Entry No. 81 — the Durango file — filed under: haunted
Tales of Morticians (D&SNG)
Each October the narrow-gauge railroad runs this macabre excursion exploring death, dying and ghost lore in the early days of Durango and Silverton. A narrator portrays a member of the real Goodman family, who were working morticians in Durango, delivering history that the railroad warns is mature and not for kids under 12. It runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the month, a seasonal twist on the famous steam train.
The story
Most people board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for postcard mountain views and steam engine nostalgia. In October, though, the railroad pivots to something considerably darker: a seasonal excursion into the Victorian death industry that helped shape the San Juan frontier.
Instead of standard sightseer narration, the microphone is turned over to an actor portraying a member of the Goodman family—Durango’s actual 19th-century working morticians. As the train pulls away from the depot at 479 Main Avenue, you get an unvarnished breakdown of early mortuary practices, frontier mortality, and the specific ghost lore tied to the historic line between Durango and Silverton. It isn't a cheap jump-scare haunted attraction; it is a cold, detailed look at how the dead were handled when dying in mountain mining country was an everyday reality.
What it's like
You will arrive at the historic downtown depot to board vintage train cars that feel markedly different once twilight hits. The in-character narration delivered over the car speakers doesn't hold back on the grim particulars of frontier mortuary work and town tragedy. Just pay attention to the schedule when booking: the train runs both afternoon and evening departures, so double-check your departure time if you want the proper after-dark atmosphere.
The move: Ride the historic narrow-gauge train in October while a Goodman-family mortician narrates the grim true history of death and hauntings along the line.
📍 Before you go October only (Fri/Sat/Sun); mature content, not advised for children under 12. Some runs are afternoon-narrated, so confirm an evening departure when booking.
- 📍 Downtown Durango
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience — Pair your ride with an after-dark walk across the railyard guided by museum curator Jeff Ellingson to explore the paranormal lore around the roundhouse.
- The Bookcase and Barber — Head one block up Main Avenue after the train ride to whisper a password at a hidden barbershop door for a strong craft drink.
- The Garage Billiards & Music Hall — Shake off the grim mortuary history with a round of pinball and pool at this cavernous downtown arcade hall.
Good to know
When does the Tales of Morticians train run?
The excursion runs exclusively during the month of October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Is this excursion suitable for young children?
No. The railroad warns that the material covers mature historical subject matter and is not advised for children under 12.
Where does the train depart from?
Boarding takes place at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot, located at 479 Main Ave in Downtown Durango.
Are all departures after dark?
No. Some scheduled runs take place in the afternoon, so verify departure times during booking if you are seeking a night ride.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: durangotrain.com
last checked: 2026-06-23