Branson Scenic Railway
The train gives passengers
unforgettable views of the
beautiful Missouri Ozarks.
Riding the Ozark Zephyr
The restored train cars take
riders back in time for rides
through the mountains.
Branson Scenic Railway - Branson, Missouri
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Branson Scenic Railway, Missouri
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Branson Scenic Railway, Missouri
Branson Scenic Railway
The historic "Ozark Zephyr"  leaves Branson for forty
mile rides through the beautiful Missouri Ozarks.
Branson's Historic Railroad
Once the trip is underway, passengers can
move about the cars and explore different
parts of the train and even enjoy snacks and
other refreshments. A special dinner train
operates at certain times of the year, offering
passengers a chance to enjoy a romantic
meal by candlelight while rocking along the
rails through the Ozarks. (Note: The dinner
train is recommended for passengers over
the age of 13).

To learn more about the Branson Scenic
Railway and to view a slideshow, check the
schedule or even make reservations online,
please click here to visit their website.
Spectacular Scenery
The train provides great views
of Lake Taneycomo and the
beautiful mountains of the
Ozarks as it rolls out from
downtown Branson, Missouri.
The "Ozark Zephyr" is a must for any visitor to
the
Branson area with a love or even a
passing interest in America's historic
railroads. The beautifully restored train is
operated as part of the Branson Scenic
Railway, a fascinating attraction
head-quartered from a station in historic
downtown Branson adjacent to the sparkling
new Branson Landing complex.

The train ride is one of the best in the South.
Stretching for 40 miles through the beautiful
Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas, the one
hour 45 minute trip gives passengers a
chance to see spectacular natural scenery.
The train passes over trestles and through
tunnels, providing views of territory largely
inaccessible by car.

The railroad on which the Zephyr travels is a
functioning line that was constructed
between 1902 and 1905 at a cost of more
than $12 million, a phenomenally high price
at the time for 239 miles of track. The line is
still in use for commercial traffic today.

It was the construction of this line, the White
River Railroad, that opened the way for the
commercial development of modern
Branson. Trains made it possible for tourists
to come into the area and the rest is history.

In an interesting historical footnote, the
famed novel
Shepherd of the Hills, which
was set in the Branson area, was set in a
time before the arrival of the railroad in the
region. It predicted that the beautiful Ozark
hills would undergo a remarkable change
when trains finally arrived. The book's
prediction has definitely come true. Branson
has evolved into one of the most popular
family vacation destinations in the South.

The train station from which the tours depart
is an authentic 1905 railroad station and the
locomotives and passenger cars are lovingly
restored and maintained historic railroad
equipment.
Custom Search
Copyright 2011 by Dale Cox
All rights reserved.