The Galloping Goose Historical Society was founded in 1987 and is a non-profit, member supported organization. Its purpose, in large part, is to preserve historical Rio Grande Southern Railroad artifacts and equipment. In addition, the Society was organized, “…to establish museums….for education and research…” of the RGS and the history of the Dolores River Valley.

The museum collection includes pictures, (many one-of-a-kind), interpretive displays, artwork, models, reference books and papers, plus many artifacts, large and small, like the water tank spout from the RGS tank in Rico, Colorado. And, of course, the world-famous Rio Grande Southern Railroad’s Galloping Goose No. 5 is on display in front of the building.

The Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum is housed in the replica of the original RGS depot in the center of town and is Dolores’ only active museum. The museum is open 6 days a week from mid-May through mid-October and limited hours during the off-season winter months. Admission is free.