About Branson Scenic Railway
The Branson Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad which departs from a historic depot in downtown Branson through the scenic Ozark Mountains for an approximate 40-mile (64 km) round trip.
The rail lines are owned by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad (MNA) and are still in use as an active railroad. Other train traffic determines whether a particular trip will operate northbound from Branson to Galena, Missouri, or southbound from Branson to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas.
There's a variety of vintage railroad equipment, including two dome cars, a dining car, and several coaches is use by the Branson Scenic Railroad. The railroad was originally built as the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905. Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, a number of trestles and tunnels were required in order to create a level railroad grade. The lines later became part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and in 1992 were sold to MNA.
Reservations and Contact Info
Local: 417-334-6110
Toll Free: 800-2-TRAIN-2 (800-287-2462)
Branson Scenic Railway
206 E. Main
Branson, MO 65616
Train Equipment
BSRX 98, Locomotive, 1951 EMD F9PH, rebuilt 1981, has HEP (Formerly B&O, then MARC #83)
BSRX 99, Locomotive, 1962 EMD GP30M, rebuilt 1982 (Formerly C&O, #4625)
PPCX 800603, “Silver Eagle”, 1949 Budd 60 Seat Coach (Formerly the Eagle from the Texas Pacific Railroad)
BSRX 3118, “Silver Lake”, 1951 Budd Buffet Lounge (Formerly the Parlor Car Casimir Pulaski from the Pennsylvania Railroad, then converted to a buffet lounge by Amtrak)
BSRX 9540, “Silver Island”, 1947 Budd Dome Lounge (From CB&Q, Twin-City Zephyr)
BSRX 8503, “Silver Chef”, 1956 Budd 48-Seat Diner (From CB&Q, Denver Zephyr)
PPCX 800287, “Silver Garden”, 1952 Budd Dome Lounge Coach (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
PPCX 800336, “Westport”, 1939 Budd Lounge Observation (From Atlantic Coastline “Champion” Train)
BSRX 9320, “Silver Terrace”, 1952 Budd Dome Observation (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
Reviews
I enjoyed this, $28 per person for adults, the ride is 1 hour and 45 minutes, sometimes they go into Arkansas, sometimes deeper into Missouri, you need to ask which way they are going if that is important to you, very relaxing, I would recommend during weekday to avoid overcrowding, very friendly staff and knowledgable about the history of the area.
Nice train ride through the hills, but nothing exciting. Would not spend the money again. In the fall it would probably be prettier. In the spring the trees were starting to pop, but still lots of bare trees.
It was a great experience if you have never been on a train. But not very scenic. Train is clean and nice, but older. TAKE CASH, no outside food an only cash is taken at the concession car. Took our 3 children (7,5,2) and they enjoyed the fist 30 minutes but by the en of the trip one was sleeping an the other two were on our iPhones. The staff on the train were so friendly though. Just try to get a long numbered ticket and sit I. The last two cars, they have LARGE Recliners in them and a lot of room.
Special Notes
Arrive at least 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Customers in wheelchairs or with other special needs will board the train first. Due to the vintage nature of Branson Scenic Railway’s cars, handicapped seating is very limited, and wheelchairs must be 25" or less. Train ride lasts approximately 90 minutes.