he never envisioned that a town named for him would become a hub of life on the northeastern plains of Colorado. Greeley may be most famous as home to the Greeley Stampede, a nationally ranked two-week affair that celebrates its centennial in 2022, June 24 to July 4. In case you are thinking of visiting Greeley any time of year, here are some insider tips on what to see and do and how to save. [Read more…] about MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Greeley: Hub of the Plains

Need High-Speed Internet? Eligible Individuals & Families Can Get It Totally Free

If you have to go to a local library or other facility to find free high-speed internet, you may want to check out a new federal program that provides you and your family with broadband service for FREE. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. But isn’t internet expensive, you may ask. And, the answer is yes, but… [Read more…] about Need High-Speed Internet? Eligible Individuals & Families Can Get It Totally Free

Traveling? Check Out Other ‘On The Cheap’ Sites and Some Great Hotel Deals

This article contains affiliate links. When you click on them and make a purchase, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read full disclosure here.

Not that anyone would want to escape Colorado in the summer (hey, why do you think the entire world comes here?), but if you do have out-of-state vacation plans, might we suggest you check out some of our sister On The Cheap websites? Perhaps a visit with Mickey and Minnie (and hundreds of princesses) is on the horizon? Then, look no further than Orlando On The Cheap for tons of ways to holiday without spending a fortune. Live (and save) like a local with South Florida On The Cheap if Miami’s beaches and South Beach nightlife are calling. [Read more…] about Traveling? Check Out Other ‘On The Cheap’ Sites and Some Great Hotel Deals

Free Jazz Fridays at Factory Fashion Champagne Bar

Jazz up your nights at the Factory Fashion Champagne Bar Jazz Fridays series. Enjoy the sounds of jazz music from talented artists most every Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. while you mingle at the Fashion Champagne Bar. The bar is on the 3rd floor of Stanley Marketplace and the event is FREE, with no cover charge. [Read more…] about Free Jazz Fridays at Factory Fashion Champagne Bar

Joyride Brewing Company

Started by three friends in 2014 looking for a way to slow down and enjoy life, Joyride Brewing is a craft brewery in Edgewater built around relaxation, community and good local beer. The brewery features a 10 barrel brewhouse, a 1,600 square foot downstairs taproom, and a 2,400 square foot rooftop patio with sprawling views of Sloan’s Lake and the Denver skyline. As well as serving high quality beer, Joyride hosts food trucks and events like trivia every week. [Read more…] about Joyride Brewing Company

History Colorado Offers Free Membership To Fourth Grade Students & Their Families

Roam free, history buffs! While kids under the age of 18 now receive year-round free entry to any History Colorado site, the organization now offers a FREE year-long membership to all fourth grade students in the state. Benefits will include FREE admission to all eight of its museums for students and their families, one FREE child ticket to the Georgetown Loop Railroad (with the purchase of an adult ticket), discounts on programs, and a subscription to their monthly eNews. You can sign up here. [Read more…] about History Colorado Offers Free Membership To Fourth Grade Students & Their Families

Colorado Railroad Museum

Trains captivate us all, whether we have experienced a robust rail travel system ourselves or whether we grew up indulging in Thomas the Tank Engine.

Enter into the real live world of classic trains at the Colorado Railroad Museum, just 12 miles West of downtown Denver in Golden. The museum opened in 1959 and has been a staple in Colorado for train-lovers of every age.

The main Museum building resembles an 1880-era small town railroad depot. Architectural features include wide eaves to protect waiting passengers from weather, and large bay windows so the station agent can observe activity on the boarding platforms. The yellow and brown paint reflects standard building colors for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.

It’s here you’ll find the gift shop and bathrooms, as well as permanent and rotating displays in the museum’s two gallery spaces.

Explore this indoor feature and delve into the colorful stories of the railroads serving Colorado for more than 125 years.

See, touch and, in some cases, climb aboard antique trains. Photo by Linnea Covington

Inside you’ll find the year-round scale model train showcase that pays homage to Herbert W. Voltaw. Volaw built a series of 1-inch scale locomotive and railroad car models using aluminum, steel bar, wood, plastic and glass. He worked on these starting in the 1940s and through the 1960s.

Inside the depot, visitors can also watch introductory videos to the museum and enjoy hands-on activities downstairs in the museum’s lower gallery.

Make sure to check out the detailed displays of Colorado mountain railroading by the Denver HO Model Railroad Club, one of the oldest model railroad clubs in the region.

After that, it’s time to go outside and explore the 15-acre railyard.

As you walk around you’ll find more than 100 narrow- and standard-gauge steam and diesel locomotives, freight and passenger cars, cabooses and more. And many are open for passengers to walk on board and explore the inside.

Visit the outdoor model train set. Photo by Linnea Covington

Kids and adults love the museum’s G-scale garden railway, located near the center of the railyard. This intricate model makes loops around its own fenced-in landscape.

Walk around the display to catch the trains moving around and to see the intricacies of the design. Volunteers operate both on weekly schedules.

Next, take a ride on the Galloping Goose, a unique hybrid railcar that looks kind of like a bus and truck smooshed together. The unique vehicle was used to bring mail into the mountain towns of Colorado.

These railcars were built in the 1930’s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and were in operation until the 1950s. Today few remain, but the museum boasts two that the public can ride around the museum (twice!) for a small fee.

Any fan of Thomas the Tank Engine will recognize the museum’s roundhouse, a restoration facility with a working turntable. It’s not accessible to the general public, but see it while taking a ride on the Galloping Goose.

Thomas fans will also want to watch the calendar for Day Out With Thomas, a two-weekend long event that happens each year and features a life-sized Thomas engine to take guests around the track. The festivities also include many themed shows, art projects and activities for little ones to do.

Another popular event is the Polar Express. It runs each December and features not only hot cocoa, but Santa himself as well. Sit back on the train and become one with this story. It’s just part of the magic the Colorado Railroad Museum brings to the state and visitors.

Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, 303-279-4591

Hours

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Train rides

Train rides aboard a cozy, vintage and fully-enclosed coach or on open-air cars circle the museum’s scenic campus.

Rides depart every 30 minutes every Thursday to Sunday (late-May through mid-August) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From mid-January to mid-May the train runs at the same times, but only on Saturday.

Rides aboard the famous Galloping Goose No. 7 are the first and third Tuesday of each month from January through mid-May). Rides depart every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors should buy timed train ride tickets online in advance, especially if you have a specific time you wish to ride.

Admission Prices

Adults (18 & older): $12

Seniors (60+): $10

Children (2 to 17): $5

Children under 2: FREE

Train Ride tickets on Ride the Rails: $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Free days can be found throughout the year. They are sponsored by SCFD and Boulder County. The latter is for Boulder residents only, proof of address is required.

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