PINE BLUFF, AR
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationPINE BLUFF, AR
- Rating4.9 ★190 Google reviews
About Arkansas Railroad Museum
The Arkansas Railroad Museum sits in the former St. Louis Southwestern shop on Port Road in Pine Bluff, where historic equipment lines the original heavy‑repair bays and a still‑operable transfer table. Visitors walk among Cotton Belt 4‑8‑4 No. 819— the last steam built by the Cotton Belt and listed on the National Register—alongside a D3 Mogul, numerous relief‑train cars and a rotating collection of diesel locomotives.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Arkansas Railroad Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMSunday: Closed
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s collection includes the Cotton Belt 4‑8‑4 steam locomotive No. 819, built in 1942 and presently awaiting a federally mandated overhaul, together with the Baldwin‑built D3‑Mogul Cotton Belt 336 (1909) and a variety of diesel power such as Union Pacific 2907 (Alco C‑630), Lake Superior and Ishpeming 2300 (GE U23C), Cotton Belt 5006 (EMD GP30), Little Rock and Western #102 (ex‑L&N 1306, Alco C‑420), KLIX 2003 (ex‑SSW 815, EMD GP20), West Tennessee 2054 (ex‑SP 7012, Alco RSD‑12) and AT&SF 843 (Alco RSD‑15). Passenger and service cars on display comprise the St. Louis Southwestern Relief Train set—including SSW 96005 (200‑ton industrial crane), SSWMW 5682 (boom car), SSWMW 98501 (generator flat), SSWMW 94129 (kitchen car), SSWMW 96216 (tool car), SSWMW 96209 (crew sleeper)—as well as Union Pacific‑type baggage, refrigerator, caboose, guard, snow‑plow and other specialty cars listed in the museum inventory. The static exhibit is housed in the former St. Louis Southwestern shop in Pine Bluff and does not operate excursion trains.
History
See full history
The Arkansas Railroad Museum opens its doors in 1983 as a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Arkansas railroading. From its inception, the facility is administered by the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society together with local volunteers, who maintain the former St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) shop as the museum’s headquarters. The society’s stewardship continues to the present, providing the only static museum in Arkansas that houses the Cotton Belt’s last steam locomotive, No. 819.
Around the Depot
Pine Bluff is home to the Arkansas Railroad Museum, a big-equipment stop worth a deliberate Arkansas visit.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Pine Bluff
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arkansas Railroad Museum located?
PINE BLUFF, AR 71601
How do I get tickets to Arkansas Railroad Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://arkansasrailroadmuseum.org/.