Arkansas is a state in the South Central region of the Southern United States. There are several tourist and narrow-gauge railways operating within the state. The Texas Eagle train operated daily by Amtrak between n Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas stops at six railway stations in Arkansas. There are no commuter trains in Arkansas.
Amtrak stations in Arkansas:
Arkadelphia
Hope
Little Rock
Malvern
Texarkana
Walnut Ridge
Most interesting is historic railway station in Little Rock opened in 1921 after a fire destroyed the prior station on April 7, 1920.
Tourist trains in Arkansas
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) – a railway company founded in 1986. It operates mainly freight trains on the Monett – Fort Smith Route. Seasonally Arkansas & Missouri Railroad launches tourist trains on the regular working rails in refurbished antique passenger or parlor coaches. The scenic route partially follows the course of the old riverbed of the Arkansas river.
Tourist trains in Arkansas run on selected days on the following routes:
– Fort Smith to Winslow
– Van Buren to Winslow
– Springdale to Van Buren
The most attractive option is certainly the Springdale to Van Buren route (108 km). The train includes a coach from 1900 and first-class coaches. In Van Buren, passengers have two hours to explore the town.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad – official website
Branson Scenic Railway – a tourist train offering excursions on a 20-mile route from Self to Galena, Missouri on the tracks of the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad. The trains run from Monday to Saturday from March to mid-December. The trains depart from Branson, and the return journey takes one hour and 45 minutes through tunnels, over trestles, and through the southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas. Branson Scenic Railway offers special trains and dining trains. The trains explore territory inaccessible by automobile and offers views that are unattainable by any other means of transportation.
Branson Scenic Railway – official website
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway – vintage trains in Arkansas running on a short route from Eureka Springs to Gaskins (about 4 km one way). Trains hauled by diesel locomotive from 1940s are comprised of vintage coaches. Sometimes there are dining trains – railway has a dining car manufactured in 1920’s. The railway operates from April to October from Tuesday to Saturday. In Eureka Springs, you can also visit the railway museum. The return trip lasts about an hour.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway – official website
Heritage trams in Arkansas
Fort Smith Trolley Museum – heritage trams run in Fort Smith on weekends throughout the year and daily during the summer season. Trolley Museum in Fort Smith is open daily all year
Fort Smith Trolley Museum – official website
Heritage streetcars in Little Rock – historic trams in Little Rock operate daily throughout the year. Trams connect the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock (approximately 5 km). There are three historic replica streetcars.
Miniature trains in Arkansas
Creekmore Express Train – a miniature train in Creekmore Park in Fort Smith. It operates from the last weekend in April to the last weekend in October. Short, but very popular ride. There are a total of three miniature trains that are housed at Creekmore Park. There is no cost to ride the train, but donations are welcomed.
Diamond Express Train – narrow-gauge train in Little Rock ZOO inaugurated in 2014. rom March to November, the train runs seven days a week, from 10 AM to 4 PM, allowing guests ample opportunity to enjoy its scenic route and explore the zoo’s offerings. As November approaches, the train transitions to winter hours, operating exclusively from Thursday to Sunday, still from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Rich Mountain Miniature Train – a miniature railway in Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena. About two miles of tracks around the park. The miniature railway was opened in 1952 and was originally known as the Glory Train.
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
