Scenic USA - Arkansas

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Arkansas Missouri Railroad

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     Arkansas, seen as a transition state from the Mississippi River culture to the western frontier, its topography also varies from the extremely flat Delta in the east to the prominent mountain peaks of the west. It's here in the northwest Ozarks Region where mountain ridges and deep valleys create the perfect backdrop for a train ride. Three different Arkansas and Missouri Railroad excursion routes between Springdale and Fort Smith remind older generations of the Golden Age of Railroad, while youngsters are introduced to a noval mode of travel. Vintage Pullman coaches, a first-class parlor car and the Lil� Toot caboose offer a nostalgic railway experience as the train chugs its way through the mountains and valleys of northwest Arkansas. This route is through the highest railway pass between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains.
     Here in the Boston Mountains, the train moves over deep valley trestles, through the exciting Winslow Tunnel and then winds its way along the Arkansas River Valley. The fully restored B&O; cupola caboose, a big hit among the younger crowd, seats 10 to 12 people. The more comfortable Pullman coaches offer velvet bench style seating, while the Explorer, a vintage parlor car, offers first class comfort. Train excursions vary in time from a partial day trip to a full 130 mile route that lasts a full day.

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