Going back in time is as easy as boarding a train at the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway (ES&NA)! With an historic depot, vintage trains, and exhibits on railroad history, the railway gives visitors the chance to experience train travel of yesteryear.
Located in Eureka Springs, ES&NA Railway opened in 1981. The site’s history goes back much further, though.
Amber Vecchio/Google
The ES&NA Railway operates along a section of track that once belonged to Arkansas & Ozarks Railway, which closed in 1961.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Several other railways occupied the site, too. The first of which was the Eureka Springs Railway in 1882.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Visitors today can explore the historic depot as well as a railway yard filled with authentic railroad memorabilia and exhibits.
Tamara Hooper/Google
Vintage locomotives, rolling stock, and a restored working turntable are all on display.
William M. Cross, 3rd/Google
The best thing about the railway, though, is that it offers train rides. When it comes to riding the rails, there are a few options.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
First, there’s the Excursion Train Ride, which takes passengers on a one-hour, 4.5-mile ride through the hills of the Ozarks.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Over the course of the one-hour ride, passengers are treated to great views and narration by the conductor.
Corey Whitworth/Google
The railway also offers Lunch Train Rides and Dinner Train Rides. As the names imply, both combine a great meal with the fun of riding the rails.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Just like the Excursion Train Ride, the Lunch and Dinner Train Rides include a scenic 4.5-mile ride.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
And since the ES&NA aims to recreate train travel from the turn of the 20th century, all rides are given on antique trains.
William M. Cross, 3rd/Google
A diesel locomotive from the 1940s is used for Excursion Train Rides, while a dining car from the 1920s is used for the Lunch and Dinner Train Rides.
Michael Harris/Google
Ready to ride the rails? For more information, call the ES&NA Railway at (479) 253-9623. Tickets can be purchased on the railway’s website.
Amber Vecchio/Google
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Tamara Hooper/Google
William M. Cross, 3rd/Google
Corey Whitworth/Google
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway/Facebook
Michael Harris/Google
So, did you know about these train rides? Ever been on one? If so, which one? How was it? Tell us!
This isn’t the only place in Arkansas that you can get a taste of the past. Click here for an old-school spot where you can get your fill of nostalgia…and great grub.
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Address: Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, 299 N Main St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
