A Day on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad
By Jamie Johnson
There’s something magical about stepping onto a historic train, knowing you’re about to experience travel the way it was decades ago. I recently had the chance to do just that with a visit to the Springdale Depot and a ride on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad. My day began at the Springdale Depot with a visit to the Arkansas Missouri Railroad Transportation Museum. The museum had a strong military focus, showcasing many interesting artifacts from various eras. It was a great way to start the day before boarding the train to Van Buren.
For those unfamiliar, the Arkansas Missouri Railroad has a rich history that dates back to its beginnings in 1986 when the line was purchased by the current owners. Originally part of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco), this line played a critical role in freight transportation through the Ozarks. Today, it still operates as a freight line, but it’s the passenger excursions that have captured the hearts of travelers. Riding this line is like stepping back in time, experiencing what travel was like when the railroad was king.
When it was time to board, I had three car options. I chose the last car with the observation deck, which allowed me to capture a short video of my backwards ride. The other options included an upscale dining car with plush leather seats and the scenic dome car, perfect for panoramic views. During our ride, we journeyed through lush greenery, even passing through a tunnel, which was a real highlight.
The staff on board wore authentic conductor uniforms and provided humorous commentary during a few brief pauses along the way. One particularly fun moment was when we pulled off on a spur to let a freight train pass by—something that really highlights the dual nature of this line, as it still supports vital freight operations alongside its scenic excursions. About three hours later, we arrived in Van Buren, where I had time for a quick stop at a quaint coffee shop. Before leaving the Van Buren station, I made sure to grab my magnet and railroad pin—two items I always collect from every railroad-related attraction I visit.
This was an excellent opportunity to ride the rails and explore a charming town. As always, I encourage you to make this part of your next trip to the area. Building in a leisurely component to your travel itinerary may be just what you need to enjoy some quality time with family or friends.
This trip was a work experience for me, and I was surrounded by other professionals from the heritagerail industry. It was great to connect with like-minded individuals in such a relaxed setting, which made for perfect conversations about trains and so much more. They Arkansas Missouri Railroad truly creates a welcoming environment to engage with others while soaking in the beautiful backdrop.
I hope you’ll consider a trip aboard the Arkansas Missouri Railroad—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
