Planes, Trains, Trolleys, Boats & Ferries

If you enjoy unique experiences, travel and transportation, keep reading. You’ll discover nine enchanting ways to see Arkansas from the water or rail as well as hands-on ways to explore history.

Aviation Cadet World

This attraction highlights cadet history from 1917-1968 with hands-on experiences, a gift shop, and static displays such as F-105-F/G, F-100-F, Marine Corps F-5, T-33 jet trainer and the only F-105-G mobile display in the world, Aeroball, T-29 flying classroom, T-34 primary trainer and F-16 Simulator.

Belle of the Ozarks

Let the Belle take you on a 12-mile cruise on Beaver Lake. Guides provide informative narration of lake history and attractions, including Beaver Dam, a Bald Eagle’s nest and more than a dozen points of interest. 

Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway

This historic depot with a snack bar and gift shop offers train excursion and dining car rides with lunch and dinner served about a Eureka Dining Car.

Eureka Springs Trolley System and Visitor Welcome Center

Styled after colorful turn-of-the-century counterparts, the trolley is a fun way to travel around the city.

Belle of the Bay 

Located at Fairfield Bay Marina, this Belle offers casual as well as dinner cruises to sightsee on Greers Ferry Lake. 

Arkansas Air & Military Museum

The history of Arkansas aviation is preserved here through original artifacts and memorabilia along with static displays ranging form the golden age of aviation to the jet age; plus, airplanes and helicopters, all housed in a vast, wood hanger that was former headquarters for one of the United States’ many aviator training posts during WWII.

Fort Smith Trolley Museum

Ride a .75-mile route from historic Garrison Avenue and the Bass Reeves Statue tot eh National Cemetery on a 1926 Fort Smith Light and Traction Co. Birney Safety streetcar. On display is a Frisco 4003 Steam locomotive and transportation memorabilia. There’s also a library and archive available at the museum.

Peel Ferry

This is the last public ferryboat operating in the state, transporting vehicles and passengers across a section of the big lake during daytime hours only. Catch it on AR 125. The two mile trip across the lake takes about 20 minutes.

Arkansas and Missouri Railroad

A scenic excursion train runs through the foothills of the Ozark Boston Mountains departing from Springdale and Van Buren.