Ride the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway

Climb aboard for a journey through time and nature on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. This restored railway is a chance to travel the way folks did in the old days. Add a dash of history and fine dining, and you've got an experience that's not about reaching a destination, but enjoying the journey.

Brief History of the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway

In the 1880s, the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway was born. It started off as a branch line linking Eureka Springs, Arkansas—a happening tourist spot—to the St. Louis and San Francisco Railways. Steaming through the rugged Ozark Mountains, the railway was vital in the region's development. It brought visitors keen on enjoying Eureka Springs' natural beauty and healing waters.

Skip ahead to 1981. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway was in a state of neglect and disrepair. Enter a couple with a vision. Robert Dortch Jr. and Mary Jane sparked new life into this historical gem. They restored the iconic railway and transformed it into a passenger tourist attraction. Today, Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway runs on a 2.5-mile restored track. Visitors have the choice of enjoying a narrated excursion or dining in a vintage train car.

Preserving the History of Eureka Springs

The railway tells the story of the people who built it, rode it, and kept it running. It's a symbol of our national growth, and an example of human ingenuity – an important part of our identity. This piece of history gives future generations a chance to connect with the past, understand their roots, and appreciate the journey of progress that brought us to where we are today.

Rolling Stock and Infrastructure

The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is home to an impressive collection of rolling stock (vintage locomotives and railcars). These mighty machines, some of the largest in the Ozarks, are powerful transportation engines of the Old-World. They're not just for show, though – they're fully functional, adding an authentic touch to the tourist attraction.

The Restored Working Turntable

Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is a bit like a time machine, taking you back to the glory days of steam-powered travel. One of its coolest features is the working turntable, a large rotating platform used for turning locomotives around. Back in the day, these turntables were crucial to help trains change direction without needing a loop of track.
The one at Eureka Springs was restored to its former glory, making it a fascinating sight. The locomotive rolls onto the turntable, the table spins around, and voila! The train is ready to chug off in the other direction. Watching this turntable in action gives you a real taste of the past.

Keels Creek Trail Rides

For an unforgettable horseback tour in the idyllic region of Eureka Springs, look no further than Keels Creek Trail Rides. This esteemed establishment beckons riders of all levels on a journey that will leave hoof prints on their hearts. Led by seasoned guides with a wealth of knowledge and a touch of whimsy, these tours offer a delightful blend of adventure and camaraderie.

As you meander along picturesque trails, you'll soon discover that Keels Creek Trail Rides has mastered the art of fun, yet tranquil horseback rides. So hop into the saddle, because life is too short to stay stuck in the same track—let Keels Creek Trail Rides take you on the trails less traveled.

LEARN MORE

A Nostalgic Journey Through Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The platform of the ES & NA railway depot is like stepping into a page from history. On board a restored passenger car, it's easy to imagine hearing the laughter and chatter of passengers from years past. It's a perfect getaway for families, couples, or solo explorers. You'll not only see the Arcadian beauty of Arkansas, but also interact with a piece of American history. When the ride ends and you disembark, you'll find yourself yearning for one more taste of that bygone era. This unique railway weaves a spell of elegance and class in a way that will leave an impression on your heart.

Train Ride Options

The ES & NA railway tracks meander through the Ozark Mountains. As you roll along, the landscape unfolds in a vibrant panorama of lush forests. In Spring, the woodlands turn a vibrant green and wildflowers bloom. Come Fall, the mountains blaze in palettes of reds, oranges and yellows. The two best seasons for a railway excursion. But no matter when you visit, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is a delightful adventure through the heart of Arkansas.

Narrated Train Excursion

The narrated excursion is a 4.5 mile ride (there and back) through the Ozarks. During the journey, a narrator spins vivid tales of the people and legends of the Ozark Mountains. The scents of fresh mountain air and the scenery outside add another layer to a delightful sensory experience. It's a sentimental escape from the modern world.

All Aboard for Luxury Dining

For a different, luxurious experience, choose a lunch or dinner train ride. Imagine enjoying a meal inside a restored and stylish train car from the 1880s. The old-world charm of plush furnishings and polished mahogany recreate the ambiance from a more elegant era. As you roll along the train tracks, the staff serves a sumptuous feast of gourmet dishes. The food is inspired by regional cuisine and timeless classics. Fine wines accompany your plate, enhancing the flavors and elevating the meal into a true culinary journey. The train's slow, steady pace adds to the enchantment, allowing you to savor every moment and every bite. So whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique adventure, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway goes beyond a simple train ride.

Hidden Valley Guest Ranch and Stables

Nestled in the heart of Eureka Springs, this ranch offers horseback tours that will leave you yearning for more. Their trusted ranch hands, whose knowledge of the trails, rivals that of the forest creatures themselves, they'll take you on a ride through rugged terrain and scenic vistas that will ignite your sense of wonder. From meandering creeks to sweeping meadows, each stride will bring you closer to the pulse of nature and forge a bond with your gentle horse. Hidden Valley Guest Ranch and Stables is your gateway to a world of untamed wilderness, where memories are etched with each hoof print of your trusty steed.

LEARN MORE

Take a History Trip and Stay at All Seasons Luxury Properties

Don't just read about the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, experience it. Imagine stepping aboard a historic train ride through the stunning Ozark Mountains. The ambience of restored cars, the stories and dining options — all woven together to create a memorable experience. And when the ride is over, head back to recuperate with modern comfort at All Seasons Luxury Properties.

Eureka Springs is all about relaxing and having a good time. That's what All Seasons Luxury Properties embodies. Our guests consistently rave about our unparalleled experience and unbeatable value. And with such a vast range of lodging options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your stay in Eureka Springs. You also have onsite reserved parking and easy access to all the downtown attractions. You won't find a more unique and enticing lodging option in town.

So, why wait? Book now and see the best of Eureka Springs from a historical angle.

Why You Should Go Horseback Riding

As Henry David Thoreau once wisely observed, "In wildness is the preservation of the world." And what better way to experience that wildness than on the back of a trusty steed? Horseback riding is a marvelous activity that can bring you closer to nature. It's a chance to escape the clutches of the concrete jungle and embrace the untamed beauty of the Ozark Mountains. So, let's take a brief side trail and go over the benefits of a guided horseback tour through these enchanting landscapes.

Foremost, a guided horseback tour near Eureka Springs is a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. As you mosey along the trails, unburden your mind and soul from the worries of the world, and find solace in the rhythmic gait of your horse. The smooth sway of the saddle and the verdant scenery is a gentle reminder we are all mortals, needing a break every once in a while.

These guided tours are an opportunity to delve into local history and lore. With local ranch hands as your guides, your ride will become a living history tour through the countryside, where pioneers roamed the hills and outlaws sought refuge in the shadows. A guided horseback tour is not simply a ride through the mountains, but a ride through time itself, in a landscape that has remained untouched.

During your tour, you may come to realize horseback riding is more than just a leisurely activity. It becomes a transformative experience—a chance to reconnect with your primal self, to find calmness amid chaos, and to uncover the simple joys of nature and peace within ourselves.

The untamed wilderness awaits, ready to reveal its secrets to those who dare listen. As Thoreau himself would say, "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads." And atop a horse, you can touch the sky while keeping your roots firmly planted in the earth.

LEARN MORE