Branson Scenic Railway changes ownership

Branson Scenic Railway, a tourist railway company founded in 1993, has changed ownership.

Durango, Colorado-based American Heritage Railways purchased Branson Scenic Railway, with operations transitioning on Sept. 1. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in a news release.

Founding owners Alan Kamp, Illa Kamp and Thomas Johnson are retiring. George Burrell of the Kingsley Group represented them in the transaction.

“Alan, Illa and Tom have done an amazing job building a first-class operation, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to continue their work preserving history in this exciting market,” said John Harper, general manager and chief operating officer of American Heritage Railways, in the release. “We look forward to honoring their legacy here in Branson and within the heritage rail industry for many years to come.”

Branson Scenic Railway offers excursions running for an hour and 45 minutes along former Missouri Pacific tracks known as the White River Route, which is now operated by the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad, according to the release. Its trains depart from a historic 1905 depot.