St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway

The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway in Jackson, Missouri, is one of the most authentically charming heritage excursion railroads in the American Midwest, operating vintage steam and diesel locomotives through the gently rolling farmland of Cape Girardeau County in the heart of the Missouri Bootheel region. The railroad carries passengers on a leisurely 10-mile round-trip excursion through the beautiful Missouri countryside aboard vintage wooden coaches and open observation cars hauled by period steam and diesel motive power. A train robbery reenactment featuring costumed outlaws and a heroic posse is a perennial crowd-pleaser that adds genuine theatrical entertainment to the excursion. The picturesque historic depot in Jackson serves as the departure point and visitor center, surrounded by the well-preserved 19th-century commercial district of this charming Missouri county seat. Special events include the fall foliage express, a popular Great Train Robbery Halloween excursion, and a beloved Christmas train featuring Santa Claus and seasonal decorations. The railroad is operated by a dedicated volunteer organization committed to preserving the tradition of authentic steam-era railroading in southeastern Missouri.