The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is an experience the whole family will enjoy. You’ll feel as if you have journeyed back in time when visiting the train depot. The Eureka Springs Railroad site is home to the largest collections of antique train equipment in Arkansas. Authentic railroad memorabilia and exhibits including vintage locomotives, rolling stock and a restored working turntable can all be found on the property. In 1883, the Eureka Springs railroad brought the first visitors to Eureka Springs. Visit the depot at their location in Eureka Springs on 299 Main Street.
No matter if it is your first time visiting the town or if you are a local, be a tourist for a day and take a train ride through the hills. It’s quite the adventure to ride 4.5 miles into the Ozarks and see the beauty of the region. From April to October, the Eureka Springs Railroad takes guests on a 4.5-mile excursion. They are open from Tuesday through Saturday with departure schedule varying for each month. Adult tickets are $14.50, children aged 4-7 are $7.50 and children under the age of 4 rides for free with an adult.
For those looking for a little something extra, the Eureka Springs railroad offers a dining car. From May to October, the dinner train takes riders on a 1.5 hour, 4.5-mile round-trip trek through the Ozarks. Their dinner menu offers three entrees including the Chicken Eurekan baked chicken breast, The Conductor which is the chef’s prime rib, and The City of New Orleans rainbow trout. Each entrée is accompanied with soup, salad, rice, vegetables and freshly baked rolls. A delicious Flaming Baked Alaskan dessert finishes out the meal. The lunch train departs at 12:30pm for a 1-hour excursion. Lunch options include beef stroganoff, chicken salad with fresh fruit or a hot deli sandwich. The prices for the Dinner and Lunch Train include train fare and meal.
Any season that you choose to ride the train, you are sure to not be disappointed with the amazing views. In spring, the trees are just beginning to blossom making it a great ride for viewing all the beautiful blooms. Later in the year, the leaves begin to change and the ride is perfect for viewing the breathtaking Arkansas fall foliage. Don’t forget to visit the Baggage Room gift shop before or after your train ride to pick up the perfect railroad souvenir.
If your travels bring you to Eureka Springs for an overnight getaway, be sure to come and stay with us here at Arsenic & Old Lace. Our 5 private guest rooms are the perfect spot for resting after a full day out on the town. Mornings begin with a complimentary, gourmet breakfast so you’re sure to have a great start to the day. For room availability or any other questions, please call us at 479-253-5454. We will be happy to help you!
Photo courtesy of Doug Wertman