Scenic train rides are an underappreciated aspect of traveling. The ability for a traveler to freely soak oneself into the scenery as it passes by is an incredible experience. Taking advantage of the Amtrak system in the US, travelers have a wide variety of touring options available to them.

Brandon, being quite centrally located in southern Missouri, is an excellent central hub for those trying to tour the United States. With boarding options in Chicago and Sacramento, as well as scenic options that take travelers through the Ozarks, this is an excellent opportunity for any traveler.

UPDATE: 2023/02/06 10:08 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Amtrak Trains Do Not Go All The Way To Branson, Missouri

Amtrak trains service a number of major cities in the region around Branson, but they do not actually go to Branson, Missouri. This article was updated and clarified that one will need multiple means of transport to get to Branson. Enjoy taking the train across the nation and then taking a bus or hiring a car to get the rest of the distance to Branson.

The Appeal Of Branson, Missouri

On the southern end of Missouri, travelers can venture to Branson, Missouri. This city combines honky-tonk bars, modern music venues, and theme parks with horseback trails, relaxing lakes, and wineries. Travelers using Amtrak to get closer to Branson will have a combination of natural wonders and city comforts to immerse themselves in.

• Must-Visit - Silver Dollar City, Sight & Sound Theatres, and Table Rock Lake

Make An Escape From Chicago

Travelers looking to visit Branson from Chicago can take a 6-day train escape. America By Rail operates the tour that takes travelers along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route and includes meals and accommodation. From this route, travelers will be able to take a shuttle into Branson. In total, the door spends three days discovering the town’s many attractions, and then a quick shuttle takes travelers to the Amtrak train station in Texarkana the next day, where the tour reunites with the Texas Eagle bound for San Antonio. The last two days, which include one overnight, are spent back on the train to Chicago.

Take The Train From Sacramento

Sacramento is another starting destination that travelers can take advantage of for an adventure down to Branson, Missouri. Travelers can hop on the early morning America By Rail tour that departs from Sacramento, California, on Amtrak’s California Zephyr. For three days, travelers will ride the train, enjoying views from the glass-wrapped top deck, as well as the accommodations offered by the train. Travelers will disembark in Chicago and then switch over to a coach that will take travelers on tours of Nashville and Memphis before landing in Branson. In Branson, travelers will spend three days sightseeing, dining, and enjoying great local entertainment. Eventually, a shuttle will take travelers to the Amtrak station in Kansas City, where travelers will complete this round-trip adventure by returning to Sacramento.

Related: Kiptopeke's Ghost Ships Are Still Decaying At This Cape Charles Park

Amtrak Trains Only Get One So Close To Branson

The closest Amtrak stops to Branson are at Popular Bluff in the east of Missouri, Jefferson City in the north of Missouri, and Walnut Ridge in northern Arkansas. But Amtrak's stops are all quite far from Branson. So people taking Amtrak should likely get off the train in St. Louis, Kansas City, or Little Rock and either take other means of transport from there or hire a car.

See the map of Amtrak lines around the United States on their website. While the nation is serviced by passenger trains, the train network leaves much to be desired. Other regions - like Europe are much better connected by trains.

If one would like to take a train journey in the United States and still have one's car at the end of the trip, then there is at least one option. Amtrak has a service running from Washington D.C. to near Orlando, Florida, and passengers can take their car onboard the train.

Taking the train in the United States is more about the experience of taking a train. As the United States' train network does not really have high-speed rail, and the routes are limited and rather expensive.

But still, half of the fun of visiting a place is getting there. Driving the Interstates or flying can be boring after a while. Taking the train in the United States is more unusual and exciting and a great way to spice the trip up.

Experience The Scenic Loop

Another option for travelers is to take the offered tour that takes travelers on a scenic loop. For the best views of the Ozarks that surround the city, travelers should hop on Branson’s very own Scenic Railway. The trip begins right from the downtown depot and trains wind through the aesthetically green valleys of the Ozark foothills. Not only are the views fantastic, but the experience of riding along in the venerable old engine as it meanders its way through the route is quite memorable. Travelers will pass through historic runners and will pass ghost towns, the skeletons of which still linger in the hills. The excursions are fully narrated, so travelers will not miss out on any information.

• Offered - Year-Round

Two Distinct Routes

The Branson Scenic Railway has two routes that visitors can enjoy. The first route is the northern route; the second is the southern route. The northern route travelers through the Missouri countryside. It passes through Galena and the James River Valley. The southern route travelers into northwest Arkansas and across the charming Barren Fork Trestle. Each of these routes is a 40-mile round-trip and will take about an hour and 45 minutes to finish.

• Distance - North & South 40 miles
• Style - Round-Trip

Related: Tacoma To Seattle: Take The Train In, It's Cheap!

The Best Times to Ride

Spring and Summer offer their usual charms to travelers wishing to ride the railroads. But with the sunshine, and flowers blooming over the stunning landscape, come the crowds. An equally beautiful time to visit is Autumn; though the color scheme and aesthetic shift some, it is still an amazing sight to take in. The benefit is that with autumn comes a reduction in crowds which can also at to the enjoyment of the experience.

• Operated - March through December
• Regular Excursions - Morning and afternoon departures (early evening during the summer)
• Departure Times - vary, and service is limited on Sundays, so be sure to check their online calendar.

Ticket Prices & Discounts

Below is some information for travelers regarding the purchasing of tickets for the Branson Scenic Loop. It is important to keep in mind that the prices will vary depending on the season and current demand for tickets.

• Contact - (800) 287-2462
• Regular Excursion Tickets (ages 13 and up) - $29.00 plus tax for adults
• Regular Excursion Tickets (ages 3 to 12) - $18.50 plus tax for children
• Regular Excursion Tickets (2 and under) - $2.00 for children ages two and under and do not require a seat.
• Regular Excursion Tickets (veterans and active service) - $14.50
• AAA Members - 10% discount on adult tickets

A Few Helpful Tips

Travelers shouldn’t have any issues with figuring out the tours, but just in case there are still some questions, here are a few helpful tips.

• Seating - Unassigned; however, boarding numbers are issued in the order the reservation is made.
• Early Reservations - are recommended, especially if travelers are hoping for a seat on one of the three bubble-topped dome cars.
• Handicap Accommodations - arrive at least 40 minutes prior to departure. Accessibility is limited due to the historic nature of the cars. Wheelchairs must be 25 inches or fewer.