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Arkansas Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Arkansas's Rail History

Explore Arkansas's railway heritage at the Arkansas Railroad Museum, featuring vintage locomotives, interactive exhibits, and a glimpse into the past.

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The Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff showcases the state's rich railway heritage. Located in a historic Cotton Belt Railroad machine shop, the museum features a vast collection of locomotives, railcars, and artifacts, offering visitors a hands-on experience of the golden age of train travel.

A brief summary to Arkansas Railroad Museum

  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on opening days, hours, and special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing around the trains.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Railroadiana Show and Sale for a unique experience.
  • The museum is not fully climate-controlled, so dress accordingly, especially during the hot summer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Arkansas Railroad Museum is located at 1700 Port Road in Pine Bluff. From I-530, take exit 44 for US-65/US-79 toward Sheridan/Pine Bluff. Continue onto US-65 S/US-79 S. Turn left onto Port Road. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the museum's parking lot.

  • Public Transport

    While Pine Bluff has public transportation options , service to the museum may be limited. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the Pine Bluff Transit Hub, a taxi or ride-sharing service is recommended for the final few miles to the museum. A short taxi ride would likely cost around $10-$15.

  • Walking

    For those staying in downtown Pine Bluff, walking to the museum is possible but not recommended due to the distance (approximately 3 miles) and limited pedestrian infrastructure along Port Road. If walking, use caution and be aware of traffic.

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Discover more about Arkansas Railroad Museum

The Arkansas Railroad Museum, situated in the heart of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, offers a captivating journey into the state's railway history. Housed in the former Cotton Belt Railroad machine shops, a complex constructed between 1882 and 1894, the museum boasts an impressive collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and artifacts. The museum's origins trace back to the Cotton Belt Historical Society's efforts to preserve the last steam-powered locomotive built in Arkansas. This locomotive, SSW 819, a 4-8-4 Northern-type steam engine, was built in Pine Bluff in 1942 and retired in 1955. After being left to rust in a city park, volunteers, many of whom were retired railroad workers, came together in the early 1980s to restore it. This restoration project gradually evolved into the establishment of the Arkansas Railroad Museum. Today, the museum features a diverse array of exhibits, including vintage cabooses, a tool car, a guard car, and electric switchers. Among the notable locomotives on display are SSW 336, a 2-6-0 built in 1909, and UP 2907, the only remaining 3,000-horsepower c-630 of ten purchased by Union Pacific. Visitors can explore the interiors of various railcars, climb aboard locomotives, and imagine what it was like to be a conductor or engineer. The museum also houses a collection of documents related to the development of the railroad industry in Arkansas. The Arkansas Railroad Museum is operated by the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society and local volunteers. It hosts the annual Railroadiana Show and Sale, typically held on the first Saturday in April. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum's ongoing restoration and maintenance efforts.

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