City: Branson, MO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (417) 334-6110, (800) 2-TRAIN-

Address: 206 East Main St.

Description: Take a trip back in time to the days when rail travel was one of the best modes of transportation, in Branson Scenic Railway’s restored 1940s dome cars. The 105-minute excursions take you 20 miles from the depot in downtown Branson south to Arkansas or 20 miles north to Galena, depending on the schedule. The glass-bubble-topped cars offer a great view of the rugged countryside, especially during October, the railway’s busiest month, when the leaves have turned their fall shades of orange, gold, and red. Along both routes you pass through tunnels, over bridges, and next to meandering streams. You may even see a bobcat, a bald eagle, or a deer along the way. Up to four trips are offered Monday through Saturday from early April to mid-December. Trips are added on Sunday in October and on select holidays during the year. From April through December, departures are at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. During the summer a 4:30 p.m. run is added on select dates. During the Saturday-evening excursions, passengers are treated to a full-course dinner with an entree of prime rib, chicken, or fish for $53.75 per person, plus tax. This trip lasts 145 minutes. A concession car offers sandwiches, coffee, and sodas on all other trips for an additional charge. Tickets for the regular trips are $24 for adults and $13.75 for kids 3 through 12, plus tax. Children younger than three ride for free.