Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Railroad Partner for Freight & Excursions
Since 1986, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has been a trusted provider of freight transportation and scenic passenger excursions across Northwest Arkansas. Our operations combine decades of rail industry experience with a commitment to safety, precision, and customer satisfaction. We specialize in freight services between Springdale and Van Buren/Fort Smith, offering transloading solutions and logistics coordination through strategic partnerships with three Class I railroads. Our passenger excursions provide unique access to the region's natural beauty, operating year-round with special events that cater to diverse age groups.Under the leadership of President Caren Kraska, our team maintains rigorous operational standards while preserving historical rail heritage through our transportation museum. We prioritize clear communication, punctual service, and tailored logistics solutions for commercial clients while creating memorable experiences for leisure travelers.
Services
Freight Transportation
Passenger Excursions
Transloading Services
Scenic Train Rides
Event Charters
Rail Museum Tours
Freight Logistics
Historical Rail Preservation
Group Transportation
Rail Safety Education
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We operate Arkansas' only standard-gauge heritage railroad with continuous service since 1986
- Our transloading network connects to three major Class I railroads for nationwide freight access
- Scenic passenger routes traverse the Ozark Mountains with climate-controlled historic railcars
- Emergency dispatch team available 24/7 for critical rail operations support
- Freight customers benefit from our specialized logistics coordination and tracking systems
Services
Freight Transportation
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad provides freight transportation between Springdale and Van Buren, connecting to three Class I railroads. Our service handles bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and specialized cargo with precision scheduling. Commercial clients benefit from our strategic location in Arkansas' industrial corridor and transloading capabilities that streamline supply chain operations.
Passenger Excursions
Our passenger excursions traverse 48 miles of scenic Ozark Mountain terrain in climate-controlled historic railcars. Departing from Springdale and Van Buren depots, these year-round journeys accommodate groups and families with themed events like holiday trains and summer specials. Each ride includes onboard commentary about regional history and rail operations.
Transloading Services
We facilitate seamless cargo transfers between railcars and trucks at our transmodal facilities. This service supports Arkansas manufacturers by connecting regional production to national distribution networks. Our equipment handles containers, bulk materials, and oversized freight while maintaining strict safety protocols during transfer operations.
People
Caren Kraska
President
Caren Kraska leads Arkansas & Missouri Railroad with over 30 years of rail industry experience. She oversees daily operations, strategic growth, and heritage preservation efforts. Under her leadership, the railroad expanded freight capabilities while maintaining its popular excursion programs. Kraska actively participates in regional transportation councils and rail safety initiatives.
Questions
How do I book train excursion tickets?
Tickets can be booked through our online reservation system. We recommend advance purchase as excursions often sell out, especially for seasonal events like our Christmas trains and summer specials.
What are departure locations for passenger trains?
Passenger services operate from two depots: Springdale Depot at 305 E Emma Ave and Van Buren Depot at 813 Main Street. Both locations offer parking and pre-ride amenities.
Can freight customers track their shipments?
Yes, we provide real-time tracking for commercial freight through our logistics coordination system. Customers receive unique tracking numbers and regular status updates during transit.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict safety protocols including regular equipment inspections, employee training programs, and emergency response procedures. Our dispatch team monitors all operations 24/7 for immediate incident response.
Do you offer group discounts for excursions?
Group rates apply for parties of 10 or more. Contact our reservations team directly to arrange group bookings and customized event packages for special occasions.
Reviews (5)
Vallon
Dec 21, 2021
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I rode the Holiday Express on Dec 17th at 7pm. The entire train ride was stressful.Because of the possible exposure to COVID Regardless of vaccination status. I was under the impression #1 there WOULD BE SOCIAL DISTANCING when I purchased my tickets. There was NOT. I was under the impression #2 MASKS WOULD BE REQUIRED no one BUT MY FAMILY and the conductors were wearing them. This was SUPPOSED to be fun and enjoyable for my whole family as it was my children's first train ride ever. I spent almost $100 for this trip, which mind you ALSO didn't got to Johnson like it was supposed to
Tyler Davis
Dec 19, 2021
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I took the family(4 of us) and my boys(6 & 12) loved it. We were in car 108 and we were served pizza, hot chocolate, and cookies along with singing Christmas Carol's. Such a good time. Will definitely be going back. The total ride was about an hr for the Christmas ride. Hope this helps and hope you all have FUN
Mark Keeran
Oct 24, 2021
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My son and I took the excursion from Springdale to Van Buren. It was fantastic. We rode in the Explorer coach, which is an amazing restored Pullman. It even has a back balcony that we were allowed on when the train was moving slowly over the trestle bridges. It was a fantastic experience and I recommend it to anyone who loves trains, Arkansas (we learned a lot of history about the area on the trip) and fantastic views of our home state.
Erin Grissom
Oct 22, 2021
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Husband and I took the train from Springdale to Van Buren and paid for the premium silver feather experience.
First, the train was agonizingly slow, moving at a rate of about 30 mph most of the time (sometimes slower). A round trip that couldve taken 2 hours by car took 6. There wasnt much to see from the train other than trees and occasionally houses or fields. There was no view of the mountains, with the exception of about 20 seconds total of the ride where the tree line breaks and you can see mountains.
Second, we paid about $200 for the premium experience where food is served
First, the train was agonizingly slow, moving at a rate of about 30 mph most of the time (sometimes slower). A round trip that couldve taken 2 hours by car took 6. There wasnt much to see from the train other than trees and occasionally houses or fields. There was no view of the mountains, with the exception of about 20 seconds total of the ride where the tree line breaks and you can see mountains.
Second, we paid about $200 for the premium experience where food is served
Mallery Smith
Oct 17, 2021
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Bought tickets for my mother and I to celebrate her birthday! We enjoyed the trip! Out of Springdale to and from Van Buren. The 3 hr layover was nice to stretch our legs
