If you love the feeling of traveling by rail, there’s nothing better than hopping on a train and spying the countryside on your journey. Happily, all you need to do is head to Jasper, IN, to get the full, luxurious experience. Here’s everything you need to know about The Spirit of Jasper Luxury Train and why you’ll want to make it your next adventure.
The Spirit of Jasper
When I think of days gone by, especially when it comes to travel, my mind drifts to the age of train travel. Both mysterious and true luxury, travelers flocked to rail stations to traverse them across the country, all the while being treated like royalty. Fast forward to the present day, where we’re all about getting to our destination as quickly as possible. Personally, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both styles of train travel, and I’ll happily take the first option.
The Spirit of Jasper in Dubois County is a true testament to last century’s rail travel. With both its vintage locomotive and train cars, the experience is one that every train lover needs to try at least once. Its cars, painted a rich shade of green and flanked in gold trim, are not only beautiful to see on the outside but are even more elaborate on the inside. Fun fact: each of the train cars was restored to perfection thanks to the agile hands of volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to recreate them to look and feel like they did decades ago.
Depending on which excursion you choose, you’ll spy one of three locomotives in front. As for the train cars, each is worthy of an explanation:
Club Car #200 - Originally made in 1947 for the Milwaukee Railroad, it ran from Chicago to Seattle as an overnighter. Obtained by the city of Jasper in 2006, and restored in 2009, this coach car can seat 40 passengers when in its dining configuration.
Lounge Car #300 - Smack dab in the middle of the Art Deco period, Club Car #300 had a unique purpose: it transported fallen soldiers from the Korean War and World War II back to their homes for burial. While its history may be a sad one, these days, it’s a place of fun and respite used for on-train dining.
Parlour Car #400 - Built in 1949 and showcasing a sleeker, mid-century modern vibe, its original purpose was a military hospital car for injured soldiers in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. You won’t find your standard dining tables and chairs in this car; instead, it feels more like a hip lounge thanks to leather couches and a modern television on the wall. Personally, this is my favorite car on the entire train as the seats face inward, making for fun conversation with other passengers.
Train Excursions
Happily, The Spirit of Jasper offers several styles of train excursions:
Dubois County Bombers - If you love supporting local baseball, this one’s for you. Passengers will head to the Dubois County Bombers baseball game for a night of fun and then return to the station.
Strassenfest - Short but sweet in its hour-long journey, this excursion is ideal for families with younger children. Make sure you book your tickets in advance and spend some time at the four-day German Street Festival in Jasper as well.
