Imagine stepping into a miniature world steeped in history – bustling mining towns, echoing tunnels carved through snow-capped peaks, and trains chugging through valleys rich with lore. This is the captivating journey that awaits you at the Buena Vista Model Railroad, nestled within the historic 1882 Chaffee County Courthouse.
Each meticulously crafted building whispers tales of the miners, merchants, and lettuce farmers who once called this valley home. The Rio Grande Depot in Leadville stands with intricate brickwork, a testament to a bygone era when the town teemed with over 2,000 souls. As the train descends from Leadville, we pass the charming mountain village of Granite. While its once vibrant mining supply streets may now appear quieter, its 18-20 residents embody a resilient community's spirit.
But the story doesn't end there. The model also captures a forgotten chapter in the valley's history – the brief reign of "The Head Lettuce Capitol of the US." From 1922 to 1946, fields stretched emerald green as far as the eye could see, and conveyor chutes hauled ice blocks from Ice Lake to keep the crisp harvest cool on its journey east. The clickety-clack of the trains on the model isn't just the sound of wheels on tracks; it's the rhythm of a bygone era, transporting you back to a time of booming industries and bustling communities.
Today, the Buena Vista Model Railroad is a tribute to the rich tapestry of the Upper Arkansas Valley. Over 400 painstakingly hand-built structures, most created from scratch from original photos, tell the story of a region's transformation. It's a testament to the dedication of the Buena Vista Model Railroad Society, who have breathed life into history, one miniature masterpiece at a time.
Buena Vista was once home to three separate railroads. While the tracks have now lain silent for decades, the history etched by those trains still resounds through the valley. Explore the history of the three railroads below.
