Arkansas
Experiences|Tours

This 70-Mile Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy Arkansas Scenery

The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad offers a scenic 70-mile round trip from Van Buren to Winslow, showcasing breathtaking views year-round.

Updated Jul 17, 2023

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

Arkansas is filled with beautiful hikes as well as scenic drives, but there's another way to take in the sights of the Natural State. The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad offers a gorgeous train ride through one of the prettiest parts of the state, the Van Buren to Winslow train ride. This 70-mile round trip is breathtaking year-round, with views varying by season. Let's hop aboard and enjoy the view on this beloved Arkansas train ride, one of the best train rides in the USA:

A train ride aboard the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad is an excursion that should be on every Arkansan's bucket list.

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Facebook/Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The rail offers three different rides throughout the year but today we'll be focused on the 70-mile trip from Van Buren to Winslow. This ride departs from the station located at 813 Main St., Van Buren, AR, 72956.

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At 70 miles round-trip, the Arkansas Van Buren to Winslow train excursion is the shortest of the rides, but it's certainly not lacking in outstanding scenic views.

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Facebook/Friends of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The excursion cuts through the beautiful Boston Mountains and traverses through some beautiful points of interest.

Train enthusiasts of every age will delight in passing over the train trestles.

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Facebook/Friends of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The ride has three valley trestles that offer gorgeous overlooks, particularly in the fall.

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The highs and lows through the mountains are fascinating to pass through.

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Facebook/Friends of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

Like this one, the Schaberg Cut. The train also cuts through the 1,700-ft. long Winslow Tunnel.

Riders can choose two different ways to view the sights during this incredible, scenic train ride.

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Facebook/Friends of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The standard coach option gives riders the classic train ride experience (with air conditioning) on a 1920s-style car with vintage flip seating and windows across both sides of the car. Riders can also choose to sit in the Silver Feather Premium car. This 1940s-built car includes the best way to see the sights, the Vista Dome. Cars are climate-controlled.

Regardless of seating, this train ride is undoubtedly the most relaxing way to take in the beauty of the Natural State.

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Facebook/Friends of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad

The excursion takes three hours. To see the calendar of train rides and ticket pricing details, visit the A&M Railroad website. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended, and tickets are non-refundable.

Learn more about the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Company:

In addition to the three standard rides offered year-round, the A&M also has themed excursions. You can stay up-to-date on these by following the official Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Facebook page.

Did you know about this scenic Van Buren to Winslow train ride in Arkansas? Doesn't it sound divine? If you really love trains, you may want to extend your train ride into this epic train-themed road trip.

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Nature|Mountains

This High-Flying Adventure is the Best Way to See Arkansas’ Fall Foliage

Soar through the beautiful Ozark Mountains on this high-flying experience at the Eureka Springs Zipline where you can marvel at gorgeous fall foliage in Arkansas.

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Locals and visitors alike absolutely love Eureka Springs. It’s one of the best small towns in Arkansas to visit no matter the time of year. However, the town comes alive during autumn, when the trees and the countryside are bursting with vibrant hues. We found a great way to witness the best of the season by soaring through the beautiful Ozark Mountains on this high-flying experience. Adventure awaits at Eureka Springs Zipline where you can marvel at the gorgeous fall foliage in Arkansas. 

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Most of us have hiked through the beautiful Ozark terrain during fall or perhaps taken one of the scenic train rides in Arkansas. But soaring above the treetops might be a new adventure for you. Witnessing the hardwoods from this vantage point is a once in a lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss. 

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BingoBangoGringo/Flickr

And you can do just that at the Eureka Springs Zipline that’s only 3 minutes from the historic downtown Eureka Springs, just off Highway 23. With 11 zip line cables that extend up to 2500 feet long, you’ll have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring vistas of the Ozarks as you soar over a scenic 40-acre gorge. This Costa Rican-style canopy tour is suitable for thrill seekers of all skill levels over the age of 3, who aren’t afraid to get their adrenaline pumping. 

If you prefer to sit out this adventure, have no worries, there is a large observation deck that offers equally breathtaking views, and you can also watch the zippers take off. Moreover, enjoy snacks and refreshments from the deck as well as a glass of wine if you choose. Another way to witness the fall foliage is by trekking the pet-friendly observation hiking trails where you’ll be engulfed in all of autumn's splendor.  

The tour lasts for about 90 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town of Eureka Springs. One of our favorite spots to eat there is Sparky’s Roadhouse Café. They have the best burgers in town, and we love the quirky laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax after your day of witnessing the gorgeous fall foliage in Arkansas.

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GPA Photo Archive/Flickr

For more information including pricing and schedules, be sure to visit the Eureka Springs Zipline website. You can find some awesome pics there as well as testimonials from folks who absolutely loved this adventure. Tell us below if you have ever experienced autumn's glory on this high-flying canopy tour in Arkansas. Or share with us your favorite place to see the beautiful fall colors in the state.

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Experiences|Tours

Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Arkansas For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

Experience Arkansas's stunning fall foliage on a scenic train ride with the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

Are you looking for the perfect way to see Arkansas’s fall foliage once those gorgeous leaves peak? Well, hold your horses because I’ve found exactly what you’ve been looking for. Actually, if you have horses, that sounds like a good way to go, too. But horses might not be an accessible option for most people.

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Have no fear, dear horseless readers, because if you can’t take a tour on horseback, there’s always the train. The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad runs an excursion train that gives you a few options to view Arkansas’s stunning fall foliage. You can go from Van Buren to the community of Winslow, or you can decide to travel from Springdale and spend the afternoon exploring Van Buren’s adorable historic downtown. Either way, the sweeping views from this fall foliage train ride in Arkansas are absolutely stunning.

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Flickr/MRHSFan

Looking for "fall foliage train rides near me?" Whether you ride from Springdale to Van Buren or from Van Buren to Winslow, you'll be treated to gorgeous views. Both routes cross three valley trestles and pass through the impressive 1,700-foot-long Winslow Tunnel.

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Flickr/MRHSFan

The train takes you above the trees, over creeks, and through the mountains, where you can see all that gorgeous color unfold before you.

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There’s nothing quite like all that beautiful foliage bordering the tracks. Fall in Arkansas is absolutely stunning!

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Nothing surpasses the beauty of an autumn in the Ozarks . . .

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. . . and there’s no better way to enjoy it than from a train.

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Arkansas Missouri Railroad/Facebook

If you're thinking about taking a trip on the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad, here's what you should know: Trains mostly run on weekends, but times can vary.

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Slyclone/Tripadvisor

The length of the train rides also varies - for example, the journey from Van Buren to Winslow is a three-hour 70-mile roundtrip.

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Arkansas Tourism

The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad has different ticket options, all with comfy seating. You can choose from a dome-top view, classic diner-style seats, or a vintage car with great windows. Some tickets even include meals, and there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on board.

To learn more and book one of the fall foliage train rides in AK, visit the official website of the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.

If road trips are more your style, take this gorgeous fall foliage road trip to see Arkansas like never before. And if you'd prefer to see the fall foliage on foot, these top-rated hiking trails will be right up your alley. You can download the AllTrails+ app before you hit the trails.

Have you ever taken this fall foliage train ride in Arkansas? Are there any other fall train rides in AK that you love to take each year? Let me know - I'd love to hear all about your experience!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/best-hikes-in-arkansas/

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