- Home ›
- Short Lines ›
- Arkansas
Arkansas Short Line Railroads: A Complete Guide
Published: March 28, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (reporting mark, AM): The large A&M has been independently owned since it began service in 1986 over former Frisco property.
The railroad currently operates nearly 140 miles between Fort Smith, Arkansas and Monett, Missouri. It was long regarded as a haven of classic Alco road-switchers but has since acquired new Electro-Motive SD70ACe models.
To the general public the A&M is a popular excursion railroad offering rides throughout much of the year. The company's traffic base is highly diversified ranging from paper and lumber to food products and steel.
Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad (reporting mark, AOK): See Oklahoma.
Arkansas, Louisiana & Mississippi Railroad (reporting mark, ALM): The AL&M is another G&W property, operating about 53 miles of track between Crossett, Arkansas and Monroe, Louisiana.
The route's history dates back to 1906 and was for years owned by lumber interests, lastly by Georgia-Pacific. In 2004 G&W purchased the AL&M and the railroad currently moves forest-based products as well as chemicals.
Arkansas Midland Railroad (reporting mark, AKMD): The Arkansas Midland was a long-owned Pinsly short line that operates seven disconnected corridors across the state totaling 125 miles in conjunction with allying-roads the Prescott & Northwestern and Warren & Saline River.
In November of 2014 the road was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming. The AM began in 1992 and its traffic base includes forest products, agriculture, aggregates, aluminum, chemicals, and building materials.
Arkansas Southern Railroad (reporting mark, ARS): The Arkansas Southern is a Watco property that began service in 2005, leasing 61 miles from KCS via two disconnected lines (Waldron, Arkansas-Heavener, Oklahoma and Ashdown-Nashville). Its traffic base is unknown.
Bauxite & Northern Railway (reporting mark, BXN): The small Bauxite & Northern can trace its history back to 1906 serving the area around Bauxite, Arkansas.
For many years it was owned by the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) but was acquired by RA in 2005. Today, it is a G&W property operating 6 miles of track and hauls primarily alumina while it also handles a range of other tasks.
Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad (reporting mark, DR): This historic short line traces its roots back to the Dardanelle & Russellville Railway of 1883. The system acquired its current name on January 13, 1900.
It is currently owned by Arkansas Shortline Railroads, Inc. and operates about 5 miles from a Union Pacific interchange at Russellville to Dardanelle. Its traffic base includes pulp-board, plastics, and forest products.
De Queen & Eastern Railroad (reporting mark, DQE): Another historic system, the De Queen & Eastern was first chartered on September 22, 1900. It would eventually connect Perkins, Arkansas with Valliant, Oklahoma via De Queen.
This main line is still operated today under Patriot Rail, which acquired the railroad from Weyerhaeuser in 2010 albeit now split as two separate railroads. In total there currently about 91 miles in service (the DQ&E operates as far as the Arkansas state line) with traffic consisting of paper, forest products, grain, and gypsum board (drywall).
Delta Valley & Southern Railway (reporting mark, DVS): This small, independent short line operates just 2 miles of trackage around Wilson. The property was originally built to serve the timber industry and later was owned by the Frisco.
Today, it is under the direction of Lee Wilson & Company, of which DV&S is a subsidiary. Just one locomotive is used, GE 45-tonner #50 that switches a local cotton processing plant whereby processed cottonseed is interchanged with BNSF.
East Camden & Highland Railroad (reporting mark, EACH): Also known as the EACH Railroad this operation has been in service since 1971 when it was incorporated to serve the Shumaker Ordnance Depot at East Camden, Arkansas.
In total the railroad owns slightly more than 47 miles of track, interchanging with UP at Eagle Mills. Its traffic consists of lumber, paper products, rubber, and chemicals. The EACH also operates the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant at Doyline, Louisiana.
El Dorado & Wesson Railway (reporting mark, EDW): The historic ED&W traces its roots back to incorporation in 1905. The road would eventually operate about 10.2 miles from El Dorado to Wesson but nearly 5 miles was abandoned back to Newell in 1959.
Passenger service ended in 1953. Today, the short line operates 5.5 miles with traffic consisting of petroleum products, chemicals, and medium density fiberboard.
Fordyce & Princeton (reporting mark, FP): The Fordyce & Princeton traces its history back to 1890 and currently operates 57 miles between Fordyce and Crossett. For nearly its entire existence the F&P has moved forest based products and for years was owned by similar interests. In 2004 Georgia-Pacific sold the system to G&W.
Fort Smith Railroad (reporting mark, FSR): This short line is a Pioneer Railcorp property, operating 18 miles between Fort Smith and Barling. The line's history traces back to a Union Pacific branch, spun-off in 1991. Its traffic currently includes iron/steel, frozen poultry, alcoholic beverages, sand, lumber, pulp board, peanuts, and military movements.
Kiamichi Railroad (reporting mark, KRR): This large short line operates 261 miles of track (some of which is trackage rights) running from Hope, Arkansas to west of Durant, Oklahoma along the Red River. There is also a north-south section running from Paris, Texas to Antlers, Oklahoma.
The route's history traces back to the Frisco, when it was sold in 1987 by Burlington Northern. RailAmerica acquired the property in 2002 from States Rail before being purchased by G&W in 2012. Today, traffic consists of coal, lumber, aggregates, minerals, glass, paper, chemicals, cement, pulpwood, feed and food products.
Little Rock & Western Railway (reporting mark, LRWN): The LR&W operate on a section of the Rock Island's fabled Choctaw Route built by predecessor Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf. It first began service in 1986 it currently operates about 79 miles from Danville, Arkansas to Little Rock. Traffic includes animal feed, as well as food and forest products.
Little Rock Port Authority Railroad (reporting mark, LRPA): This locally owned operation has been in service since 1972 operating about 12 miles and connecting with the Port of Little Rock Industrial Park where several various businesses have rail service. The railroad interchanges with both UP and BNSF.
Louisiana & North West Railroad (reporting mark, LNW): This historic line dates back to its founding in 1888. The L&NW eventually grew to 124 miles between McNeil, Arkansas and Natchitoches, Louisiana but this was later cutback to Gibsland. These 68 miles are still operated under Patriot Rail today, which acquired the property in 2008.
Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad (reporting mark, MNA): This regional system began in 1992, acquiring more than 102 miles from Union Pacific late that year. For many years it was under RailAmerica before this company was purchased by G&W in 2012.
Today, the M&NA operates nearly 600 miles of track, much of which is leased from UP and BNSF, extending from southeastern Missouri to northern Arkansas. Its annual carloads exceed 100,000 and range from unit coal trains to general merchandise.
Ouachita Railroad (reporting mark, OUCH): This short line operates 26 miles between El Dorado, Arkansas and Lille, Louisiana. It was originally a Rock Island branch, later operated by the South Central Arkansas Railroad from 1982 until the East Camden & Highland Railroad purchased the line in 1983.
In 1990 it was sold to the Arkansas Short Line Railroads, which operates it as the Ouachita Railroad. Its primary traffic includes lumber, chemicals, and particleboard.
Prescott & Northwestern Railroad (reporting mark, PNW): The historic P&NW was chartered in 1890 by the Ozan Lumber Company to serve timber interests north of Prescott.
It eventually reached Daisy with branches serving Cheney and Martin. Its primary traffic then was forest products but also carried perishables/agriculture and gypsum. Today, only 5 miles of the original route are still in service and is a division of G&W.
Texas, Oklahoma & Eastern Railroad (reporting mark, TOE): The TO&E, also a Patriot Rail subsidiary, operates the other half of the original De Queen & Eastern main line from the Arkansas state line to Valliant, Oklahoma. Its traffic base is predominantly forest products.
Warren & Saline River Railroad (reporting mark, WSR): This small short line dates back to 1920 and for many years was owned by the Potlatch Corporation. Its traffic has always been forest-based (logs, lumber, etc.), which continues today.
The road operates about 8 miles between Cloquet and Warren. It was owned by Pinsly between 2010 and 2014 before the system was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming.
West Memphis Base Railroad (reporting mark, WMBR): This short line was launched after 2015 when a TIGER grant, worth 6.5 million, enabled 3.5 miles of track to be rebuilt to serve the Port of West Memphis. Current traffic includes steel, propane, non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals. In addition, West Memphis Transload has tw0 terminals on the line.
Recent Articles
-
NS Unveils First America250 Locomotive: 1776, "The Bell"
May 22, 26 11:15 PM
On May 22, 2026 Norfolk Southern unveiled its first in the America250 heritage locomotives series, 1776, "The Bell". -
Reading & Northern Issues Safety Directive Ahead Of 4014 Visit
May 22, 26 12:01 PM
With thousands of tickets sold for its upcoming series of Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration excursions, Reading & Northern Railroad is also anticipating thousands more trackside spectators to bear… -
Ohio 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:36 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:31 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Alabama 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:29 AM
Alabama, with its rich railway heritage and scenic countryside, is a wonderful way to experience by train. One location even hosts a special trip for Father's Day! -
North Carolina 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:26 AM
Celebrating dad on a scenic train in North Carolina can be found at the New Hope Valley Railway which hosts a special event for the day. -
Texas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:25 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:22 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
The Spirit of America: George H.W. Bush’s 1992 Campaign Train
May 22, 26 11:11 AM
In the fading days of summer 1992, President George H. W. Bush embarked on a classic American political tradition: the whistle-stop tour. -
Burlington Northern Timetables (May, 1972)
May 21, 26 11:56 PM
Presented here is the Burlington Northern's condensed freight timetables from the May, 1972 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Whiskey Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 21, 26 11:12 PM
These rides across the United States offer a sensory journey through lush landscapes and historical corridors, often pairing scenic vistas with curated whiskey tastings. -
Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2026)
May 21, 26 10:54 PM
Celebrate dad by train! Several heritage railroads and museums host trips honoring dads. Learn more about which locations offer such excursions. -
The Chessie Safety Express: Steam-Powered Advocacy for Railroad Safety
May 21, 26 10:44 PM
In the fall of 1980, a gleaming Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) 4-8-4 steam locomotive named No. 614 thundered across the rails of the Chessie System, pulling a colorful consist of passenger cars filled with… -
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad: "The Kentucky Midland Route"
May 21, 26 06:08 PM
The Frankfort & Cincinnati was a small shortline located in north-central Kentucky that was known as "The Whiskey Route" for the many distilleries it served. The F&C shutdown in 1985. -
North Carolina 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:43 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Connecticut 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ & Bour… -
Kansas "Dinner" Train Rides From Abilene
May 21, 26 12:37 PM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Vermont "Dinner" Train Rides At Burlington
May 21, 26 12:34 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:24 PM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Massachusetts "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:16 PM
The Cape Cod Central is the one location in the state hosting an event just for dads, a special brunch train. Learn more here! -
Historic Steam Locomotive Heads To Charleston For America250 Exhibit
May 21, 26 11:58 AM
A rare piece of West Virginia industrial history, an 0-4-0F fireless steam locomotive by H.K. Porter in 1945, is being installed near the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston as part of a… -
Connecticut 'Dinner' Train Rides At Essex
May 20, 26 11:55 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Arkansas 'Dinner 'Train Rides On The A&M
May 20, 26 11:54 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
Illinois 'Dinner' Train Rides At The MRM
May 20, 26 11:52 AM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
California 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:51 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Michigan 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:50 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:48 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Texas & Pacific Railway Timetables (September, 1937)
May 20, 26 11:10 AM
Featured here is the Texas & Pacific's timetables and system map from the September, 1937 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Norfolk Southern Unveils America250 Locomotive Series
May 20, 26 10:30 AM
Norfolk Southern has rolled out a bold new commemorative series to mark America’s 250th anniversary (the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026). -
The Nebraska Zephyr: Burlington's Lincoln Service
May 20, 26 09:49 AM
ntroduced in 1947, the Nebraska Zephyr provided fast, stylish daylight service between Chicago, Illinois, and Lincoln, Nebraska (via Omaha), covering 551 miles (887 km) in under 10 hours at an average… -
Colorado & Southern Timetables (March, 1940)
May 19, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Colorado & Southern's timetables from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:59 AM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Illinois 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:56 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Kentucky 'Dinner Train' Rides From Bardstown
May 19, 26 11:53 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Vermont 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:50 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Ohio - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:49 AM
The Ohio Rail Experience's Quincy Sunset Tasting Train is a new offering that pairs an easygoing evening schedule with a signature scenic highlight: a high, dramatic crossing of the Quincy Bridge over… -
Texas 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:43 AM
Texas State Railroad's “Pints In The Pines” train is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the line: a vintage evening departure, craft beer samplings, and a catered dinner at the Rusk depot un… -
South Dakota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:40 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:33 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Amtrak's First Airo Trainset Arrives in Seattle
May 19, 26 10:01 AM
Amtrak's next-generation Airo passenger trainset has officially arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone in the railroad's largest fleet overhaul in decades and the start of a new era for travel… -
Maine "Ice Cream" Tasting Train Rides
May 19, 26 09:49 AM
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum’s Ice Cream Train is a family-friendly Friday-night tradition that turns a short rail excursion into a small event. -
TP&W Railway Timetables (January, 1930)
May 18, 26 03:23 PM
Featured here is the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway's timetables listed in the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
CSX SD40-2 8888, "Crazy Eights": The 2001 Runaway Train
May 18, 26 02:02 PM
On May 15, 2001, a single locomotive—CSX SD40-2 No. 8888—began one of the most infamous runaway train incidents in American railroad history. -
North Carolina "Ice Cream Tasting" Train Rides
May 18, 26 01:40 PM
One of the most popular warm-weather offerings at NCTM is the Ice Cream Train, a simple but brilliant concept: pair a relaxing ride with a classic summer treat. -
New York "Ice Cream Tasting" Train Rides
May 18, 26 01:32 PM
While CMRR runs several seasonal excursions, one of the most family-friendly (and, frankly, joyfully simple) offerings is its Ice Cream Express. -
New Mexico 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:31 PM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Michigan 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:28 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Ohio 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:24 PM
Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries. -
Pennsylvania 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:22 PM
Wine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes. -
Minnesota BBQ Tasting Train Rides
May 18, 26 12:10 PM
If you’re looking for a perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning Lake Superior views, and mouthwatering food, the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minnesota, delivers—literally.
