Skip to Main Content

Shep tombstone.

Grave of the Toll Road Dog

Field review by the editors.

Broomfield, Colorado

Pet Cemetery.

(Died 1964)

Before 2009, along busy US Hwy 36 there was a little razor bump in a wide, freshly mown area, sloping between the eastbound highway and the Broomfield onramp. It was the grave of Shep the Toll Road Dog.

US 36 used to be a toll road. Back in 1951, when there was no suburban sprawl or strip malls along it, the job of toll collector was a lonely one. So when a black and white mutt pup showed up to keep the collectors company, he quickly won their hearts. Over the years, he became their official mascot. Motorists would leave food and extra change to take care of him.

Smaller tombstone.

Finally, old age and arthritis took their own toll. For a time, Shep had to be carried into the booth in the mornings. And in August, 1964, he was put to sleep.

The Colorado DOT decided to officially bury Shep, and local merchants donated the fence and headstones -- there were two. The larger one says "Shep. 1950-1964. Part Shepherd. Mostly Affection." The smaller one just read "Shep. Our Pal."

The site was maintained for decades, grass cut and weeds yanked, with little American flags flapping, until highway interchange construction finally interceded. In 2009 the graves and fence were moved to the Broomfield Depot Museum grounds and reconstructed.

A portrait of Shep still hangs outside the CDOT commissioner's auditorium in Denver.

Also see: Mascots | Roadside Pet Cemetery

Grave of the Toll Road Dog

Address:
2201 W 10th Ave., Broomfield, CO
Directions:
Outside the Depot Museum. US 36 - The Boulder Turnpike - 121/128 Exit in Broomfield. Take US Hwy 287 north about a mile to W. 10th Ave, head west and enter Zangs Spur Park. Watch for signs.
Phone:
303-466-3663
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Hypnotic Turtle DreamBoxHypnotic Turtle DreamBox, Broomfield, CO - 1 mi.
Praying Mantis StatuePraying Mantis Statue, Westminster, CO - 3 mi.
Vampire GraveVampire Grave, Lafayette, CO - 5 mi.
In the region:
Rooftop Papa Burger, Berthoud, CO - 26 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Colorado

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Colorado.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Colorado Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights