The historic 1905 depot in downtown Branson, just one block west of Lake Taneycomo (formerly the White River), is the headquarters for the Branson Scenic Railway. Take the one hour 45 minute trip takes passengers through tunnels, over trestles, and through the southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas wilderness that is still home to much wildlife and to the ruins of long-ago communities now named only on railroad maps.
Three to four times daily, depending on the season, Branson Scenic Railway explores territory inaccessible by automobile and offers views that are unattainable by any other means of transportation. A lively narration points out the landmarks such as Crest Tunnel, Cricket Tunnel, Walnut Creek Trestle, Barren Fork Trestle, and Tharp’s Grade; and the extinct communities of Gretna, Melva, and Ruth are described as they were in the early 20th century. Also included in the narration is a description of the wildlife and landscape and an outline of the railroad’s role in shaping the Ozarks. The routes take passengers about 20 miles from Branson before reversing direction and returning on the same tracks.
Seating is unassigned, and passengers are invited to tour the entire train. (Since boarding numbers are issued in the order the reservation is made, it is suggested that reservations be made as early as possible.) The cars have been restored and refurbished to offer the same first-class experience and ambiance to today’s passengers as to those they carried fifty years ago. There is also a concession area aboard the Silver Lake car that offers refreshments for purchase.
May through December on Saturdays at 5:00 PM, a dinner train is offered. A four-course candlelight meal is served, and the guests are treated to traditional style dining that was the ultimate experience long ago when riding on the rails. (Seating is limited on the dinner train; reservations are required.)
TRAIN EQUIPMENT
BSRX 98, Locomotive, 1951 EMD F9PH, rebuilt 1981, has HEP (Formerly B&O, then MARC #83)
BSRX 99, Locomotive, 1962 EMD GP30M, rebuilt 1982 (Formerly C&O, #4625)
PPCX 800603, “Silver Eagle”, 1949 Budd 60 Seat Coach (Formerly the Eagle from the Texas Pacific Railroad)
BSRX 3118, “Silver Lake”, 1951 Budd Buffet Lounge (Formerly the Parlor Car Casimir Pulaski from the Pennsylvania Railroad, then converted to a buffet lounge by Amtrak)
BSRX 9540, “Silver Island”, 1947 Budd Dome Lounge (From CB&Q, Twin-City Zephyr)
BSRX 8503, “Silver Chef”, 1956 Budd 48-Seat Diner (From CB&Q, Denver Zephyr)
PPCX 800287, “Silver Garden”, 1952 Budd Dome Lounge Coach (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
PPCX 800336, “Westport”, 1939 Budd Lounge Observation (From Atlantic Coastline “Champion” Train)
BSRX 9320, “Silver Terrace”, 1952 Budd Dome Observation (From CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr)
Phone: Toll-Free Phone 1-800-785-1550 Local Phone 417-334-4400
Hours Of Operation 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, 7 Days a Week
Address
Branson Tourism Center
220 Branson Hills Parkway
Branson, MO.
(located in Branson on the interchange corner of US Highway 65 and Branson Hills Pkwy/Bee Creek Road.)
ADULT PRICES (Our Price Includes Tax)
Train Only
Train With Dinner
Box Office Adult Price $24.64 $55.85
Our Adult Price $24.64 $55.85 (Ages 3-12)
CHILD PRICES (Our Price Includes Tax)
Train Only
Train With Dinner
Box Office Child Price $13.49 $55.85
Our Child Price $13.49 (Ages 3-12) $55.85 (Ages 3-12)
Show Times
9:00 am, 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm & 4:30 pm
9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm & (5:00 pm Dinner Train)
The Branson Scenic Railway train ride is a great way to see some of the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. In addition the dinner train mentioned, it transforms into the “Polar Express” during the holiday season!