Arkansas Railroad Museum
Arkansas Railroad Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The Arkansas Railroad Museum exhibits the history of railroading in Arkansas with a special emphasis on the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, more commonly known as the Cotton Belt Railroad. Housed in the Cotton Belt Backshop building, featuring Cotton Belt steam locomotive 819, which was built in this very building in 1942, the last steam locomotive built in Arkansas. Exhibits also include cabooses (cabeese?), passenger cars, freight cars, diesel locomotives, and a large collection of smaller artifacts of railroad history including timetables, tools, telegraph equipment, pictures, and much more. We are open 9 AM to 2 PM Monday through Saturday, but please call ahead if you are bringing a large group or arriving late, we can often accommodate special requests.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Christopher T
Star City, AR16 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This museum has quite a few train engines and cars. They also house the cotton belt 819 legendary steam engine. It's a free museum but you can donate to them. It's worth donating. They also have old train equipment and model trains. Lots of history.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bowie31
Little Rock, AR18 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
A great under the radar museum that has been put together with the total dedication of some loyal volunteers. Over the years, they have restored an old railroad shop building which houses a great collection of locomotives, including the famed steam locomotive 819. Also contains a great collection of photographs. It is a little hard to find, but pay attention to the signs. It is well worth the trip.
Written June 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheOnlyTimeLord
Los Angeles, CA62 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This was once part of a large railroad yard and a wonderful place to stop and see trains from the past including steam engines and more current rolling stock.
Many historical items on display.
You can climb aboard display trains in the large covered train shop. Visit the small gift shop for a train hat or t-shirt.
This is a must stop and see museum and a part of local history.
Plenty of parking. No charge to enter but donations are gladly accepted.
Many historical items on display.
You can climb aboard display trains in the large covered train shop. Visit the small gift shop for a train hat or t-shirt.
This is a must stop and see museum and a part of local history.
Plenty of parking. No charge to enter but donations are gladly accepted.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew P
Monticello, AR20 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Want to know the inside story of the railroad industry in Arkansas? Want to see first hand the engines and rail cars that rode the lines of our state and nation? This is the place. Great memorabilia and history, and fabulous exhibits. Plan on at least two hours just to get a sense of the place. But the real hidden value? The volunteers that operate the museum. Pete and JP know the history and operation of the railroads from life and work experience, and have great stories to share. They are entertaining and informative. If you have even a mild interest in railroads and railroad history, this is a true gem that you should not miss!
Written February 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kent V
Etterville, MO270 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
This is a real Railroad Museum. It has several locomotives one can climb into and view the cab. There are several other cars and equipment to view also. I feel it is on of the better ones, from 40 years experience of visiting RR museums.
Written April 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinarenee71635
Crossett, AR24 contributions
This museum has steam engines, one of which is being refurbished, passenger cars and other memorabilia. They even have a small train to carry the kids
Written April 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth Q
Pine Bluff, AR6 contributions
Mar 2012
This is a self guided tour with knowledgeable volunteers available to answer questions. The trains on display appeal to all ages. Keep in mind the area has a roof, but minimal heating and cooling.
Written February 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
widgetc01
Monticello, AR2 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
This is a nice, small museum. There are several trains and engines. My husband had a blast. You can see the museum is run by a small group of people who care about these things. It is a nice way to spend a half a day in South East Arkansas.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca A
2 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
My family and I come to this museum every few months. Everything is great except that they never ever have the model trains running!!! It's like the most entertaining part for my children. Everyone is nice but what is the point in having the model trains on display if you are not going to run them?!?!?
Written July 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We try not to run the model trains unless someone is watching. They suffer a lot of wear and tear. Some volunteers are more proactive in starting the models then others. If you ask one of the staff we can generally start them up for you! We hope to see you again soon!
Written December 30, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Astrid B
Little Rock, AR12 contributions
Feb 2016
So the first time I went to this amazing museum, I was greeted kindly and as if I were part of the people who volunteered there. I had to do some service hour work for my UALR Speech class and I choose the museum, mostly based on my love for locomotives and whatnot. The two Saturdays I volunteered there were incredible, it was a one of a kind experience. Now, every time I hear about this museum, I only have good things to say about it. It is DEFIANTLY worth your time to go there. Entrance is free for all ages, and over all, I give my time there a 12/10 for how great it is. Also, SSW 819 (( the main attraction in the museum )) is incredible and if you plan to visit, you should donate to get this locomotive back on the rails!! :D
Written April 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robientn
1 contribution
How long does it normally take to tour the Museum and any other adjacent bldgs?
Thanks,Larry in Tn.
RobertLonghofer
Beebe, AR
2 - 4 hours would be normal for a casual visitor.
Robientn
1 contribution
Would like to know the dates and times of operations for the museum.
RobertLonghofer
Beebe, AR
9 AM to 2 PM Monday through Saturday, but we can be open by appointment with advance notice, call during museum hours and we will do our best.
Tikel
1 contribution
Does anyone know if they are open on the weekends? I called the number and can't get anyone to answer.
RobertLonghofer
Beebe, AR
we are open Monday through Saturday 9 AM through 2 PM, that is the only times the phones are normally answered. If you have a special request please call and we will try to accommodate!
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Claim your listingArkansas Railroad Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Arkansas Railroad Museum
- Arkansas Railroad Museum is open:
- Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Hotels near Arkansas Railroad Museum:
- (0.66 mi) Abbie's Place Pine Bluff, Near Saracen Casino and Downtown Pine Bluff.
- (3.86 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Pine Bluff
- (1.47 mi) Super 8 by Wyndham Pine Bluff
- (0.83 mi) Plaza Hotel and Suites
- (1.54 mi) Best Western Presidential Hotel & Suites
- Restaurants near Arkansas Railroad Museum:
- (1.06 mi) Sam's Southern Eatery
- (1.19 mi) Colonial Steakhouse
- (0.93 mi) Lucky's Cafe
- (1.25 mi) Rich's Burgers
- (1.09 mi) Pizza Hut