Traveling over Lake Taneycomo.
“An excursion on the Branson Scenic Railway is always an exciting and relaxing way to experience a part of the Ozarks that most people never see while reliving the memories of a by-gone era riding aboard vintage railroad cars from the 40’s and 50’s,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The fact that the Ozarks fall foliage is about to burst into its annual fall show of vibrant colors over the next few weeks just adds to the enjoyment of this unique experience.”
The history and nostalgia of the excursion starts before the train is even boarded because they depart from one of the oldest surviving buildings in historic downtown Branson, the 104 year old Branson Train Depot. Its completion in 1906 was just a year prior to the publication of Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills, credited with being the spark that started the “tourism fire” that is called now “Branson.” In 1912, shortly after becoming a city, a fire destroyed the entire downtown business district except for a few businesses of which the Train Depot is one.
The dome cars provide a spectacular unique view of the Ozarks.
The train itself is composed of different types of vintage cars dating from the 40’s and 50’s being pulled by a locomotives that was originally built in 1951. The train includes a 60 passenger coach car, buffet lounge car, domed lounge coach, dining car and domed observation cars among others.
Regardless of where one sits originally they can get up and move around the train at any time. A part of the excursion is the opportunity to walk through the train and actually be in the different types of cars dating back to 1939. It is a unique chance to experience a bit or railroad history that is not commonly available.
The 40 mile round trip excursion takes about one hour and 45 minute and may go either north or south out of Branson depending on the schedule of trains operated by Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad. This writer traveled the southern route.
As the train pulls out of the Branson Depot, it provides an excellent view of the Lake Taneycomo Lake front and the city owned city camp ground just prior to crossing over a short wooden trestle and onto the Lake Taneycomo Bridge and over Lake Taneycomo. As it travels through the city of Hollister and alongside its famed “Downing Street” there is a unique view of its historic downtown including its English Tudor style buildings.
Between Hollister and the end of the southern line the train travels through tunnels and over trestles and past the ruins of long gone communities such as “Melva” which was destroyed on March 11, 1920 by a tornado and never rebuilt. Along the way you will travel through some of the prettiest country, forests and wilderness in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas with the opportunity to see some its abundant wildlife. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that in addition, at this time of the year, the route provides a unique and relaxing way to see the beautiful fall foliage.
The Dinner Train features an a candlelight dinner in the dining car.
A special once a week “Dinner Train,” departing at 5 p.m. on Saturday only, provides its passengers with a unique opportunity to experience the “traditional-style dining that was the ultimate experience long ago when riding the rails.” Guests enjoy a four course candlelight dinner in the dining car while on the excursion with their choice of a half of rotisserie chicken, baked fish or prime rib entrée, appetizer, salad, vegetable, dessert, and beverage. The dinner train is recommend for children ages 10 and up.
For additional information or tickets for the Branson Scenic Railway or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.