4 Most Scenic Train Rides In Arkansas, The USA

Louise
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read
scenic train rides in arkansas

Bordering the Mississippi River, Arkansas is a gorgeous US state that is known for its breathtaking natural wonders, stunning nature parks, mountainous terrains, vast rolling plains, and enchanting bodies of water, like springs, rivers, and lakes. It is a paradise for adventure-seekers and nature-lovers who plan to escape the routinary city life and go on a well-deserved vacation. They can stay in amazing Airbnb vacation rentals and secluded cabins scattered throughout the state. Additionally, aside from its gorgeous features, Arkansas is home to captivating cities, including Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, and more. If you want to go on an adventure on this side of the US, here is a list of the most scenic train rides in Arkansas, USA, that might pique your interest. Feel free to check it out below.

What’s new in Arkansas:

  • According to KATV ABC 7, Arkansas saw a huge surge of tourists in 2023, crossing the 50 million mark.

Good to know:

  • Arkansas is known for its outdoor adventures. While here, try different outdoor recreational activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. You can also explore off-road trails to enjoy the adrenaline rush. Make sure to carry your camera to capture some incredible shots!
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1. Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

Eureka Springs and Northern Arkansas - Pulling Into The Station
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Wertman used under CC BY 2.0
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Established in the year 1981 by Robert Dortch, Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is a fantastic railway that offers scenic excursion trips for tourists and locals who want an escape from routine. They have various tour packages, including an excursion train, a lunch train, and a dinner train, and most of them last for more than an hour. These journeys will take the North Arkansas Line. Guests will be riding on a fascinating 1940s-era train with vintage aesthetics, so if you like stepping back in time, I think you’ll be impressed by this one. Inside the locomotive, there are lots of common spaces where guests can relax, such as a charming dining space where the food is served, which is included in the package.

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

Address: 299 N Main St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, United States

Website: Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

2. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Van Buren to Winslow Excursion

A&M RR
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Intelati used under CC BY-SA 3.0
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Offered by Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, Van Buren to Winslow Excursion trip is a satisfying, three-hour scenic ride that will surely provide you the adventure you’ve longed for. Covering 70 miles (113 kilometers) in distance, this roundtrip excursion passes through stunning views of the region’s mountainous landscapes and lush forestry. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Van Buren to Winslow Excursion presents three types of tours for their guests to choose from, including Silver Feather, Premium, and Vintage. All of these packages offer a hearty meal.

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Van Buren to Winslow Excursion

Website: Van Buren to Winslow Excursion

3. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Springdale to Van Buren

Alco T-6 On The Daily Local
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Wertman used under CC BY 2.0
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Another scenic excursion tour that Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers is Springdale to Van Buren. From the fourth-largest city in Arkansas, Springdale, to the captivating city of Van Buren, tourists will be dropped off at Van Buren’s historic downtown for a three-hour leisure escapade, where they can roam around, purchase souvenir items, and try superb local restaurants. The trip takes 8 hours and covers 134 miles (215 kilometers) in distance, roundtrip. Just like Van Buren to Winslow Excursion, guests can choose from a Silver Feather package, a Premium, or the classic Vintage train ride. Springdale to Van Buren route also passes through a tunnel, and guests will be treated to picture-perfect views of the region’s mountain ranges in the background. I’d suggest carrying your camera to capture the sceneries!

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Springdale to Van Buren

Website: Springdale to Van Buren

4. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Fort Smith to Winslow

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Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad offers a Fort Smith to Winslow package. What makes this exciting tour an unforgettable one is that guests will be able to marvel at the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas River Valley while cozying in an old-school vintage ride that people only normally see in old Hollywood movies. Depending on your budget, you can purchase a coach ticket, a club ticket, a caboose ticket, or a pricey, first-class ticket. Most of these trains are restored, showcasing quintessential velvet bench seats and tastefully curated decors. The pricier the ticket, the more limited the seats. Plus, meals are either available to be purchased on the train or they are included in the tour package. Fort Smith to Winslow is a four-hour ride.

Fort Smith to Winslow

Website: Fort Smith to Winslow

Fall in love with Arkansas

Arkansas is a stunning US state that is a paradise of natural wonders. It also offers plenty of beautiful places to visit and fantastic things to do. It is home to breathtaking mountainous areas, lush forests, enchanting bodies of water, and captivating cities that are rich in cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit this side of the country and you are looking for a unique experience to try, book a scenic train ride that will make you feel like you’re traveling back in time. With landscape views and a hearty meal in a vintage train, you’ll surely find this experience one for the books.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...View profile

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