fort smith trolley museum

PaulE657

As part of the downtown historic district, the trolley takes you on a short rail course from downtown, to the national cemetary and back. Not expensive, and is family friendly.

paulgG2935QE

This historic trolley will take you around downtown with a stop at the National Cemetary.Our guide was informative, and funny.As a huge train buff,this was right up my alley and when I was permitted to drive the trolley, I was in 7th heaven.The actual museum is the barn and is quite small and cluttered. However, do not put you off as there are many historic things to see.

kkibby43

Today was my second time to ride the trolley, the first being during a visit back in the summer of 2010. I have a love of trolleys and trains so I truly appreciate the hard work put in to the restoration of the Fort Smith trolley. Truth be told, the other reviews are accurate in that there seems to be a lack of organization here but I was charmed none the less. I'm hoping the community gets even more involved and that the line gets extended even further with more "Fort Smith History" included in the tour. My family does not share my love of the rail and were not as impressed as I, but I'm certain I'll be back the next time I visit Ft. Smith. The cost of the trolley ride was $2.

469JasonL

Not too many places you can board an old trolley and take a run around town, but that's what's possible here. There are plenty of museum pieces to take a look at, but the real fun is riding the trolley along the national cemetery, across downtown, and out to the park and riverfront. My kids loved it, and the volunteers that run the museum were friendly and helpful. My younger son called it a "history class on wheels without all the boring stuff!"

jddmkd

Today we rode the trolley. I read the reviews before going. Yes homeless in caboose, not really a museum more of a hobby restoration place for a few hobbyists. A VERY long ride. After an hour we finally got off and walked back. The conductor is a very talkative Italian man as people get on when they want so he often starts the tour over again. Super friendly laid back experience. Go along simply for the experience. Go with no predetermined ideas or schedule.

68MichaelD

We arrived shortly after opening. The gentlemen that were at the museum seemed confused as to what to do with us. There was no direction, tour, etc. We walked the grounds and I stepped up onto the platform for one of the cabooses. I was told not to go in (even though the door was unlocked and partially open) as that is where all the hobos live. There was no trolley to ride so we just left.

localfamily2

Liked: trolley ride to Fort Smith museum, trains out side building.Disliked: location needs to be cleaned up

DannyU334

Had a great ride! The engineer had a lot of history to tell. While he wasn't all that accurate, he was very entertaining. I would strongly recommend taking a ride.......

657buffyw

The Trolley itself is very old and amazing. The ride however is very short and a little rough. Our conductor was very knowledgeable and interacted well with the kids on board. Just wish there was a little more bang for the buck.

sondrac140

The Trolley was running this weekend which was a pleasant surprise since we drove from Dallas to enjoy the history of Fort Smith. Robert Neufell (sp) is one of the hardest working volunteers I have met. He is extremely knowledgeable with historic facts and full of stories. This man deserves KUDOS for how hard he worked on the 97 degree hot day. I do wish that someone would donate the money to purchase him a wireless portable microphone so he can continue with his stories as you ride along the route. Because of the noise of the old trolley he has to make several stops to be heard. He was fun to have as our Trolley car conductor. Well worth the 2.00 for the history lessons alone.

billw434

Which says trolley rides are offered Monday through Friday. We arrived at 1130 on a Monday to find no one there and no activity. The sign on the door said if no one is around or the trolley isn't approaching, call this number. Called the number and left a voice message with my return number. We walked around the grounds a bit and my son still enjoyed looking over the railroad engines and and rolling stock, but I never received a return call. We went to the National Cemetery next door, the Ft Smith visitors center and lunch, called again and again got no answer. One more try from the Historic site and still no answer. I understand that it is a volunteer organization but, if you set yourself up as a tourist attraction then keep the hours on your website and answer your phone. The reason we drove and hour to Ft. Smith was to take the trolley ride. We salvaged the trip and, from what I could see the, the trolley looked beautiful. If you're gonna go, make sure someone's gonna be there before you make the trip.

389glennp

Wasn't open but wasn't able to find that out until three phone calls were made. Was told there was a mechanical issue with the trolley. If so a sign explaining the issue would have been appropriate.

piggyvkc

At this point, this is not really a museum but a trolley restoration center. I liked all the train cars around but there was just not a lot of museum going on. Someday when they get everything fixed up and are able to do more displaying than fixing, it may be nice.

Carbonita

Rode the trolley connected to the Trolley Museum with grandkids last year. Although it was hot, the enjoyed the ride and the exhibits. For a very low fee you can ride several blocks in a restored 1930's? trolley. Sights include the Bass Reeves statue and the National Cemetery. Our "engineer" was well-informed , entertaining and with a sense of humor. Volunteers restore and maintain the trolley collection and some railroad items. Well worth the ride.

deanb486

We enjoyed that the people involved were really invested in the museum. They cared about the history.