We enjoyed that the people involved were really invested in the museum. They cared about the history.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Liked: trolley ride to Fort Smith museum, trains out side building.Disliked: location needs to be cleaned up
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.......
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!"
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.
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.