Many people go to Branson, Missouri and search for something out of the box – something fun, exciting, and extraordinary all in one. If you are one of those people, then you must try the tour that Branson takes pride on, the Branson Scenic Railway. On the Branson Scenic Railway, which is one of the Branson Attractions, you will be able to tour the country side in a whole different setting. Experience the romance of travel as this railway takes you to the countryside.
Before the railway was known as the Branson Scenic Railway, it started as the White River Railway during its construction in 1902. It was opened after 3 years, in 1905. The railway needed 239 miles of track through the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains and this construction cost a whopping $12 Million. Many adjustments were made to give way to the railway that was being built. Trestles and tunnels were added to accommodate the changes. The project was costly but the outcome was beneficial to the city because even from the construction of the railway, the city already started to flourish since access was already available for tourists.
The Branson Scenic Railway has two routes – either north or south. The northern route can take you as far as Galena, Missouri in the James River Valley, while the southern route gets you to Arkansas. The train ride will keep you entertained as a narrator describes the area that you’ll be seeing along the way. You will be able to see different historical places, even original trestles and tunnels!
If you wish to know the operating times of the Branson Scenic Railway, know that it travels 3 to 4 times daily. The 40-mile roundtrip through the Ozark Mountains takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The trip takes you to place that cars and other modes of transportation can’t access, making your trip unique and something you would want to remember. This tour provides you with historical sightseeing plus a conductor that narrates the beautiful places you see. You definitely have to try this because the trains have been renovated and restored to make you feel that you are riding it during the old days that they were actively transporting people, when train travel was at its peak. There are three cars and each car provides a different panoramic view of the jaw-dropping beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Plan your Branson vacation now and tour the historical side of the beautiful city in the Branson Scenic Railway. Operation starts in March and ends in December. There are dinners on board on Saturdays from April to October, which require reservations. Buy your tickets now at only $56 for all ages! Also, regular excursions are available with tickets that amount to $26 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $15.50 for children (ages 3 to 12 only). During November and December, the Branson Scenic Railway proudly offers the Polar Express excursion with tickets at $34 for adults and $24 for children. And it you want your trip to include seating in the dining car, hot cocoa in a Polar Express Souvenir Mug, and cookies, you are given the choice to upgrade your tickets to first class at only $49 for adults and $39 for children. The tour start in historic depot in downtown, located at 206 East Main Street, just across the street from the Branson Landing. Get your tickets reserved! Dial 1-800-2-TRAIN-2 (287-2462) or check out the site www.bransontrain.com.
