Branson Scenic Railway

The Ozark Zephyr, Branson Scenic Railway's historic zephyr train, departs from an old depot in downtown Branson and operates in the scenic Ozark Mountains for an approximate 40-mile (64 km) round trip.

As the underlying rail lines are owned by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad (MNA) and are still in use as an active railroad, MNA traffic determines whether a particular trip will operate northbound from Branson to Galena, Missouri, or southbound from Branson to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas.

The railroad operates a variety of vintage railroad equipment, including two dome cars, a dining car, and several coaches built by the Budd Company.

Motive Power: Passenger Cars: The railroad was originally built as the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905.

Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, a number of trestles and tunnels were required in order to create a level railroad grade.

Passengers boarding the train at the depot in downtown Branson.
A view of the EMD F9 PH A unit powering the northbound end of the train.
Train at the depot in downtown Branson