The timeless beauty of the old time passenger railroad is still alive and well in Branson, MO.
See for yourself by taking a 40-mile roundtrip excursion thru the spectacular Ozark Mountain foothills and tunnels aboard one of the Branson Scenic Railway’s unique and refurbished passenger cars. Along the way, you’ll learn the history of this historic area as you cross bridges and trestles while experiencing the luxury of rail travel from yesteryear.
The approximately one hour and 45 minute trip takes you through the Ozark wilderness with its abundant wildlife and past the remnants of long-ago communities now named only on railroad maps.
You’ll depart from the historic 1905 depot in downtown Branson. just one block from Lake Taneycomo and travel along a working commercial railroad line. As a result, the train’s direction of travel is determined by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad just prior to departure. The northern route ventures as far as Galena, Missouri, up to the James River Valley; and the southern route takes passengers through Arkansas to the Barren Fork Trestle.
All along the way, you’ll enjoy lively banter and narration that points out the passing landmarks such as Crest Tunnel, Cricket Tunnel, Walnut Creek Trestle, Barren Fork Trestle, and Tharp’s Grade as well as the ghost towns of Gretna, Melva and Ruth. The now vacant towns are described as they would have been during their heydays in the early 20th century.
The Branson Scenic Railway offers broad windows and three dome cars providing exceptional panoramic views of your surroundings. However, one of the true joys of the trip is in simply visiting each of the train’s passenger cars during the excursion. Seating is unassigned and passengers are invited to tour the entire train.
The passenger cars have been elegantly restored to offer the same first-class experience and ambiance to today’s passengers as they offered passengers 50 years ago.
The railway runs from May through December and on Saturdays at 5:00 PM, a dinner train offers up a delicious four-course candlelight meal.
For more information visit www.BransonTrain.com or go to www.Ticket2Branson for details on discount Branson vacation packages and resort accommodations at Westgate Branson Woods.
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