If you only have an afternoon, the Van Buren to Winslow excursion is the ride to take. It is a three-hour, 70-mile round trip through the Boston Mountains that crosses three valley trestles and runs through the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel, the line's most memorable stretch. Past Van Buren listings have placed boarding at the Old Frisco Depot at 813 Main Street, in the heart of town, so you can walk from your parking space or hotel to the platform; confirm the boarding point and departure time for your date when you book. The car options mirror the longer ride. Silver Feather dome guests ride in the dome for the whole trip and lunch is included; Premium guests ride in the 1950s parlor car The Explorer or the diner car The Spirit of Arkansas, also with lunch; Coach guests ride 1920s bench-seat cars with snack trays available as an upgrade. Premium and dome tickets need 48 hours' notice for food preparation. The train runs on a working freight line, so delays can occur. We are an independent guide — fares and dates are on the railroad's own page.
This is the ride that makes the most sense for travelers who are staying in Van Buren or Fort Smith and do not want to commute to Springdale for a full-day trip. The train heads north from town and climbs through hardwood forest, crossing three valley trestles that open wide views over creek hollows.
The highlight is the Winslow tunnel
Roughly a third of a mile of darkness with a single pinprick of light at the far end, built in the late 1800s and still carrying freight today. The turnaround is at Winslow, high in the Boston Mountains, and the trip returns to the same platform.
The experience is shaped by the car you choose. The dome keeps you in the high seats for the entire ride and includes a downstairs dining area and lounge, which is a comfort on a cold fall day. The parlor car has a rear observation deck, the best place on the train to photograph the trestles and the tunnel mouth.
Coach is simpler and cheaper, with flip-over bench seats, snack trays you can pre-order and food and drinks sold on board for cash. Parties of two may share a table with other guests in the dining cars, which most riders find part of the charm.
Practical points
The railroad says Premium and Silver Feather need a 48-hour advance reservation, online bookings carry a nonrefundable 6 percent processing fee, and discounted rates exist for seniors 65 and older, military, AAA and AARP members and groups. Build in time before departure to park and find the depot, and leave the rest of the day for Main Street and the Drennen-Scott Historic Site. Fall weekends fill up, so look at the booking calendar well ahead.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour, 70-mile round trip from Van Buren through the Boston Mountains, across three valley trestles and through the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel. Lunch is included in Premium and Silver Feather; Coach can add snack trays.
Best time
Fall foliage weekends are the headliners; spring and early summer are greener and easier to book. Past Van Buren listings have used late-morning departures, but the booking calendar is the only reliable source.
How long
Three hours round trip, boarding included.
Tips
Book Premium or dome at least 48 hours ahead. Dome guests stay in the dome for the whole ride. Sit on the observation deck of The Explorer for the best photographs. Extra snacks and drinks on board are cash only.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers based in Van Buren or Fort Smith who want a half-day train ride with tunnel and trestles.
- Families
- Three hours is a good length for school-age children, and the child fare covers ages 3 to 12.
- Couples
- Premium parlor car with lunch, or the dome for the whole-ride panoramic view.
- Pair with
- Historic Main Street and the Drennen-Scott Historic Site, both a short walk or drive from the depot.
- Time needed
- Half a day, including parking and boarding.
Good questions
How long is the Van Buren to Winslow ride?+
The railroad describes it as a three-hour, 70-mile round trip through the Boston Mountains, crossing three valley trestles and passing through the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel.
Where do I board in Van Buren?+
Past listings from the city's tourism office show boarding at the Old Frisco Depot, 813 Main Street, Van Buren. Confirm the boarding point for your date in your booking confirmation.
Is lunch included?+
Lunch is included in Silver Feather dome and Premium tickets. Coach riders can buy a snack tray when they book, and snacks and drinks are sold on board for cash.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?+
The railroad states that Car 107, The Explorer (a Premium parlor car), is its only wheelchair-accessible car. Call 1-800-687-8600 to arrange it before you book.
What if the train is delayed?+
It operates on an active freight railroad, so delays can occur and the railroad reserves the right to change schedules. Allow slack in your day.
