All aboard the nostalgia express—welcome to the Mammoth Spring Frisco Train Depot Museum in charming Mammoth Spring. This beautifully restored 1886 depot, one of the oldest in the state, offers a unique portal into a bygone era.
Step across the ornate brick walkways and under the ornate Victorian eaves—each column topped with animal carvings native to the region—and you’ll find yourself in a tableau “frozen in time.” Lifelike figures portray conductors, ticket agents, and passengers waiting for their next adventure—all with accompanying sound snippets and video clips to guide your journey.
Delve deeper and wander into the baggage room loaded with original railroad artifacts. Outside, a fully restored Frisco 1176 caboose sits beckoning—you can even climb aboard and imagine the clickety-clack of travel long ago.
This unique depot showcases a part of Mammoth Spring State Park, where the railroad depot sits amid natural wonders like one of the largest springs in the nation. The museum is free to visit, open Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (though you can request a visit on Tuesdays) 
Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a history buff, or just seeking an unexpected delight, the Frisco Depot Museum is a must-visit. It’s a living snapshot of early rail travel and small-town life—and the perfect pit stop before or after marveling at Mammoth Spring. All aboard curiosity!
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.