Trip at a Glance
- TypeRailroad museum
- LocationMS
- Rating3.8 ★16 Google reviews
About Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum
Meet the Casey Jones legend on home ground in Water Valley, the Mississippi county seat that once centered on Illinois Central railroad shops. The famous engineer fired and ran trains between here and Jackson, Tennessee, and the museum bearing his name keeps the town's railroad memory close. It makes an easy, atmospheric stop on any drive through the quiet hill country of north Mississippi.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: 2:00 – 4:00 PMSaturday: 2:00 – 4:00 PMSunday: Closed
Find the Depot
History
See full history
Water Valley grew up as a railroad town: the Yalobusha County seat was at one time the center of railroad shops, and its most celebrated railroader was John Luther "Casey" Jones. Jones hired on with the Illinois Central in 1888, firing freight locomotives between Jackson, Tennessee, and Water Valley, and won promotion to engineer — his lifelong goal — in 1891; both towns were busy, important stops on the IC, and he built close ties to them through the 1890s. After working the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Jones got permission to drive the railroad's prized new 2-8-0, No. 638, the 589 miles back to Water Valley himself, and the engine stayed there in Jackson District service. The town never forgot him: one 1898 Sunday he hauled the Water Valley shop baseball team to a game in Jackson, and after his death in the famous 1900 wreck at Vaughan, a record fifteen enginemen made the 118-mile trip from Water Valley to his funeral. The Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum keeps that Illinois Central story alive in the town where Jones railroaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum located?
Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum is located in MS.
How do I get tickets to Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://caseyjonesmuseum.weebly.com/.