Scenic USA - Arkansas

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Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway

Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway - Arkansas

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     Departing the Eureka Spring Depot, Eureka Springs Railroad Turntable the scenic ES&NA; Railroad excursion travels through a beautiful section of the Arkansas Ozarks. This classic railroad excursion, about a five mile roundtrip, follows a short segment of the old Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Line. Reaching the peak of its operation in the mid 1900s, the railroad extended for 360 miles from Joplin, Missouri, to Helena, Arkansas.
     Moving his father's equipment from Scott, Arkansas, Robert Dortch Jr. and his family Baldwin Locomotive Works Plaque set out to establish a railroad tour line in the historic town of Eureka Springs. Taking over the 1913 Eureka Depot, the Dortch family poured their energy into restoring the stone depot, rebuilding several train trestles over Leatherwood Creek and adding a turntable from the old Frisco Railroad. With century old steam engines on the sideline, today's excursion train is powered by a vintage General Electric EMD Switcher.
     Plenty of rolling stock Number 201, a 2-6-0 (Mogul), built 1906, American Locomotive Company on the premises adds a great deal of interest for rail fans and train hobbyists. A working yard incorporates switches, signal lights, outbuildings, turntable (inset) and iconic watertower.
     The ES&NA; Railroad operates from April to October every day of the week, except Monday. Special dinner trains feature Rainbow Trout Almandine, Chef�s Prime Rib and Chicken Eureka. A lunch excursion train departs at noon and lasts approximately one hour.

   ES&NA; Railroad Map