Branson Scenic Railway

Passengers boarding the train at the depot in downtown Branson.

The Branson Scenic Railway is a heritage railway headquartered in Branson, Missouri offering trips through the Ozark Mountains. Travel is offered either from Branson north to Galena, Missouri, or from Branson south to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas. Trips offered by the railway include a 40-mile round trip using a variety of vintage railroad equipment, including two dome cars, a dining car, and several coaches built by the Budd Company. Power is provided by an EMD F7 A unit on the northbound end of the train and an EMD GP30 on the southbound end of the train. (This arrangement makes it possible to make the return trip without having to use a wye junction or a passing siding.)

The train departs from a historic depot in downtown Branson and uses trackage still in operation by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad. Traffic on the MNA determines whether the train will operate northbound or southbound.

The railroad was originally built as the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905. Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, a number of trestles and tunnels were required in order to create a level railroad grade. The railroad made it possible for tourists to travel into the region, and it helped to make Branson and the Ozarks the tourism destination it is today.

A view of the EMD F7 A unit powering the northbound end of the train.

References

• Branson Scenic Railway