Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad |
| Website | https://kcrrm.org/ |
| Train ride | Diesel powered train made up of heritage equipment, through rural Missouri |
| Location | 502 E Walnut St, Belton, MO 64012 Google Maps |
| Length of trip | 5 miles, 45 minutes |
| Cost of single ticket | $15.00 |
| Special Trains | Halloween Train |
Information/History
History/information
The Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad (BG&KC) is a historic short-line railroad that offers train rides through rural Missouri, operated by the Smoky Hill Railway and Historical Society. The line the BG&KC Railroad operates on began its operation in 1877 as a passenger and freight line that connected Kansas City, Missouri, to the agricultural communities of Grandview and Belton, Missouri. The BG&KC Railroad is now a popular tourist attraction, offering train rides to visitors from around the world.
History:
The line was originally built in 1877 by the Kansas City and Southern Railway Company. In the early 1900s, the line was taken over by the Kansas City Southern Railway, which ran passenger and freight trains until 1939. After years of decline and neglect, a group of railroad enthusiasts formed the Smoky Hill Railway and Historical Society in 1985 with the goal of preserving and restoring the BG&KC Railroad. The society acquired the railroad in 1986 and began running tourist trains in 1987.
Train Rides:
Today, visitors can take a ride on the BG&KC Railroad on weekends between April and October. The train departs from the historic Belton, Missouri depot and travels through the scenic Missouri countryside. Passengers can choose to ride in the enclosed coach cars or open-air cars to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. The train ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers a distance of four miles.
Locomotive and Passenger Cars:
The BG&KC Railroad operates several vintage locomotives and passenger cars. The locomotive used for the train rides is a 1950s-era diesel engine, which was donated to the Smoky Hill Railway and Historical Society by the Santa Fe Railway in the 1980s. The passenger cars used for the train rides date back to the early 1900s and have been restored to their original condition.
Other Attractions:
There are several other attractions near the BG&KC Railroad that visitors can enjoy. The Belton Grandview and Kansas City Railroad Museum is located near the depot and offers exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the railroad. Nearby, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a popular attraction that honors the life and legacy of the 33rd President of the United States.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 102 | GP9 | EMD 1956 | Ex-Huron and Eastern Railway |
| 1632 | 2-10-0 | Baldwin 1918 | Ex-St. Louis and San Francisco |
| 5 | 2-8-0 | ALCO 1923 | Ex-Okmulgee Northern Railway |
| Switcher | ML-8 | Plymouth 1939 |
Getting There
Nearest Amtrak Station:
The nearest Amtrak station to the BG&KC Railroad is located in Kansas City, Missouri, approximately 20 miles away. The station is called the Kansas City Union Station and is served by Amtrak‘s Southwest Chief and Missouri River Runner trains. The Southwest Chief runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, while the Missouri River Runner runs between Kansas City and St. Louis several times a day.
Nearest Commercial Airport:
The nearest commercial airport to the BG&KC Railroad is the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), located approximately 45 miles north of Belton. Visitors can take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the BG&KC Railroad, or rent a car from one of the many car rental companies located at the airport.
Driving Directions:
For visitors driving to the BG&KC Railroad, the address is 502 E Walnut St, Belton, MO 64012. The railroad is located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Visitors can take Interstate 49 south from Kansas City to Belton, then follow signs to the railroad. Parking is available at the depot, and there is no charge for parking.
