There is something so fun and magical about riding on a train… wouldn’t you agree? Even though trains are no longer as popular as they once were, these nostalgic treasures can still be found in and around Denver, with these five railroads even offering some of the best day trips near Denver that you will not find anywhere else:
- Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown
Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook
Georgetown Loop Railroad Located less than an hour from the Mile High City, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic gem that offers a number of special events, including a one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest, Santa’s Lighted Forest, and Fourth of July rides! Among the train rides you can take is a mine tour with gold panning, a murder mystery train, and Wild West Days. It’s one of the most unique things to do around Denver. Georgetown Loop Railroad, 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
- Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway, Manitou Springs
Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway Since the late 1800s, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs has been providing locals and tourists alike with a fun and easy way of traveling this iconic 14,115-foot Colorado summit! It’s one of the best day trips near Denver you can take with the family. (Fun fact: The 8.9-mile trek takes a surprising three hours to complete, so plan to make a day out of your expedition.) The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
- Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Alamosa
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Facebook
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Facebook Okay, so it may be a little bit of a trip to get from Denver to Alamosa (nearly four hours to be exact), but it is well worth it to get to ride along the “scenic line of the world.” In addition to the railroad’s famous on-board concerts and dinners, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad also hosts special events throughout the year including Oktoberfest and a Holiday Train. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, 610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101, USA
- Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
Colorado Railroad Museum Facebook
Colorado Railroad Museum Facebook Not only does this impressive railroad museum offer daily rides around a 15-acre railyard, but it is also home to an impressive collection of model trains, historic engines, and a whole lot of other fun surprises that you do not want to miss. You can book your tickets on the Colorado Railroad Museum website for one of the best day trips near Denver. Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403, USA
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Canon City
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable Royal Gorge Railroad, which is the ideal excursion for any date night, luncheon, or family outing! It’s one of the most memorable day trips near Denver. The distance from Denver to Canon City is only a mere two hours. Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Wouldn’t you agree that a scenic train ride is one of the best day trips near Denver? In the comments, tell us about your favorite train ride around the city! For even more railroad fun, check out this epic train ride near Denver that will give you an unforgettable experience.
Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Located less than an hour from the Mile High City, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic gem that offers a number of special events, including a one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest, Santa’s Lighted Forest, and Fourth of July rides! Among the train rides you can take is a mine tour with gold panning, a murder mystery train, and Wild West Days. It’s one of the most unique things to do around Denver.
Georgetown Loop Railroad, 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway
Since the late 1800s, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs has been providing locals and tourists alike with a fun and easy way of traveling this iconic 14,115-foot Colorado summit! It’s one of the best day trips near Denver you can take with the family. (Fun fact: The 8.9-mile trek takes a surprising three hours to complete, so plan to make a day out of your expedition.)
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Facebook
Okay, so it may be a little bit of a trip to get from Denver to Alamosa (nearly four hours to be exact), but it is well worth it to get to ride along the “scenic line of the world.” In addition to the railroad’s famous on-board concerts and dinners, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad also hosts special events throughout the year including Oktoberfest and a Holiday Train.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, 610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101, USA
Colorado Railroad Museum Facebook
Not only does this impressive railroad museum offer daily rides around a 15-acre railyard, but it is also home to an impressive collection of model trains, historic engines, and a whole lot of other fun surprises that you do not want to miss. You can book your tickets on the Colorado Railroad Museum website for one of the best day trips near Denver.
Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook
Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable Royal Gorge Railroad, which is the ideal excursion for any date night, luncheon, or family outing! It’s one of the most memorable day trips near Denver. The distance from Denver to Canon City is only a mere two hours.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips Near Denver July 06, 2022 Melissa M. What are some of the most unique things to do around Denver? There are so many unique things to do in and around the Mile High City. Why not take a day trip to Dillon where you’ll find a reservoir and the Frisco Bay Marina? Here, you can rent a boat and spend the day out on the water. Colorado Springs is a town that’s completely worthwhile to spend some time in. Explore the downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, take a ride with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and view Seven Falls, a natural wonder that’s so close to Denver. What road trips can I take from Denver? With stops in and around the Denver area, our haunted road trip to the scariest places in Colorado may be of interest to those of you who enjoy a good scare. Denver’s Cheesman Park is just one stop along the way. Perhaps you’re more interested in seeing some of the best waterfalls in Colorado, some of which are close to the Mile High City. Are there any train museums near Denver? Everyone loves trains so let’s visit one of the city’s train museums! Fun for kids and adults of all ages, the Forney Museum of Transportation not only has a collection of trains but vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, and other forms of transportation.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips Near Denver
July 06, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the most unique things to do around Denver? There are so many unique things to do in and around the Mile High City. Why not take a day trip to Dillon where you’ll find a reservoir and the Frisco Bay Marina? Here, you can rent a boat and spend the day out on the water. Colorado Springs is a town that’s completely worthwhile to spend some time in. Explore the downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, take a ride with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and view Seven Falls, a natural wonder that’s so close to Denver. What road trips can I take from Denver? With stops in and around the Denver area, our haunted road trip to the scariest places in Colorado may be of interest to those of you who enjoy a good scare. Denver’s Cheesman Park is just one stop along the way. Perhaps you’re more interested in seeing some of the best waterfalls in Colorado, some of which are close to the Mile High City. Are there any train museums near Denver? Everyone loves trains so let’s visit one of the city’s train museums! Fun for kids and adults of all ages, the Forney Museum of Transportation not only has a collection of trains but vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, and other forms of transportation.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many unique things to do in and around the Mile High City. Why not take a day trip to Dillon where you’ll find a reservoir and the Frisco Bay Marina? Here, you can rent a boat and spend the day out on the water. Colorado Springs is a town that’s completely worthwhile to spend some time in. Explore the downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, take a ride with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and view Seven Falls, a natural wonder that’s so close to Denver.
What road trips can I take from Denver?
With stops in and around the Denver area, our haunted road trip to the scariest places in Colorado may be of interest to those of you who enjoy a good scare. Denver’s Cheesman Park is just one stop along the way. Perhaps you’re more interested in seeing some of the best waterfalls in Colorado, some of which are close to the Mile High City.
Are there any train museums near Denver?
Everyone loves trains so let’s visit one of the city’s train museums! Fun for kids and adults of all ages, the Forney Museum of Transportation not only has a collection of trains but vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, and other forms of transportation.
