Grand County is known for its mountains, its lakes, and its snow-covered winters—but just as deep as its natural beauty is its history. For those curious about the roots of rail travel in the Rockies, the Moffat Road Railroad Museum in Granby offers an experience worth stepping into. Open every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until August 31, this museum combines real engineering marvels with Colorado storytelling at its finest.
A Walk Through Railroad Time
The Moffat Road Railroad Museum is not just a building with photos and plaques. It’s a living rail yard. Outside, you’ll find massive pieces of preserved history: locomotives, cabooses, boxcars, and even an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Western Dining Car. These aren’t fenced-off artifacts. You can walk around them, look inside, and imagine what it was like to ride the rails over a hundred years ago.
Each piece in the yard has a story. Some were used to haul timber through the Fraser Valley. Others transported passengers from Denver to Grand Lake before roads even reached that far. Volunteers and historians keep these cars in shape and make each tour an interactive one. You’ll leave knowing not just what the Moffat Tunnel is, but why it mattered—and still does.
The Model Train Exhibit That Steals the Show
Inside the museum is a model train exhibit that surprises most first-time visitors. Covering over a thousand square feet, it recreates the full length of the original Moffat Road route with impressive detail. Bridges, tunnels, towns, and elevation changes are all represented.
Trains glide across the tracks in near-constant motion, and if you bring kids along, be ready to spend extra time here. The display is both educational and fun to watch, whether you’re a longtime train fan or just casually curious. Guides are available to explain what you’re seeing, but the real magic is how realistic the entire miniature world feels.
History Told With Care
There’s a deep respect here for the people behind the machines. The museum doesn’t only talk about engines and wheels—it shares stories of workers who carved rail lines through mountains and snowfields. You’ll hear about David Moffat’s dream of connecting Denver to Salt Lake City and how the tunnel bearing his name changed transportation in the Rockies forever.
Temporary exhibits and rotating displays keep the content fresh, with themes ranging from women in railroad history to the building of high-country depots. It’s also a place to learn how Granby, Fraser, and Winter Park developed in part because of the railroads that once dominated the valley.
Hours and Admission
The Moffat Road Railroad Museum is open five days a week: every Sunday and from Wednesday through Saturday. Operating hours vary slightly by season, but in summer you can expect full daytime access. Tours are mostly self-paced, but group guides are available if scheduled in advance. Ticket prices are modest and go directly toward maintenance and future expansions.
There is free parking, shaded picnic areas nearby, and the whole site is family-friendly. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for both indoor and outdoor walking.
Make It a Full Day
After your museum visit, there’s no shortage of nearby spots to round out your trip. Grab lunch in Granby, visit Grand Lake for an afternoon paddle, or take the scenic drive toward Hot Sulphur Springs. But the best plan? Stay nearby so you don’t have to rush through any of it.
That’s where The Jabberwocky comes in.
Stay Close to the Story
Just a short drive from Granby, The Jabberwocky is not your average mountain lodging. It’s the kind of place where charm and comfort come together quietly. Whether you’re returning from the museum or headed to your next adventure, it gives you a place to pause, reflect, and settle in.
Enjoy mornings with coffee on the porch and evenings in a setting that feels more like a home than a hotel. With clean, cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a perfect fit for travelers who want more than just a place to crash.
The Jabberwocky gives you space to plan your next adventure, to rest well, and to appreciate the depth of where you’ve been. Like the museum itself, it’s not just about visiting—it’s about connecting with the place.
Book Your Stay
History lives here. So should you. Book your stay at The Jabberwocky and explore Grand County at your own pace. You’ll leave with more than photos—you’ll leave with stories.
