Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway |
| Website | https://www.esnarailway.com/ |
| Train ride | Diesel locomotive pulled train of heritage equipment through the Ozark Mountains |
| Location | 299 N Main Street Eureka Springs |
| Length of trip | Four and a half mile, hour long trip |
| Cost of single ticket | $18.36 |
| Special Trains | Lunch Train Dinner Train |
Information/History
Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway: A Journey through History and Scenery
The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway (ES&NA) is a historic railway located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA. It is a scenic train ride that offers a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
The ES&NA operates from March through December and offers regular train rides, special event trains, and private charters. The train departs from the Eureka Springs Depot, which is located at 299 N Main Street in downtown Eureka Springs.
History:
The line the ES&NA runs on was originally built in the late 1800s as a way to connect Eureka Springs to the outside world. The line was built by the Eureka Springs Railway Company, which was later taken over by the St. Louis and North Arkansas Railroad. The railroad played a significant role in the development of Eureka Springs as a popular tourist destination in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The line was eventually abandoned in the 1960s, but it was later restored as a heritage railway in the 1980s. Today, the ES&NA operates on a portion of the original line, offering visitors a unique and historic train ride experience. The line is an isolated line with no connections to any other railroad.
Train Ride:
The train ride on the ES&NA takes visitors on a 4-mile journey through the scenic Ozark Mountains. The train passes through forests, pastures, and along the shores of Lake Leatherwood. Along the way, passengers can enjoy views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Author’s experience: The train ride is a very pleasant casual trip, and is in fact very scenic. One of the best times of year to ride the train would be during the fall colors.
Locomotive and Passenger Cars:
The passenger cars are vintage 1920s-era rail cars that have been restored to their original condition.
The train is diesel powered at this time. Sadly, they no longer use steam locomotives. All but one has left the property, and it doesn’t appear there’s any plans to go back to steam powered trains.
Other Local Attractions:
There are several local attractions near the ES&NA that visitors may want to check out. These include the Historic Downtown Eureka Springs, the Thorncrown Chapel, and Lake Leatherwood City Park.
The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway offers a unique and historic train ride experience that visitors to the Ozark Mountains should not miss. With its vintage locomotive and passenger cars, beautiful scenery, and rich history, the ES&NA is truly a gem of Arkansas.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 226 | 2-8-2 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1927 | On display in state of disrepair |
| 4742 | SW-1 | EMD 1942 | Main power for train |
| 700 | 0-B-0 | GE 1950 | Small switcher |
Getting There
Nearest Amtrak Station:
The nearest Amtrak station to the ES&NA is the Little Rock Union Station, which is located approximately 150 miles away. The station is served by the Texas Eagle.
Nearest Commercial Airport:
The nearest commercial airport to the ES&NA is the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), which is located approximately 50 miles away. From the airport, visitors can take a rental car or arrange for a shuttle service to get to Eureka Springs.
Driving Information:
If visitors prefer to drive to the ES&NA, they can take US Route 62 to Eureka Springs. From there, they can follow signs to the Eureka Springs Depot, where they can park and board the train.
