SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN & DEPOT
All aboard the Spirit of Jasper for a scenic excursion from the Jasper Train Depot.
Ride in style on three beautifully renovated, climate-controlled lounge cars complete with restrooms, comfortable seating and a cash bar. Enjoy an evening out on the “Jasper to French Lick Express”, featuring a ride to the French Lick Casino and historic West Baden, or relax with a full meal aboard the “Ride & Dine” dinner train. Excursions and additional special rides depart at designated days and times throughout the year.
The Jasper Train Depot is in the heart of the “Old Jasper” area near the Patoka River. The train depot is a replica of the former structure built in 1906. Features include an old-fashioned ticket window, roll top desks, pot belly stove and authentic memorabilia.
TRAIN PROJECT
In 2009, through an official project of ROJAC, the vintage locomotives and passenger cars that comprise the Spirit of Jasper Train were lovingly and painstakingly restored or refurbished by a staff of volunteer labor, City of Jasper employees, and generous local corporations and businesses that see the work as more a labor of love than a job. You’ll find that love reflected in careful attention to detail, masterful craftsmanship, and exquisite flourishes wherever you look.
The result is a total experience that evokes the glamour of rail travel at its heyday while you ride in the comfort of a totally climate-controlled environment.
DEPOT
Built in 2005 as an official ROJAC project, the Jasper Train Depot is owned and operated by the City of Jasper. In addition to hosting public and private events, this facility is utilized as a functional depot for the Spirit of Jasper train.
The Depot is a replication of the original at Newton and 2nd Street, which was built in 1906 and torn down around 1970. The interior was replicated from numerous photographs from the early 1900’s; it boasts beautiful hardwood floors and is adorned with period items. Built by Jasper Lumber, the building is approximately 85% of the original depot’s size.
Rail Service to Jasper began in 1879. The original depots were freight depots; however, there were small, separate waiting areas for men and women. Passenger service from Jasper to French Lick began in 1907 and ended in 1937.
The Jasper Train Depot was the first project of ROJAC, a not-for-profit community organization developed to build economic development through tourism. The preservation and celebration of Jasper’s history is their main goal.
Become a Member
ROJAC is a not for profit community organization supported by its annual tax-deductible memberships. Through these membership fees, many successful projects have come to fruition.