The Denver Rail Heritage Society, doing business as the Denver Tramway Heritage Society, is built on three pillars: Education, History, and Preservation. We operate the Denver Trolley, giving visitors an experiential and educational ride along the South Platte River Greenway through an area rich in cultural institutions and attractions. Support us on Colorado Gives Day and come take a ride on the Trolley!
This is truly a Denver treasure. I've lived here my entire life, but I learned more about Denver in one 25 min trolley than I ever did in school. — Google Review, 2024
Such a fun experience! I had no idea this existed. Lots of great information about the trolley and city as we went by. I wish it was longer! Very fun way to spend the first part of our morning. — Google Review, 2024
Absolutely wonderful experience!! My kiddos loved just riding the trolley back and forth on a hot summer day ❤️. — Google Review, 2024
I've been taking the trolley to Broncos games for a very long time. The staff is wonderful and it's a treat to ride a piece of a Colorado history. — Google Review, 2024
I have been doing the trolley ride every year with my son. It’s such a wonderful summer tradition. I learn something new every year! This is the first year we got off at the children’s museum, which made it extra special. — Groupon Review, 2024
The mission of the Denver Rail Heritage Society ("DRHS" or "the Society") is to preserve the history of electric railroads and streetcars in the Denver area so that future generations can understand the role that each of these modes of transportation played in shaping Denver’s growth and development. The Society may elect to own, operate, and/or involve themselves in other entities, such as the Denver Trolley.
The story of trolleys in Denver ended on July 3, 1950. Thirty-eight years later, the Denver Rail Heritage Society (DRHS) was formed to preserve the history of streetcars in the area. In 1989, DRHS began operating the Platte Valley Trolley along the South Platte River Greenway, giving visitors an opportunity to experience a piece of Denver’s history. Today, we continue to operate the Trolley — now called the Denver Trolley — along the same stretch of track (albeit a shorter route, due to Denver’s growth in that area).
Replicating the historical “breezers” that ran in the city, the Denver Trolley is an “open-air” trolley running on the original tracks (once serving as bypass tracks for freight trains) from behind REI (in Confluence Park overlooking Shoemaker Plaza) to the southern terminus between Empower Field at Mile High and Old Colfax.
The operation of the Denver Trolley is currently the primary function of DTHS, while also having owned two historic Denver streetcar bodies: Car .04, the last to operate in Denver, was transferred to Arvada for the creation of a public education project; Car 83 is a good candidate for restoration and rehabilitation.
We operate the Denver Trolley along the South Platte River Greenway from Memorial Day weekend until mid-August each year, providing thousands of visitors the opportunity to experience an important piece of Denver’s history, imagining the sights and sounds of a time when Trolleys were the primary means of transportation within the city.
During the fall and winter, we operate the Trolley as a shuttle for Denver Broncos home football games, running from Confluence Park to our Bronco Bridge station stop to take Broncos fans (and others) up to the games at Empower Field at Mile High. Though the planned move of the Broncos out of the area will impact our organization and Trolley operations down the road, we are determined — with your support — to keep our beloved Trolley rolling along the tracks for many years to come!
Organization name
Denver Rail Heritage Society
other names
Denver Trolley, Platte Valley Trolley
1978
Tax id (EIN)
74-2511800
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
1400 Platte StreetOther
PO Box 216Denver County, CO, US