Scenic Railroads in Missouri

Missouri has 6 operating scenic and heritage railroads, spread across some of the state's most photogenic terrain. Ride types include diesel, heritage trolley/streetcar, and narrow gauge steam, so you can tailor the experience to your interests whether you prefer a genteel parlor-car excursion, an open-air mountain climb, or an afternoon of pure steam nostalgia. Ride lengths run from 20 min to 2 hrs.

The standout ride in Missouri is the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway, based in Jackson. A diesel excursion, it takes passengers all-volunteer excursion line runs about six miles of shortline through Cape Girardeau County in 1926 passenger cars. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours. It operates Year-round excursions; busiest at Christmas. Tickets are $22-$22 (adult standard ride).

Operating seasons vary considerably across Missouri's excursion lines, so it pays to check each railroad's current schedule before finalising plans. 1 line operates year-round. Some lines run only on summer weekends, others only during specific holiday periods, and a handful operate only by charter or special event. The comparison table below flags reservation requirements for every line.