Mountain West tourist railroads you must visit include scenic railroads, a national historic site, and everything in between. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here’s our list of tourist railroads, museums, and displays to experience in the region.
Mountain West Tourist Railroads and Museums
Colorado
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – 479 Main Avenue, Durango
It could be argued that the Durango & Silverton is the must-visit tourist railroad in all of North America. Whether you’re looking to go half the distance from Durango to Cascade or planning to traverse the entire 45 miles to Silverton, you’ll be promised scenic wonders while traveling along a former branch line full of rich narrow-gauge history. Steam-powered excursions through the Animas River Gorge are the way to go for the incredible experience.
See more Colorado tourist railroads you must visit.
Idaho
Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum – 219 6th Street, Wallace
Built in 1901 for the Northern Pacific Railway, this chateau-style depot was built using brick and concrete panels from the Tacoma Stadium High School and mine tailings, respectively. Today, the building – listed on the National Registry of Historic Places – serves a new purpose as a history museum that features exhibits on both the depot and railroads, which once served the nearby mines.
Montana
Alder Gulch Short Line – 300 West Wallace Street, Virginia City
Would you believe a narrow-gauge railroad was constructed in 1964? That’s exactly what happened with the Alder Gulch Short Line, connecting Virginia City and Nevada City, Mont. under the leadership of Charlie Bovey. The line is now owned by the Montana Heritage Commission and operates in tourist service between the two mining towns. The gas-powered excursion parallels the Alder Creek as it passes by the remains of gold mining operations, dredge tailings, and various wildlife.
Nevada
Nevada Northern Railway Museum – 1100 Avenue A, Ely
Like the East Broad Top Railroad in Pennsylvania, the Nevada Northern is a time capsule with most of its infrastructure and equipment from the copper-hauling days still intact. With various steam- and diesel-powered excursions operating out of the museum’s headquarters in Ely, there seems to be something for everyone when visiting. For a hands-on experience, take part in the “Be the Engineer” program to operate one of the railroad’s historical steam locomotives or vintage diesels. Guided tours of the shops and grounds are also provided with the highlight of seeing DJ the shop cat!
Nevada State Railroad Museum – 2180 South Carson Street, Carson City
This museum is home to an impressive collection of steam locomotives, self-propelled railcars and rolling stock, many with the heritage of the household Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The most significant pieces are the ones still in operation today, including the 4-4-0 steam locomotive Inyo and the rare streamlined McKeen motorcar No. 22. The Nevada State Railroad Museum also hosts the annual Ironhorse Rail Camp, a must for those looking for an in-depth, hands-on opportunity in the maintenance and operation of the historic equipment.
Utah
Golden Spike National Historic Site – 200 North 22300, West Promontory
The setting of the most significant moment in U.S. railroading history! This is where the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed with the driving of a golden spike on May 10, 1869. The now national historic site includes a visitors’ center, several miles of preserved right-of-way, and two full-size operating steam locomotives. The replica Central Pacific Jupiter and Union Pacific No. 119 4-4-0s take part in the reenactments of the Last Spike Ceremony on Saturdays and holidays from May through September, complete with dignitaries in period dress.
Heber Valley Railroad – 450 South 600 West, Heber City
Traversing the Wasatch Mountains is the Heber Valley Railroad, located 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City. The 16-mile branch of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad has been preserved for tourist operations, which can range from 90-minute to 3-hour round trips. The latter – dubbed the Provo Canyon Limited – travels along the entire line all the way to Vivian Park. Special events are also offered, including the Princess and Pirate, Halloween, and North Pole trains.
Wyoming
Union Pacific Steam Program – Cheyenne
Union Pacific Railroad is one of the very few Class Is in North America that manage a program of operating steam locomotives. These mainline giants serve as public relations tools while touring the UP system as goodwill ambassadors. No. 844, a 4-8-4, is the only U.S. steam locomotive never to be retired; while No. 4014, a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world! Year-round tours are announced in advance, and while public excursions are rare these days, scheduled stops are made for the public to safely view the locomotives.
Other railroad sites in the Mountain West to consider
During your visit to the Mountain West, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
Colorado
- Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – Cripple Creek
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito
- Denver Trolley – Denver
- Forney Museum of Transportation – Denver
- Fort Collins Trolley – Fort Collins
- Georgetown Loop Railroad – Georgetown
- Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad – Leadville
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Cañon City
Idaho
- Nampa Train Depot Museum – Nampa
- Silverwood Central Railroad – Athol
- Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway Depot – Potlatch
Montana
- Charlie Russell Chew Choo – Lewiston
- Heritage Museum – Libby
- Historical Museum at Fort Missoula – Missoula
- Livingston Depot Center – Livingston
- Museum of the Yellowstone – Yellowstone
- Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex – Deer Lodge
- Upper Musselshell Museum – Harlowton
Nevada
- Nevada Southern Railway – Boulder City
- Virginia & Truckee Railroad – Virginia City
Utah
- Tooele Valley Museum & Historic Park – Tooele
- Helper’s Mining & Railroad Museum – Helper
- Ogden Union Station – Ogden
Wyoming
- Cheyenne Depot Museum – Cheyenne
- Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center – Douglas
- Roundhouse & Railyards – Evanston
