Worth it? Yes, for families with kids ages 3-10. It's touristy and not cheap ($32 adults, $22 kids), but kids genuinely love it. The 1.5-hour train ride from Georgetown to Silver Plume offers beautiful mountain scenery, and the optional mine tour ($12 extra) is the highlight. Plan 3-4 hours total. 45 miles from Denver.
What Is the Georgetown Loop?
A historic narrow gauge railroad from the 1880s that runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume through the Colorado mountains. The "loop" refers to where the track crosses over itself on a high bridge—the train climbs 600 feet in just 2 miles by spiraling upward. Engineering that was impressive in 1884, and still impressive now.
The Georgetown Loop gets dismissed as a tourist trap. Too expensive, too slow, too cheesy. But families with young kids consistently rate it as one of their best Colorado experiences. The key is knowing what you're getting into.
The Train Experience
Two stations serve the loop: Georgetown and Silver Plume. Georgetown has the bigger parking lot and better facilities. Tickets are available online (slightly cheaper) or at the station. Summer weekends sell out, so book ahead.
Open-air and enclosed cars are both available. Open-air is the better choice unless weather is bad—the views and mountain air make the experience. The train moves slowly, sometimes walking speed, but that's the point. Kids don't care about speed.
A conductor narrates the history throughout the ride. Adults may tune out, but kids love the mining stories and Old West drama. Actors board the train too—a sheriff hunting outlaws, "bandits" staging a fake robbery. It's cheesy, but kids eat it up.
Lebanon Silver Mine Tour
The mine tour costs an extra $12 for adults and $10 for kids. It's worth adding.
Visitors walk 500 feet into an actual 1870s silver mine. Guides explain the mining process and history. Kids wear hard hats, see real mining equipment, and learn what the work was actually like. The mine stays 44°F year-round, so bring jackets even in summer. The tour adds about 30 minutes.
Best Ages
Kids under 3 ride free but may get bored or scared by the loud whistle and dark tunnel. Ages 3-6 are the sweet spot—everything feels magical at that age. Ages 7-10 still enjoy it, especially with the mine tour. Tweens roll their eyes but often have fun anyway. Teenagers will likely be on their phones.
When to Go
Summer has the most departures and best weather but biggest crowds. Fall brings spectacular aspen colors—book weeks ahead for September and October. Winter offers Santa trains and Polar Express themes; cold but popular. Spring is less crowded with unpredictable weather.
The first train around 10am has fewer people and cooler temps. Midday is busiest. The last train works well for exploring Georgetown first.
Georgetown Town
The town is worth time before or after the train. Victorian buildings, antique shops, decent restaurants. Happy Cooker has the best breakfast (go early, lines form). Lucha Cantina works for lunch with a solid kids menu. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is good for bribes. A walk through historic downtown takes about 30 minutes.
The Real Cost
For a family of four with the mine tour: train tickets run about $108, the mine tour adds $44, and parking is free. Lunch in Georgetown costs around $60, treats and gift shop another $30. Total day: roughly $240. Not cheap, but most families find it worthwhile.
What to Know Before You Go
A few things to prepare for:
- The train whistle is loud and blows constantly—prep sensitive kids
- Motion sickness happens; face forward and sit in the middle of the car
- Use station bathrooms first; train facilities are rustic
- The fake robbery can scare young children—explain it's pretend beforehand
- Most of the ride is in direct sun at 8,500 feet; sunscreen matters
Who Should Go
Skip it if kids are under 3 (they won't remember and may hate the noise), if anyone has mobility issues (lots of steps), or if budget is tight (plenty of free mountain activities exist). It's also not great for people who genuinely hate touristy attractions.
It's a good fit for families with kids ages 3-10, visits with grandparents (the pace works well for them), anyone wanting mountain scenery without hiking, and fall trips during aspen season.
The Bottom Line
The Georgetown Loop is touristy, slow, and expensive. It's also genuinely fun for families with young kids. The scenery is beautiful, the history is real, Georgetown is charming, and kids love every minute of the train, the characters, and especially the mine tour.
It's touristy because it's good. Sometimes that's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Georgetown Loop Railroad worth the money?
For families with kids ages 3-10, yes. The train, scenery, and mine tour create a memorable day. Adults without kids may find it slow and overpriced. Budget $150-240 for a family of four depending on add-ons.
Is the Georgetown Loop family-friendly?
Very. It's designed for families. Kids love the train, the characters, and the mine tour hard hats. The pace is relaxed with bathrooms at stations and family-friendly restaurants in Georgetown. Best for ages 3-10.
What's the weather like at the Georgetown Loop?
Georgetown sits at 8,500 feet. Summer days reach the 70s but cool quickly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August. Fall is crisp, winter is cold (20s-40s). The mine stays 44°F year-round. Bring layers.
How long does the Georgetown Loop take?
The train ride is 1.5 hours round trip. Add 30 minutes for the mine tour. With parking, boarding, Georgetown exploration, and lunch, plan 3-4 hours total.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes. Summer weekends and fall foliage season sell out. Online tickets cost slightly less and guarantee a spot. Winter Santa trains sell out weeks ahead.
Is the mine tour worth the extra cost?
Yes. At $12 adults and $10 kids, it adds genuine value. Kids love the hard hats and seeing a real 1870s mine. The 44°F temperature is a nice break on hot summer days.