The museum holds the original Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive #4005, which weighs over 1.1 million pounds.
The collection includes a 1923 Kissel 'Gold Bug' that was once owned by pilot Amelia Earhart.
The museum houses rare 'microcars' and oddities like the 1921 Handley-Knight, one of few remaining examples.
J.D. Forney, the founder, was a welder by trade who began his collection by purchasing a single antique car in the 1950s.
The facility contains a substantial collection of rail-related artifacts beyond locomotives, including extensive track maintenance equipment.
The museum exhibits an 1899 De Dion-Bouton, one of the oldest cars in the entire collection.
The Forney Museum of Transportation houses a collection of over 600 artifacts related to historical transportation, primarily focused on antique cars and rare vehicles. The museum originated from J.D. Forney's private collection, which he began acquiring in the mid-20th century. Key exhibits include the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive #4005, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. The museum displays a diverse array of conveyances, ranging from carriages and bicycles to motorcycles and custom-built cars. Visitors can view the Amelia Earhart Gold Bug Kissel, a vehicle once owned by the famous aviator. The facility is located in the RiNo (River North) Art District of Denver. The collection features operational and unrestored vehicles preserved for historical study. It provides significant context regarding the evolution of 20th-century American transit technology.
The cab of the Big Boy locomotive provides a unique perspective for photography.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum floor is expansive and requires significant movement to see all wings.
Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibit updates or special events that may change the floor layout.
Allocate extra time if you are a rail enthusiast, as the locomotive exhibit is highly detailed.
Do not attempt to touch the vintage paint or upholstery, as many items are unrestored or fragile.
Closed on major federal holidays and occasionally on Mondays depending on the season.
