Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway: Frequently Asked Questions

As you look around the town of Buckskin Joe, remember that most of these buildings were built in the 1860s. Many of the parks staff and visitors have reported unsettling incidents that they cannot explain. So many, in fact, that the town was featured in 2001 on the History Channels series Haunted History.

Lights sometimes go on and off by themselves. Some folks have reported seeing a grizzled old miner in the mirror of the Saloon but when they turn around there is no one there. Chairs reportedly slide around in the theater by themselves.

Over the years, these unsettling incidents seem to have involved the same three characters; the blue lady, the miner, and the faceless gunfighter. Both the miner and the gunfighter are almost always seen in the Saloon and Theater, while the blue lady is usually sighted on the boardwalk by the Sackett House.

The Saloon and Theatre complex was originally built from three different barns that were moved to Buckskin Joe and fitted together. One of the barns was used for public executions during the 1800s. It was also used to store bodies of the deceased during the winter months when the ground was too hard and frozen to dig graves. Many people believe that this is why this area is haunted.

The blue lady usually appears near the Sackett House. While she seems a friendly and benign spirit, we are not certain of her history. We do know that the Sackett House was originally built in the town of Sargents, Colorado in the 1880s. It was used as a boarding house for the men who built the narrow gauge railroad over Marshall Pass.

If you encounter one of Buckskin Joes permanent residents, tell one of our staff members. Not only do we enjoy a good story, but we like to keep track of the towns population!

How long has Buckskin Joe been here?

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Scenic Railway has been in its current location since 1957 when a group of investors came together to create the attraction. They located historical buildings from ghost towns and mining towns throughout the Rocky Mountain region, documented them, numbered the parts of the buildings, disassembled them for moving and put them back together eight miles west of Cañon City.

c. How many movies have been filmed at Buckskin Joe?
Twenty movies and/or documentaries have been filmed at the park, including John Waynes The Cowboys and The Sacketts with Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott. Also, many companies like Marlboro, Foster Grant Chevrolet, and Kawasaki have made their commercials and advertisements here.

Are you open year round?

No. The Scenic Railway is open from March through December. The Frontier Town is open from May through the end of September.

Whats the elevation at the park?

The parks elevation is 6,355 feet above sea level and the climate is semi-arid. If you are visiting from lower elevations or more humid climates, it is important to remember to always bring a light jacket or sweater with you as the weather in Colorado changes rapidly. Also, remember to drink lots of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Most visitors adjust quickly and have no problem with either the elevation or the climate.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. We accept Visa, Master Card and Discover. We also gladly accept cash or U.S. Travelers Checks. We do not accept personal checks nor do we accept currencies/Travelers Checks that are not in U.S. Dollars.

Do you use real bullets in your guns?

No. While the guns we use are real firearms, our actors only use blanks and black powder rounds in the guns at Buckskin Joe. These actors are all specially trained to use firearms in the shows and are well-versed on gun safety. For everyones comfort and safety, we do not allow guests to bring firearms, knives, or other weapons into the park.

How can I be a gunfighter at Buckskin Joe?

Buckskin Joes street show actors and gunfighters are auditioned and contracted by a separate production company. They audition and hire all of the actors we use. To contact them for information on auditions and head shots, please email Silver Heels Productions at .

Do you have an ATM machine?

There is not an ATM machine located inside the park. Our stores, restaurants and admissions gladly accept credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and Discover), U.S. Currency, and Travelers Checks in U.S. Currency.

When is the best time of day to visit?

The Frontier Town is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week(from Memorial Day to Labor Day). The Scenic Railway is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week (from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Any time of day is usually beautiful in Southern Colorado. The park tends to be more crowded in the afternoons.

What is appropriate dress?

Plan to be comfortable. Walking shoes are a good idea as Main Street is a typical old-west experience with dirt streets and boardwalk sidewalks. A light jacket or sweater is also a good idea as the weather can change quickly in Colorado. We do require shirts and shoes to enter the park.

What is the weather like?

Colorados summer weather is usually a refreshing change for many of our guests coming from more humid parts of the country. Summers days are usually hot and dry with a brief afternoon shower. Nights are cool and pleasant.

What age group is this attraction appropriate for?

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway is a family attraction. There are plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages. Our combination admission includes the train ride, frontier town, gold panning, the Isabell Mine, the old west maze, all of the live street shows, farm animals, and tons of Colorado History.

Do you have food or restaurants available?

Yes. Buckskin Joe is home to the Gold Nugget Restaurant, a full service restaurant that features western-inspired meals like real buffalo burgers, mesquite-grilled chicken, and BBQ beef. Next door to the restaurant is our famous Silver Dollar Saloon, a relaxing place to enjoy ice cold beer, mixed drinks or soda pop. The park also has an old fashioned Ice Cream Parlour that serves many tempting treats. Guests are able to purchase snacks and drinks at several other locations throughout the park.

Are pets allowed in the park or on the train?

We do allow well-behaved pets on the train and in the park as long as they are on leashes.

Are fire arms allowed in the park?

No. Guests are not allowed to bring firearms, knives, or weapons of any other sort into the park or on the train.

Do we need reservations to come to the town or the train?

Normally you do not need reservations to visit either the Frontier Town or the Scenic Railway. However, if you plan to bring a group of 10 or more people, we do ask that you make a reservation by calling 719-275-5149 or emailing us at

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway | P.O. Box 8 | Cañon City, CO 81215
Phone: 719/275-5149 | Fax: 719/275-8035 | e-mail:

Is Buckskin Joe Haunted?

How long has Buckskin Joe been here?

Are you open year round?

Whats the elevation at the park?

Do you accept credit cards?

Do you use real bullets in your guns?

How can I be a gunfighter at Buckskin Joe?

Do you have an ATM machine?

When is the best time of day to visit?

What is appropriate dress?

What is the weather like?

What age group is this attraction appropriate for?

Do you have food or restaurants available?

Are pets allowed in the park or on the train?

Are fire arms allowed in the park?

Do we need reservations to come to the town or the train?

Is Buckskin Joe Haunted?

How long has Buckskin Joe been here?

Are you open year round?

Whats the elevation at the park?

Do you accept credit cards?

Do you use real bullets in your guns?

How can I be a gunfighter at Buckskin Joe?

Do you have an ATM machine?

When is the best time of day to visit?

What is appropriate dress?

What is the weather like?

What age group is this attraction appropriate for?

Do you have food or restaurants available?

Are pets allowed in the park or on the train?

Are fire arms allowed in the park?

Do we need reservations to come to the town or the train?