About the Museum

The Reliance Fire Museum is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation dedicated to the restoration, display, and preservation of antique fire apparatus and related equipment.

Founded in 1994 by Douglas Klink, the Museum continues under his direction today, showcasing symbols of America's firefighting efforts from the last century. Each piece of apparatus carries with it a colorful history that reveals a designers dream, a firefighters tireless work and a communities pride. Those elements are brought to life during Museum tours.

The community of Estes Park is a popular travel destination for local, regional and national visitors thanks to the proximity of Rocky Mountain National Park, which provides a spectacular backdrop from each window of the museum.

Our 12,000 square foot museum building contains approximately 15 pieces of apparatus, and several static displays of one-of-a-kind and retired firefighting artifacts.

Business end of the 1938 Ahrens Fox HT (Sandusky, OH)

The Museum holds an open house once each summer, generally on the second Saturday of July.  See our Facebook page for details and times.

Check our calendar, though, as sometimes we take a truck or two to musters or other shows instead.

Museum tours for groups of ten or more are available by appointment during the months of July and August.  We are closed September through June.

Car clubs and collectors are often invited to the public museum hours and may provide an additional opportunity during your visit to see collections not normally on public display.

Admission to the museum is free.

 

1958 Pirsch 100' tillered aerial (Beverly Hills, Ca)

Tax deductible donations are accepted- and are an important source of funding for museum operations. Please contact a Museum staff member or volunteer for a receipt for your donation.

Many of our trucks were donated by owners who wanted to see them well cared for and restored. Vehicle donations are also fully tax deductible. Contact us if you have a fire truck that needs a home.