The Arkansas Railroad Museum is the state’s largest railroad museum. The museum is located in the machine shop built in the later part of the 19th century for the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, or Cotton Belt. The machine shop was part of a large complex of buildings and shops once located at Pine Bluff.
Choices
The museum’s most famous tenant is the last steam locomotive built for the St. Louis Southwestern. No. 819 was assembled in the building that now houses the museum and was placed in service in early 1943. Along with No. 819, SSW No. 336 is also housed at the museum. Several diesel Alcos are also on display along with some passenger cars, a complete SSW work train, cabooses, and a Jordan snowplow. The museum features a large collection of memorabilia from the Cotton Belt and other Arkansas and East Texas railroads.
When to go
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most exhibits are located inside, but much of the museum is not climate-controlled and therefore subject to heat and cold. Operating hours can be affected by extreme temperatures. Check the museum’s website for more information and updates.
Good to know
Engines Nos. 819 and 336 are the only surviving Cotton Belt steam locomotives, and both are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Worth doing
While in Pine Bluff, you can take in the historical museum, which is located in a restored Union Station that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Getting there
The Arkansas Railroad Museum is easily accessible from Little Rock, which has a daily Amtrak stop. The museum lies just a short distance off Interstate 530, which connects Little Rock and Pine Bluff.
Location: 1700 Port Road, Pine Bluff, AK
Phone: 870-535-8819
Website: arkansasrailroadmuseum.org
E-mail: info@arkansasrailroadmuseum.org
