| Copyright 2008 by Dale Cox All rights reserved. |
ES&NA Railway - Eureka Springs, Arkansas
ExploreSouthernHistory.com
Riding the Rails in Eureka Springs
| The Eureka Springs Railroad One of the most unique attractions in the Ozarks, the ES&NA Railway offers a chance to ride into the past aboard a restored railroad. |
Passenger railroads were once an important part of the American
fabric. Although a few trains still run, across the South most have
gone the way of the horse and buggy. In Eureka Springs, however,
visitors can still experience what it was like to ride the trains of old.
The ES&NA (Eureka Springs & North Arkansas) Railway operates
from the depot on Highway 23 North (North Main Street)in Eureka
Springs.
One word of warning, don't come here expecting to see pristine
museum displays. But if you want to find out what it was really like to
ride the rails in historic times, this is a good place to do it. Running a
railroad is an expensive proposition and historic railroads like this
one often operate on tight budgets. As a result, you'll find that some
of the cars could use a little refurbishing and restoration projects
sometimes run behind schedule. But with that in mind, if you love
trains and America's historic railroads, then the ES&NA is worth a
visit. The train ride is also a hit with kids.
The railway operates Tuesday through Saturday from April through
October, with Sunday trains running on Memorial Day and Labor Day
weekends.
Leaving Eureka Springs, the train runs for 4 1/2 miles up through a
scenic mountain valley in the Ozarks. It is some of the prettiest
scenery in northern Arkansas, especially during the spring blooming
season and fall leaf change.
While waiting for the train, passengers can explore the historic depot
and various pieces of historic railroad equipment on the grounds.
The display is one of the largest collections of antique train
equipment in Arkansas.
The ES&NA also provides a good reminder of the importance of rail
service in the history of Eureka Springs. A completed railroad and
trains first reached the city in 1883, bringing a flood of new visitors
and residents to the booming resort area. The convenience, safety
and speed of railroad travel made Eureka Springs accessible to
people from all around the United States. The trains played a critical
part in the development of the city and for many years were a daily
part of the landscape. For more information on schedules and
prices, call the ES&NA Railway at (479) 253-9623 or click here.
fabric. Although a few trains still run, across the South most have
gone the way of the horse and buggy. In Eureka Springs, however,
visitors can still experience what it was like to ride the trains of old.
The ES&NA (Eureka Springs & North Arkansas) Railway operates
from the depot on Highway 23 North (North Main Street)in Eureka
Springs.
One word of warning, don't come here expecting to see pristine
museum displays. But if you want to find out what it was really like to
ride the rails in historic times, this is a good place to do it. Running a
railroad is an expensive proposition and historic railroads like this
one often operate on tight budgets. As a result, you'll find that some
of the cars could use a little refurbishing and restoration projects
sometimes run behind schedule. But with that in mind, if you love
trains and America's historic railroads, then the ES&NA is worth a
visit. The train ride is also a hit with kids.
The railway operates Tuesday through Saturday from April through
October, with Sunday trains running on Memorial Day and Labor Day
weekends.
Leaving Eureka Springs, the train runs for 4 1/2 miles up through a
scenic mountain valley in the Ozarks. It is some of the prettiest
scenery in northern Arkansas, especially during the spring blooming
season and fall leaf change.
While waiting for the train, passengers can explore the historic depot
and various pieces of historic railroad equipment on the grounds.
The display is one of the largest collections of antique train
equipment in Arkansas.
The ES&NA also provides a good reminder of the importance of rail
service in the history of Eureka Springs. A completed railroad and
trains first reached the city in 1883, bringing a flood of new visitors
and residents to the booming resort area. The convenience, safety
and speed of railroad travel made Eureka Springs accessible to
people from all around the United States. The trains played a critical
part in the development of the city and for many years were a daily
part of the landscape. For more information on schedules and
prices, call the ES&NA Railway at (479) 253-9623 or click here.
| Historic Railroad of the Ozarks The ES&NA Railway depot in Eureka Springs features a variety of historic train equipment, locomotives, railroad cars and more. |
| Seeing the Ozarks by Train The windows of the restored passenger cars provide a unique way to experience the scenic beautiful of the beautiful Ozarks. |
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