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Arkansas Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 16, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Arkansas, with its sprawling landscapes and historical richness, is home to an intriguing array of railroad museums. These museums serve as portals into the past, giving visitors a glimpse into the integral role that railroads played in the state's development and history.

Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for an educational day trip, Arkansas's railroad museums offer something for everyone. This guide highlights some of the key railroad museums in the state, along with what makes each unique.

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway 2-6-0 #1 and 2-6-0 #201 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas during July, 1984. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Arkansas Railroad Museum (Pine Bluff)

The state's largest railroad museum is based in Pine Bluff at the former St. Louis Southwestern Railway's (Cotton Belt) yard. The organization is operated by the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society and features a large collection of rolling stock.

They maintain two preserved steam locomotives, both of Cotton Belt lineage; 2-6-0 #336 (listed as Class D-3, it was manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909) and 4-8-4 #819.

The latter was the last in a batch of big "Northerns" the railroad's Pine Bluff Shops constructed in 1942. It spent several years hosting excursions during the 1980's and early 1990's; today, it is once again under restoration.

The Cotton Belt's 4-8-4's were modern steamers, utilizing oil for fuel and roller-bearings on all axles; on July 19, 1955 the #819 was donated to the city of Pine Bluff.

The museum is unique in that it also utilizes the Cotton Belt's former shops, enabling the group to perform needed repairs and restoration projects within a large, enclosed space. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM and on Sunday afternoon by appointment.

Frisco Depot Museum (Mammoth Spring)

The Frisco Depot Museum (of Arkansas, there is also a similarly named organization in Oklahoma), based in Mammoth Spring, is housed in the town's restored 1886, Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railway brick depot (the oldest such structure which still survives in the state). 

This system became part of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway in 1901.  As individual railroads go, the KCFtS&M comprised the largest part of the Frisco's modern network.  For more reading about the history of this classic railroad please click here. 

The organization features displays inside while a restored wooden caboose sits beside the building, Frisco #1176. 

Admission to the museum, located within Mammoth Spring State Park, is free of charge although it is not open on Mondays and only on Tuesdays by appointment.  

Clark County Museum (Arkadelphia)

Located in the historic Missouri Pacific depot at South 5th Street in Arkadelphia, the building was completed in 1910 in the Mediterranean style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 11, 1992,

The museum - opened since 2002 - serves as a gateway to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the stories and artifacts that illustrate the county's past. Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits that cover significant historical themes, including the county's Native American roots, its pioneer settlement era, and its development through the 19th and 20th centuries.

Educational programs and special events are frequently held, making it a vibrant community hub. These activities engage both locals and tourists, fostering a greater appreciation of the area's history. The Clark County Museum is not just a repository of the past; it is an active participant in preserving and promoting the unique stories that define this part of Arkansas.

Overview

Visiting Arkansas's railroad museums is a journey back in time, an exploration of the steam and steel that helped shape the modern world. Each museum offers a unique narrative, illustrating how railroads contributed to the state's identity. Whether it's through static exhibits, dynamic train rides, or community-focused events, these museums preserve and celebrate the rich legacy of Arkansas's railroads, inviting everyone to experience a piece of history.