High Line Railroad Park in Breckenridge, Colorado
Outdoor rail parkFreeOpen year round in daylight hours, weather permitting
High Line Railroad Park sits beside the original right of way of the railroad that reached Breckenridge in 1882, with narrow gauge Engine No. 9, original rail equipment, history displays and a railroad themed playground, all free and open in daylight year round.
- Free, $5 suggested donation
- Engine No. 9 on display
- Mining and railroad playground
- Open year round in daylight
- Run by Breckenridge History
- Beside the 1882 right of way
High Line Railroad Park at a glance
- Hours
- Open year round during daylight hours, weather permitting (self-guided)
- Admission
- Free; $5 suggested donation
- Plan for
- About 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for
- Families with young kids, train fans and history lovers
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 10
- Parking
- Park at the north end of the Ice Rink parking lot
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address189 Boreas Pass Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(970) 453-9767
- Emailinfo@breckhistory.org
- Alsoarchives@breckhistory.org
- Websitebreckhistory.org/museums/high-line-railroad-park(opens in a new tab)
Follow High Line Railroad Park
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to High Line Railroad Park? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Breckenridge.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Fifty-five years of trains over the High Line
The arrival of the first train in 1882 changed the course of Breckenridge. The South Park line had started laying track in Como in 1881 and crossed the mountains to reach town the next year, bringing supplies and comforts that helped the mining camp grow into a prosperous town. Trains served Breckenridge for 55 years, until 1937. The only long break came during the big snow of 1898 and 1899, when service was shut down for 79 days.
The park that tells this story sits right alongside the original right of way. It was once known as Rotary Snowplow Park, a name that points to one of its prized pieces: a narrow gauge rotary snowplow, which local guides describe as one of only five known to survive. The centerpiece today is Engine No. 9, a historic locomotive on loan from History Colorado.
The park is cared for by Breckenridge History, founded by the Town of Breckenridge in 2006 as the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance to manage the town's historic assets, run its museums and tours, and lead preservation projects. In 2015 it opened an archives room for research, where many more railroad photographs are kept. The Denver, South Park & Pacific Historical Society has also helped share the park's history through video.
A locomotive, a snowplow and a playground on Boreas Pass Road
The park at 189 Boreas Pass Road is a self-guided outdoor exhibit. Walk along the line of original rail equipment, led by Engine No. 9 and the rotary snowplow, and stop at the displays that explain how the railroad shaped the town. Visitors often say the space is small but carefully put together, with good photographs and plenty of historical context.
For families, the mining and railroad themed playground is the big draw, and it sits right next to the trains so adults can read while kids climb. Amenities are basic: trash cans and picnic tables, with the nearest public restrooms at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena next door. Breckenridge History also runs the outdoor Breckenridge Sawmill Exhibit on Boreas Pass Road at Monroe Road, a short distance up the same road.
Don’t miss
- Engine No. 9The park's centerpiece, on loan from History Colorado; Breckenridge History has written a blog post on its story.
- The narrow gauge rotary snowplowThe machine that gave the park its old name, and one of only five narrow gauge rotary snowplows known to exist.
- The mining and railroad playgroundA themed playground that lets kids burn off energy right beside real railroad equipment.
- The original right of wayThe park runs parallel to the grade the trains used from 1882 to 1937.
- Railroad history displaysPanels explain the big snow of 1898 and 1899, when trains stopped for 79 days.
Climb, play and look at a real locomotive
This is one of the easiest rail stops in Colorado for young kids: it is free, outdoors, open every day in daylight, and has a mining and railroad themed playground right beside the equipment. Guests regularly mention the playground as a highlight, and the park suits a quick stop between other Breckenridge plans.
Bring layers, a hat and sunscreen, since you are outdoors at mountain altitude and weather changes fast. There are no restrooms in the park itself, so plan a stop at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
Plan your visit: tips for High Line Railroad Park
- Use the restrooms at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena; the park has none.
- Park at the north end of the Ice Rink lot.
- Pair the visit with the free Breckenridge Sawmill Exhibit up Boreas Pass Road.
- Dress for mountain weather, with layers, a hat and sunscreen.
- Groups of 12 or more can book private tours through Breckenridge History at a discount.
Breckenridge History and its interpreters
The park is managed by Breckenridge History, a community-supported nonprofit created by the Town of Breckenridge, with a small staff, a volunteer board and a large team of history interpreters who lead its tours. You can support the park with the $5 suggested donation, a gift to Breckenridge History, or by booking one of its walking tours. School programs are free for Summit County educators thanks to a Summit Foundation grant.
Mountain railroads within an hour of Breckenridge
The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad is about 21 miles away, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad is about 23 miles. Over Boreas Pass, the old South Park line's home base is preserved at the Como Roundhouse. See every train museum in Colorado for more.
- Leadville, Colorado & Southern RailroadLeadville, CO · about 21 mi
- Georgetown Loop RailroadGeorgetown / Silver Plume, CO · about 23 mi
- Moffat Road Railroad MuseumGranby, CO · about 42 mi
- Colorado Railroad MuseumGolden, CO · about 50 mi
- Forney Museum of TransportationDenver, CO · about 61 mi
- South Park Rail Society / Como RoundhouseComo, CO · about 65 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A playground right next to a real locomotive is the kind of place where every kid takes a turn being the one in charge. In our book, Mr. Conductor wears a blue uniform and holds out his hand to welcome Rally aboard, and Rally trusts him right away. I like to think Engine No. 9 had a few kind conductors of its own. My mom would have loved that detail. Our coloring pages include Mr. Conductor if your little one wants to give him a color.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in Colorado: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Colorado
- Halloween train rides in Colorado
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at High Line Railroad Park?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
- High Line Railroad Park official website(opens in a new tab)
- High Line Railroad Park on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- High Line Railroad Park on Instagram(opens in a new tab)
- High Line Railroad Park on Tripadvisor(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Breckenridge High Line Railroad Park: 20 questions families ask
What is the Breckenridge High Line Railroad Park?
High Line Railroad Park is a free, self-guided outdoor park in Breckenridge that showcases original narrow gauge rail equipment and displays about the town's railroad history. It sits parallel to the original right of way of the line that reached Breckenridge in 1882 and is managed by Breckenridge History.
Does the High Line Railroad Park have a playground?
Yes. A mining and railroad themed playground is one of the park's most popular features for families, and it sits right beside the historic equipment. Guests often mention it as a reason to stop. The park has picnic tables, so it works well for a snack break between other Breckenridge plans.
Where is the High Line Railroad Park in Breckenridge?
The park is at 189 Boreas Pass Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424, next to the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. Breckenridge History's administrative office is at 102 North Harris Street and its Welcome Center at 203 South Main Street, but go to the Boreas Pass Road address for the trains and playground.
Where do you park for the High Line Railroad Park?
Breckenridge History asks visitors to park at the north end of the Ice Rink parking lot, which is next to the park. From there it is a short walk to the equipment and playground. The Ice Rink is also where you will find the nearest public restrooms.
Is the High Line Railroad Park free?
Yes. Entry is free, with a suggested donation of $5 that supports Breckenridge History's preservation work. There are no tickets or reservations needed for a self-guided visit, though dates, times and prices can change, so check breckhistory.org before a special trip.
What are the High Line Railroad Park hours?
As of October 2026, the park is open year round during daylight hours, weather permitting. It is a self-guided outdoor exhibit, so there are no set opening or closing times beyond daylight. Snow and storms can affect access in winter, so check conditions before you go.
Are there restrooms at the High Line Railroad Park?
No. The park is an outdoor historic site with limited amenities, mainly trash receptacles and picnic tables. The closest public restrooms are at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena next door, where Breckenridge History also asks visitors to park.
What is Engine No. 9 at the High Line Railroad Park?
Engine No. 9 is a historic narrow gauge locomotive on loan from History Colorado, and it serves as the centerpiece of the park. Breckenridge History has published a blog post on the engine's history on its website, which is a good read before or after your visit.
Is there a rotary snowplow at the High Line Railroad Park?
Yes. The park was formerly called Rotary Snowplow Park, and its narrow gauge rotary snowplow is described as one of only five known to exist. Snow was a serious challenge here: during the big snow of 1898 and 1899, rail service to Breckenridge shut down for 79 days.
Where can I see High Line Railroad Park photos?
Breckenridge History posts photos on its High Line Railroad Park page, Facebook and Instagram, and its Breckenridge History Archives hold many more historical railroad photographs. The archives can be searched online, and you can make an appointment for in-person research through breckhistory.org.
When did the railroad come to Breckenridge?
The first train arrived in Breckenridge in 1882. The South Park line began laying track in Como in 1881 and reached Breckenridge the next year. The railroad then served the town for 55 years, until 1937, helping it grow from a mining camp into a prosperous town.
Who runs the High Line Railroad Park?
The park is managed by Breckenridge History, originally the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, which the Town of Breckenridge established in 2006 to care for its historic assets. Breckenridge History also runs local museums, walking tours, gold panning and the Breckenridge History Archives.
How long should I spend at the High Line Railroad Park?
Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long the kids want to stay on the playground. Adults can read the displays and look at Engine No. 9 and the rotary snowplow in that time. Add a few minutes if you plan to walk to the nearby Sawmill Exhibit.
Is the High Line Railroad Park good for toddlers?
It is a good fit. The park is free, outdoors and open every day in daylight, and its mining and railroad playground gives toddlers somewhere to play beside real trains. There are no restrooms in the park, so plan around the Ice Arena next door, and bring sun protection.
Can I bring my dog to the High Line Railroad Park?
Breckenridge History does not allow pets inside its museums, though ADA service dogs are permitted. It does not post a separate pet rule for this outdoor park. Call (970) 453-9767 or email info@breckhistory.org to ask before bringing a dog, and keep any pet away from the playground.
Is the High Line Railroad Park open in winter?
Yes, the park is open year round, but visits are weather dependent. In winter, Breckenridge History recommends warm layers, snow pants, gloves, a hat, sunscreen and warm boots for its outdoor programs, and the same advice works here. Snow can cover parts of the exhibit after storms.
Can school groups visit the High Line Railroad Park?
Yes. Breckenridge History offers school visits, hikes, gold panning, classroom presentations in Summit County and a virtual field trip for grades K to 5. Programs are free for Summit County educators thanks to a Summit Foundation grant. Teachers can fill out the school group inquiry form on breckhistory.org.
Does Breckenridge History offer private group tours?
Yes. Private tours are available for groups of 12 or more, with a 15 percent discount for corporate and family groups and 25 percent for nonprofits. Choose a tour on the Experience page at breckhistory.org and submit the Private Tour Form, and the marketing and outreach manager will follow up.
What else is near the High Line Railroad Park?
Breckenridge History's free Breckenridge Sawmill Exhibit is nearby on Boreas Pass Road at Monroe Road, showing how sawmills helped the town grow. Breckenridge History also runs downtown museums and walking tours. For more trains, Leadville and Georgetown are each a short drive away.
What train rides are near the High Line Railroad Park?
The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad is about 21 miles away and the Georgetown Loop Railroad about 23 miles, both offering train rides. The Moffat Road Railroad Museum in Granby is about 42 miles, and the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden about 50 miles.
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