It’s Been 120 Years In Grand Junction for Union Depot

2026 is the year we celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary, and the year we celebrate Colorado’s 150^th. Grand Junction’s historic Union Depot is celebrating, too; the historic landmark turns 120 years old this year.

Did you know Grand Junction has plans to celebrate Union Depot’s 120^th birthday this month? The day is coming up sooner than you think. Keep scrolling to see how the city will celebrate the anniversary of the day the front door opened to opportunity on the Western Slope.

Celebrating 120 Years At Grand Junction's Union Depot

Read More: Colorado’s Abandoned Railroads: A Hidden History Beneath Our Feet

If you want to be reminded of how the railroads built Western Colorado, all you need to do is stop by Grand Junction’s Union Depot. You should plan on visiting on May 9. That’s the day Union Depot will open to the public, hosting the Wheels West Car Club classic car show and displaying several historical railroad items from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The May 9th open house is free and is a great chance to learn about the redevelopment at the depot and their plans for a grand reopening in 2027.

From Disaster to Boom—The Depot’s Defining Moments

The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Depot (Union Depot) in Grand Junction opened on April 17, 1906. The very next day, America woke up to news of a natural disaster as a 7.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed portions of San Francisco. The depot quickly became a refuge for displaced survivors traveling away from the coast. During the golden age of rail, Grand Junction became a key stop along the California Zephyr line, which helped us turn into a transportation hub. Milestones matter, and that’s why Union Depot is an important place in Western Colorado.

From Architectural Gem to Comeback Story in Colorado

Read More: Inside Colorado: How Trains Put Grand Junction on the Map

Grand Junction’s buildings in the early 1900s often featured an Italian-style design. The depot featured arched windows, high ceilings, and soon earned itself a reputation as one of the finest rail hubs in the American West. By the 1980s, the golden age of rail ended, and the depot was left vacant and deteriorating. Today, a multi-million-dollar restoration effort is trying to bring it back to life as a vibrant community space. See the progress on May 9 during the open house and classic car show. Grand Junction’s Union Depot can be found at 119 Pitkin Avenue.