Should I buy tickets in advance?

Yes. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended; some cars stop selling seats 48 hours before departure.

Yes. Seats are assigned except in certain seasonal coach situations; the railroad reserves the right to adjust seating as needed.

When should I arrive at the depot?

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure to pick up Will Call tickets, park, and use facilities; boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.

Is there parking at the depot?

Yes. Free parking is available adjacent to the Springdale depot and parking options are listed for Van Buren; check depot signage for details.

Are strollers and pets allowed?

Strollers are permitted and stored during the ride; pets are not allowed except trained service animals—notify when booking.

Are restrooms available on the train?

There is a restroom in each car except Car 109; train restrooms are small and not wheelchair accessible, but accessible restrooms are available at depots.

Father's Day BBQ & Banjo Train from Van Buren to Winslow | Train | Sightseeing Tour

Father's Day BBQ & Banjo aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad is a three-hour celebration that pairs classic American comfort food with an old‑time rail ride through the Ozarks. The trip departs from Springdale Depot and includes seating options in Silver Feather, Premium, and 1920s Coach cars as described by the operator, with a Van Buren–Winslow route that showcases hardwood ridgelines and occasional limestone bluffs. Guests climb into vintage railcars—some with a glass-covered Vista Dome—and settle in for a hearty barbecue meal while a banjo keeps the rhythm of the journey.

The experience is both sensory and social: the smell of smoked meat and sauce, the clack of rails, and the bright, percussive strains of live banjo music that move through the cars. Food service varies by car type—full meals are served in select cars while coach seating offers an upgrade option—while water, coffee, and hot tea are complimentary. For families the event is designed to be accessible and fun: there are assigned seats, snacks for shorter segments, and a three-hour layover on the Springdale to Van Buren run that lets riders stretch legs and explore Van Buren’s depot area.

What makes this excursion unique in the region is the combination of historic equipment and southeastern Arkansas scenery. The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad runs classic rolling stock including the Silver Feather dome car and velvet-bench 1920s coaches that flip direction—pieces of living rail history that contrast with the Ozark landscape beyond the window. The route is an easy way to see oak‑hickory forest, river valleys, and old railroad grades without a long hike, and the addition of live music and barbecue turns a scenic outing into a convivial, holiday-ready event.

Practical notes for visitors: tickets are held at Will Call at the depot, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and advanced purchase is recommended. Accessibility is limited by vintage equipment; a wheelchair lift is available at Van Buren with advance notice and Premium Car #107 is recommended for ADA assistance. Pets are not allowed except service animals.

Onsite amenities at Springdale and Van Buren depots include a gift shop and museum where you can browse before boarding; gift certificates are available. Restrooms are located in each car except Car 109 and are small; accessible restrooms are at depots. Ticketing rules note some cars close sales 48 hours before departure and coach seats are reversible—quirky, practical touches that make the ride both historic and family-friendly.

About Arkansas & Missouri Railroad

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad operates seasonal and themed excursion trains out of Springdale, Arkansas. The railroad offers a variety of public events and scenic trips that highlight the Ozark Mountains and local rail heritage. Popular offerings include Holiday Express runs from Springdale, Monett, and Van Buren featuring vintage railcars decorated for the season, hot cocoa, classic Christmas stories, and visits from Santa. Seasonal specials include Mardi Gras and Halloween-themed rides, Christmas in July, and family-focused events like Ice Cream Socials that support the J. Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum and the restoration of Frisco Caboose #1288.

Dining and celebration experiences include Father’s Day BBQ & Banjo and Mother’s Day High Tea, both held aboard vintage cars with live music and curated food service. The Springdale to Winslow trip is a three-hour scenic route through the Boston Mountain range, traversing valley trestles and the 1,700-foot Winslow tunnel to showcase the natural landscape of the Ozarks.

Ticketed excursions combine historic rail equipment, seasonal décor, and themed programming suitable for families, holiday groups, and rail enthusiasts. Events are presented as curated train experiences with depot activities, onboard entertainment, and community-focused fundraising elements. Schedules, ticketing details, and accessibility information are published by the railroad for each event. For visitors seeking scenic rail travel, seasonal celebrations, or museum-supporting outings, Arkansas & Missouri Railroad provides a range of documented, themed train experiences from its Springdale location. Advance reservations are recommended for holiday and themed trains; limited seating and scheduled departure times affect availability; book early online today.