Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@coloradocommunitymedia.com
That additional smoke coming from the Colorado Railroad Museum may not be from one of the many historic operational trains housed on its 15-acre railyard.
It might be from Table Mountain Station, a new private event concept between Table Mountain Inn and the museum.
Almost two years in the making, thanks to a global pandemic, Table Mountain Inn General Manager John Payne said the idea for a partnership came about after the hotel catered a small private event at the museum.
“It just seemed like a really nice opportunity for us to get a larger outdoor venue that we were looking for and a good chance for them (the museum) to make a little extra money to put back into the railroad museum,” he said.
According to Payne, the new venue can host and cater events with up to 500 guests. The museum’s covered outdoor pavilion can also be enclosed for inclimate weather, and indoor heating and a giant video screen are also on the list of amenities.
Got a smaller group?
No worries.
Rent a private vintage railroad car that can accommodate 20 to 40 guests.
How about the food?
Payne said he and Table Mountain Inn Executive Chef Michael Erickson could do almost anything that comes to mind, from plated dinners to grab-and-go.
“Basically, with us, anything you’re looking for, I can do,” said Payne. “We’re just developing this program; anything you want custom, we have menus up on the website of our different stations, barbeque station, taco truck.”
Yes, Table Mountain Station permits either cash or hosted bars.
Colorado Rail Road Museum Director of Development Robert Kramer said almong with a 16-foot by 9-foot video wall will be permanent restrooms, a new stage and slick new storage for seating.
“What the video wall will allow us to do is everything from business meetings to weddings to multimedia events to rock concerts,” he said. “And the biggest one is our Polar Express Train ride in winter. We’ve always had to build the backdrop for our sets, and now we’ll just program the backdrop into the video wall.”
And guests are not limited to just the pavilion. Kramer said guests would be free to enjoy the trains and exhibits on the premises.
