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Iron Mountain Railway

4.6· 337 Google reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Source checked 2026-08-24
  • TypeVolunteer-run themed heritage excursion railway between Jackson and Gordonville, Missouri
  • LocationJackson, MO
  • Rating4.6 ★337 Google reviews
  • UpcomingSat, Sep 26
  • Tickets & fares$22 adults and $15 children, plus tax; the official site conflicts on whether the child band ends at age 10 or 12
  • AccessibilityDepot, main train cars, and Junction Village are described as accessible; the air-conditioned third car is not wheelchair accessible

About Iron Mountain Railway

Iron Mountain Railway is the current visitor brand of the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, an entirely volunteer-run 501(c)(3) excursion operation in Jackson, Missouri. Its two-hour themed trips use a closed six-mile line between Jackson and Gordonville, normally returning to the same depot and often stopping at Iron Mountain Junction Village when weather permits. Entertainment is central to the product: robbery stories, scavenger hunts, costumed programs, dinner trains, fall rides, and other scheduled themes sit alongside the experience of riding in 1926 passenger cars.

📍 252 E Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, MO 63755📞 573-243-1688

Plan an Iron Mountain Railway Excursion

Choose the visit that fits your group

Families, first-time train riders, and visitors who want entertainment with the ride

Ride a themed two-hour excursion

Choose among robbery, scavenger-hunt, pioneer, pumpkin, foliage, and other published programs on the six-mile Jackson-Gordonville corridor.

Adults, groups, and repeat riders comparing special-event formats

Reserve a special evening train

Use the live reservation catalog for pizza, sunset, Chuck Wagon, and Murder Mystery products; meals, alcohol rules, payment, and availability differ.

Railfans and transportation-history visitors

Ride in century-old passenger cars

Experience 1926 cars while treating locomotive assignments and the air-conditioned third car as variable operating details.

History travelers and families building a fuller Jackson day

Add the county History Center

Pair the train with a free regional museum about 0.5 driving mile away in Uptown Jackson, open Monday through Saturday.

Plan Your Visit

  • Remaining 2026 calendarEighteen dates and 24 published sessions from August 29 through November 15; live availability controls
  • Typical ride lengthAbout two hours, depot to depot
  • RouteSix-mile closed line from Jackson toward Gordonville, then return
  • Boarding252 E Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, Missouri
  • ArrivalCheck in 30-60 minutes early; payment and boarding must be complete before departure
  • Regular fares$22 adults and $15 children, plus tax; the official site conflicts on whether the child band ends at age 10 or 12
  • Special-event faresPizza and ice cream $25/$20; Chuck Wagon $40/$30; Murder Mystery $50/$40; live event terms control
  • PaymentMost reservations are paid at arrival; Murder Mystery, Chuck Wagon, and Santa tickets require phone payment
  • AccessibilityDepot, main train cars, and Junction Village are described as accessible; the air-conditioned third car is not wheelchair accessible
  • Climate controlTwo main 1926 cars use open windows; one 65-seat air-conditioned car is available but not wheelchair accessible
  • RestroomsRestrooms are available at the depot and aboard the moving train
  • Food and animalsSmall coolers and personal snacks are allowed; service animals only; alcohol is limited to confirmed evening special events

Find the Depot

Address

252 E Jackson Boulevard, Jackson, MO 63755

Get directions →

The Trains

The railway's visitor experience centers on two green passenger cars built in 1926. Preserved Pennsylvania Railroad E8A No. 5898 remains part of the operating collection; a 2024 report says newly acquired General Electric 44-ton diesel No. 2107 was intended for maintenance, other operations, and possible special rides rather than as a replacement for 5898. The current official schedule does not promise a particular locomotive, and it does not advertise regular steam operation, so visitors should not infer that restoration locomotive No. 5 will lead their train.

History

1926

The two green passenger cars highlighted by the railway were built.

1941

General Electric built the 44-ton diesel-electric locomotive now numbered 2107 for the U.S. Navy.

1951

The preserved Pennsylvania Railroad E8A now numbered 5898 was built.

1986

The Jackson heritage operation began offering public rides.

2024

Locomotive 2107 arrived in Jackson for maintenance work, other operations, and possible special rides.

2026

Iron Mountain Railway marks 40 years of rides while its two principal passenger cars reach their centennial year.

See full history

The Jackson museum began public rides in 1986 and marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. Its revived name recalls the historical St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway, but the present volunteer nonprofit is a separate excursion operation on a short local corridor. The century-old passenger cars and preserved E8A connect visitors with twentieth-century passenger rail, while the current themed programming reflects the museum's entertainment-focused mission.

More in Missouri

All train rides in Missouri →

Train Types in Missouri

Polar Express Trains →Christmas Train Rides →Steam Trains →Dinner Trains →Scenic Train Rides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Iron Mountain Railway depart?

All public rides begin and end at 252 E Jackson Boulevard in Jackson, Missouri. Check in at the Whistle Stop Depot.

How long is the ride?

Allow about two hours. The railway describes a slow trip over its six-mile closed line between Jackson and Gordonville, returning to the depot.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure. You must complete payment and board before the scheduled time because the train leaves on time.

How much are regular tickets?

The published regular fare is $22 for adults and $15 for children, plus tax. The official pages conflict on whether the child band is ages 2-10 or 2-12, so confirm when reserving.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

The railway describes the depot, main train cars, and Junction Village as accessible. Its air-conditioned third car is not wheelchair accessible, though it can accommodate walkers. Call before an access-dependent booking.

Is the train air conditioned?

The two main 1926 passenger cars are not air conditioned and use open windows. A 65-seat air-conditioned car exists, but call before travel if it is essential and note that it is not wheelchair accessible.

Are there restrooms?

Yes. The railway publishes restrooms in the depot and aboard the train, including while it is moving.

Can I bring food or a pet?

You may bring drinks, snacks, and a small cooler that fits under the table. Only service animals are allowed. Alcohol is limited to confirmed evening special events.

Does a regular train stop anywhere?

The railway often stops at Iron Mountain Junction Village for a campfire and s'mores, but only when weather permits.

Will a steam locomotive pull my train?

Do not assume steam. The current official calendar does not promise motive power or advertise regular steam operation. The preserved E8A 5898 and diesel 2107 are documented, but the live railway controls assignments.

Are Santa Express dates available?

The official schedule did not publish exact 2026 Santa dates when checked. It says the one-day January 17 ticket sale has passed and directs visitors to future official updates rather than listing bookable dates.

What is nearby?

Cape Girardeau County History Center is about 0.5 driving mile away in Uptown Jackson. It is free and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sources & Verification

Source-checked August 24, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.

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