Railroad museum reopens Saturday

Moark Regional Railroad Museum, which has been closed for nearly three months due to the coronavirus, will be open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, beginning June 6.

Social distancing will be maintained as much as possible by limiting the number of visitors in each room. Time in each room will be limited if other visitors are waiting to enter. Visitors will enter from the entrance door, but will exit at the south door to avoid having to pass others in the walkways.

Visitors are requested to remain outside the museum until a volunteer meets with them and grants entry. Visitors may go through again if others are not waiting.

Groups or families wanting a private tour at other times may call 573-785-4539 or 573-686-2241 and leave a message.

The museum contains 148 years of railroad history in Poplar Bluff and much of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

Visitors will enjoy seeing an elevated train and two large model train layouts with three trains operating on each one. Visitors also can walk through a Missouri Pacific caboose. A Frisco caboose and a Union Pacific baggage/mail car are at the museum, but are not open to the public.

The remodeled south room features an English train layout. There are banners and photos displaying the history of the Iron Mountain, Missouri Pacific, Cotton Belt and Union Pacific railroads.

The Train Shop, which has model trains, track and all the accessories needed for a layout, will be open. All profits are used to maintain the museum. Members receive a 10% discount on purchases.

Admission is free, but donations are needed to help maintain the museum.