jackson missouri tourism

St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway

573-243-1688.

Reservations by phone or online

Smiles for Miles on the Rails!

Welcome to the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway in Jackson Missouri.

We are an entertainment short line excursion railway that offers fun and unique adventures that can only be found on our historical tracks.  We are a 501(3)(C).  We are run entirely by volunteers. We host over 11,000 visitors a year, with the most being during Christmas. Come ride the rails with us!   

We love trains here at the Iron Mountain Railway! Especially our train, which is a traveling history museum with passenger cars that were made in 1926. Stepping back in time, we want you to make some memories as we travel along the tracks. 

The Iron Mountain is the only train we know of that is run entirely by volunteers.

We want our passengers to have a good time, and we work very hard to make that happen. It's not an ordinary train, there are lots of activities going on during our excursions. Our volunteers work very hard to make sure you enjoy your visit. Train robberies, treasure hunts, music, dinosaurs---you just never know who will show up for the ride.  But we guarantee it won't be ordinary. 

Every week we have a different theme for our 1pm trains. We host different activities, which center around the weekly theme. Dress up in character if you want, we always say "any day is a good day for a costume."  Be prepared for family fun. Come ride the rails with us!   

Be a part of Railroad History!

Since we are a volunteer railway, we are always  looking for fun things to help us preserve the history of our tracks. We came up with a way to let you be a part of it as well.

 Help us by donating $20 to the railway and we will put a new railroad tie into service on our rail line in your honor.  A volunteer will  paint  your name on the railroad tie. Once we put your tie on the tracks we will send you a photo.

Come and buy a tie! It's only  a $20 donation  & you will get to be a part of railroad history. 

Ask about this when you arrive to the Depot or by phone.

Top Things to Do in Jackson, MO

Places to visit in jackson.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Trail of Tears State Park

2. Iron Mountain Railway

3. McKendree Chapel

4. The Oliver House Museum

5. Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique

6. Bent Creek

7. Apple Creek Conservation Area

8. Steele Crest Winery

9. Jackson City Park

10. jackson convention complex.

11. Kimbeland Country Club

12. cape girardeau county history center.

13. Tee'ED OFF Golf and Performance

14. kneading rest massage + wellness spa, 15. crossroads hike & bike park, what travellers are saying.

• Trail of Tears State Park
• McKendree Chapel
• Iron Mountain Railway
• The Oliver House Museum
• Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique
• Apple Creek Conservation Area
• Jackson City Park

Hello! I'm Krista.

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Our Wild Wanderers

Inspiring Families to Get Out and Explore Together

Missouri · March 22, 2023

Things to do in Southeast Missouri for Families

The bottom right corner of Missouri isn’t exactly known as a tourist destination. Probably if you aren’t from there, or have family there, you have never purposely visited! But there are so many great things to do in Southeast Missouri for families! I would know, I grew up there. And I still live just miles away.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, beautiful landscapes, relaxation, or entertainment for the little ones, we’ve got it covered in this list!

Johnson’s Shut-ins

Castor river shut-ins, alley spring, big spring state park, elephant rocks state park, taum sauk mountain, pickle springs, cave spring, hawn state park, float trip from the landing, bonne terre mine, millstream gardens conservation area & silver mines, lake wappapello, big oak tree state park, cape safari park, crown ridge tiger sanctuary, missouri down under adventure, conservation nature center, ultimate air trampoline park, cape splash, river rapids waterpark, semo aquatic center, discovery playhouse, train ride on the st. louis iron mountain railway, rock ‘n’ roll drive-in, st. genevieve museum learning center, bollinger mill, trail of tears state park, mo-ark regional railroad museum, adventure outdoors.

Southeast Missouri actually has some pretty epic landscapes to explore! Natural waterpark? Got it. Turquoise blue waters? Check. Giant boulders to climb all over? Yep! A cave you can float through? That’s here too. Scuba diving? In Missouri? Believe it!

Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Southeast Missouri . This natural waterpark is part of the Black River in the St. Francois Mountains. The nearest town is Lesterville, MO.

Things to do at Johnson’s Shut-ins include hiking, camping, swimming, and picnicking.

The landscape is so beautiful – with huge, smoothed-out boulders scattered throughout the river, and waterfalls flowing between them.

It’s such a fun place to play, swim, and explore during summer!

Recommended Reading: Visiting Johnson’s Shut-Ins with Kids

Castor River Shut-ins is very similar to Johnson’s Shut-ins, but less well-known. However, on a summer weekend, you will definitely still find a crowd of locals.

This area is located in Fredericktown, MO. Go explore the pink granite boulders and waterfalls, and swim at the swimming hole at the bottom of the shut-ins.

Alley Spring and Mill is located near the town of Eminence, MO. Come here to explore the mill, as well as Story’s Creek Schoolhouse, and take a hike around the beautiful blue spring waters.

One of Missouri’s first state parks, and one of America’s biggest springs. Big Spring is a few miles from Van Buren, MO.

Come to Big Spring to see the clear, turquoise water, go for a hike, have a picnic, and possibly stay to camp!

Elephant Rocks State Park in Missouri is one of our favorite things to do in Southeast Missouri. Located near Fredericktown, MO, you can come hike around and through the huge, billion-year-old granite boulders.

See more photos and learn more about Elephant Rocks State Park in our post from a recent trip !

Read Also: Discover the Best Missouri State Parks: Epic MO Parks You Can’t Miss

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located very close to Elephant Rocks. In fact, I would suggest camping around Fredericktown or Ironton and exploring Taum Sauk Mountain , Elephant Rocks State Park , and Johnson Shut-ins all in the same trip.

Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri. Climb the 72-foot Taum Sauk Lookout Tower to get an epic view. Hike one of the trails, and visit Mina Sauk Falls – the highest wet-weather waterfall in Missouri.

As you can see, it’s an especially beautiful view at Taum Sauk in the fall! See what else you should check out in Missouri this fall !

Take the 2-mile “Trail Through Time” to a double natural arch at Pickle Springs Natural Area, located near Farmington, MO.

The trail also passes by waterfalls, canyons, and shelter bluffs. The one-way loop is considered moderately challenging, but we did it with a 2-year-old (not in a carrier) and it went just fine!

Recommended reading: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Pickle Springs Natural Area

Cave Spring is located on Current River, near Eminence, MO. Rent a canoe, or bring your kayaks, and float down the river and through a cave! This has been on my to-do list for a few years, and is going to happen this summer!

You can also take a short trail to a staircase leading down into a sinkhole, called Devil’s Well.

Hawn State Park, near St. Genevieve, Missouri, offers trails along sandstone canyons and cliffs. Come walk among the pines, have a picnic, and set up your tent at the campground for a night or two!

Start at The Landing in Van Buren, Missouri and spend the day just floating down the Current River. The Landing offers several types of tubes, from a basic black innertube, to a tube with a mesh bottom (perfect for the kids), to cooler tubes (so your drinks and snacks can float alongside you), to tubes with backrests and cupholders.

You can also choose to rent a raft, canoe, or kayak. Choose between a 3-hour float, 6-hour float, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous – an overnight float.

When you get off the river, stop at Jolly Cone for ice cream, sandwiches, burgers, and more. It’s basically required.

The Visit MO website brags that National Geographic calls the Bonne Terre Mine, “One of America’s Top 10 Greatest Adventures.”

The mine was the largest producer of lead ore until it closed in 1962. Now, you can take a walking tour or even a boat tour on the crystal-clear water to see the abandoned shafts and equipment.

If you are into scuba diving, the mine is the largest freshwater scuba diving venue in the world. Reservations are required to dive.

Silver Mines Recreation Area is located along the St. Francis River. This river is the only one in Missouri classified as “white water.” The starting point is upriver at the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area.

Aside from that, you can wade in the river, camp, fish, hike, and picnic.

Come to Lake Wappapello State Park to camp, hike, swim, fish, and enjoy nature.

There is a roped-off swimming area at the Alison Cove day-use area.

This state park is located in East Prarie, Missouri. See Missouri as the first explorers saw it. Take the elevated Boardwalk Trail through the bottomland forest.

Two of the trees in this state park qualify as state champions for their size. Take the 1.5-mile Bottomland Trail to pass by some of Missouri’s tallest trees.

You can also fish, camp, and play at the playground. During fall, there is an annual Living History Day with old-time crafts and homemade goods, as well as music and concessions.

Animal Attractions

(previously called Lazy L Safari Park)

Visit this walk-through petting zoo to get up close with several species of deer, alligators, kangaroos, camels, and more.

Feed the parakeets in Parakeet Jungle, mine for gemstones, and go on inside the goat enclosure.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Southeast Missouri! Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is in St. Genevieve, in a very scenic location.

Visit for a guided tour to learn where the tigers were rescued from and hear about their very different personalities! Then head to the education center and gift shop to see artifacts, make donations, and pick up a souvenir – like a canvas painted by one of the tigers!

Choose the VIP Tour to make your own enrichment item to throw down to the tigers from the observation deck.

(Previously Cave Spring Park)

Visit Van Buren, Missouri to pet kangaroos at the kangaroo petting zoo. Stay for a cave tour and gem panning, and visit the Nature Center too!

This one could have landed in so many different categories! It’s one of our favorite places to visit during the week (closed Sundays & Mondays.) And it’s FREE!

The Nature Center is located in Cape County Park. Come see the animal exhibits – such as a snapping turtle, Missouri tarantula, and a rare 2-headed snake!

Other exhibits show the history of the area with artifacts, as well as facts about area wildlife. Look out the large glass windows to see the resident groundhog in his natural habitat.

Hike one of the trails starting behind the building, or fish in the kid’s fishing pond across the parking lot. Fishing gear can be borrowed from the Nature Center.

Entertain the kids while you relax!

The trampoline park is a perfect rainy-day thing to do in Southeast Missouri. It’s located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and offers jumping by the hour. There is also a time specifically for toddlers, although they can bounce at the regular times as well.

They also offer comfy reclining seats and massage chairs for parents to relax and watch, as well as concessions.

Cool off at Cape Splash Waterpark in Cape Girardeau. This waterpark has a splash pad, zero-entry pool, lazy river, several slides, and a play area for younger kids.

River Rapids Waterpark is in St. Genevieve, MO. They also offer several slides, a kid zone, lazy river, and lap pool.

The Student Aquatic Center at Southeast Missouri State University swimming pool is open to the public for a fee. This indoor pool has a zipline over the water, rope swing, climbing wall, hot tub, and lap pool.

It’s our kids’ favorite local swimming pool.

Cape Girardeau’s children’s museum is ideal for kids 11 and under (although all are welcome!)

The first floor has activities perfect for younger kids, including a toddler play area, a pretend grocery store, vet, farm, nursery, bank, and more.

The second floor has a real airplane that kids can climb into, a stack of tires to climb around, a Lego wall, a planetarium, and more.

Despite the name, this railway is located in Jackson, MO. Get your tickets early for themed train rides such as the Dinosaur Train, James Gang Robbery, Pirates and Princesses, Halloween Express, and the Santa Express ( which sells out immediately every year! )

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Drive-In Theater is located in Chaffee, Missouri. They show new releases as well as classic movies, and even have live music.

Check here for show times, ticket info, and hours .

Take in the history!

If you have any history buffs in the family, are looking to add educational field trips to your homeschooling, or just want to explore, there are several options for things to do around Southeast Missouri.

Experience life-size dinosaurs in the Hall of Giants. See hundreds of artifacts in the Ancient Cultures Gallery, and learn about the history of the town in the St. Genevieve Gallery.

This was a small museum, but so good. The lady working there guided us through the whole place, explaining and educating us on all the exhibits.

The museum is located in historic downtown St. Genevieve.

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located near Jackson, Missouri. Take a tour of the historic mill to learn how wheat and grain were ground into flour in the Civil War era. Walk through the covered bridge, and enjoy a picnic along the stream.

Near Cape Girardeau and Jackson, MO, Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the sad history of the Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma on a forced march in harsh conditions.

Learn about the past at the Visitor Center, hike one of several trails, and walk out on the overlook to get great views of the Mississippi River, or take a swim in Lake Boutin.

Take your little train lovers to the Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO. Inside the museum, see the model train layout, which takes you on an imaginary train ride through the countryside, cities, deserts, and over rivers.

Other relevant posts to check out:

• The Ultimate Guide to Cape Girardeau with Kids
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking Pickle Springs Natural Area
• Our Wild Day at Missouri Conservation Day on the River
• Our Wild Day at Tower Rock
• Things to do Around Cape Girardeau this Fall
• 21 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Missouri this Fall

If you found this list helpful, consider pinning it for later!

Let me know – what did I leave out? Do you have anything to add?

About Krista

Krista is a travel blogger, Click Pro Elite published photographer, as well as a UGC Creator for brands and destinations. Her passions include photographing childhood, being out in nature, and traveling the US with her family.

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I hope you feel inspired to go on a new adventure, whether that's in your own backyard or across the country! I love creating family destination guides and other outdoor-inspired content for you all!

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Jackson Must-See Attractions

Things to do in jackson.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Trail of Tears State Park

2. Iron Mountain Railway

3. McKendree Chapel

4. The Oliver House Museum

5. Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique

6. Bent Creek

7. Apple Creek Conservation Area

8. Steele Crest Winery

9. Jackson City Park

10. jackson convention complex.

11. Kimbeland Country Club

12. Tee'ED OFF Golf and Performance

13. kneading rest massage + wellness spa, 14. cape girardeau county history center, 15. crossroads hike & bike park, what travellers are saying.

• Trail of Tears State Park
• McKendree Chapel
• Iron Mountain Railway
• The Oliver House Museum
• Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique
• Apple Creek Conservation Area
• Jackson City Park

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A hospitality that is uniquely southern, an embrace of diversity that is distinctly the City With Soul

Welcome to Jackson, Mississippi!

Our vast culinary offerings, music, literature and art, museums, and historical sites - many of which help shape the culture of the United States - are only a few reflections of the soul of Jacksonians.

Where to Drink and Dine

From delectable soul food classics - some of them James Beard Award-winning - to innovative Southern fusion, don't sleep on the City With Soul's culinary scene.

ESSENTIAL JACKSON

Civil Rights & History

From the proud legacy of Medgar Evers to the powerful present-day Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the history of the movement is here.

Finding the Rhythm In JXN

Embrace the soulful beat and immerse yourself in the rhythmic charm of Jackson, as we explore the city's musical heritage and vibrant experiences.

Lit In JXN: A Booklover’s Itinerary

The capital city is a book lover's dream with a literary legacy that celebrates a good book or a sip of a writer-inspired cocktail.

An Artful Itinerary in the City With Soul

Explore the City With Soul's vibrant public art installations, delve into the captivating collections of its museums, and be entranced by the mesmerizing performances in its theaters.

EXPLORE JXN NEIGHBORHOODS

Belhaven Heights

LeFleur East

UPCOMING ANNUAL EVENTS

May 11, 2024

Two Mississippi Museums Downtown 222 North St Jackson, MS 39201

Mississippi Makers Fest Two Mississippi Museums 222 North St Jackson, MS 39201

Jun 22 to Jun 23, 2024

Mississippi Trade Mart Downtown 1200 Mississippi Street Jackson, MS 39202

Mississippi Comic Con 1200 Mississippi Street Jackson, MS 39202

Jun 22, 2024

Farish Street Historic District North Farish Street Jackson, MS 39202

Juneteenth on Farish North Farish Street Jackson, MS 39202

Jul 19, 2024

MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science LeFleur East 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS Jackson, Mississippi 39110

WORLD SNAKE DAY! 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS Jackson, Mississippi 39110

Mississippi State Capitol Downtown 400 High Street Jackson, MS 39201

Mississippi Book Festival Mississippi State Capitol 400 High Street Jackson, MS 39201

Dec 6, 2024

S.T.E.M. with Snowflakes 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS Jackson, Mississippi 39110

Dec 12 to Dec 13, 2024

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum LeFleur East 1150 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS 39216

Homestead for the Holidays 1150 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS 39216

Dec 13 to Dec 14

MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science LeFleur East 2148 Riverside Drive Jackson, Mississippi 39202

Snow Much Fun 2148 Riverside Drive Jackson, Mississippi 39202

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Top Things to Do in Jackson

Things to do in jackson.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Trail of Tears State Park

2. Iron Mountain Railway

3. McKendree Chapel

4. The Oliver House Museum

5. Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique

6. Bent Creek

7. Apple Creek Conservation Area

8. Steele Crest Winery

9. Jackson City Park

10. jackson convention complex.

11. Kimbeland Country Club

12. Tee'ED OFF Golf and Performance

13. kneading rest massage + wellness spa, 14. cape girardeau county history center, 15. crossroads hike & bike park, what travellers are saying.

• Trail of Tears State Park
• McKendree Chapel
• Iron Mountain Railway
• The Oliver House Museum
• Vintage Marketplace Shabby Chic to Antique
• Apple Creek Conservation Area
• Jackson City Park

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Fort Osage National Historic Landmark

Missouri town living history museum.

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Masks will be required for entry and when engaging with any personnel at our sites.

HISTORIC SITES EVENT CALENDAR

Venture back to the early 19th Century at Fort Osage, a combined military garrison/trading post that served as the gateway to the West. In 1808, William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame built the fort as the first outpost in the Louisiana Purchase.

This living history museum, featuring more than 25 buildings dating from 1822 to 1860 and interpreters in period clothing, depicts the daily life of a small Missouri community.

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County Plays Vital Role in U.S. History

Jackson County played a vital role in the history of the United States. In the early 1800s, the area that would eventually become Jackson County served as a gateway for explorers and pioneers venturing into the West.

Jackson County Historical Society

Visit the  Historical Society online . Other Historic Sites:

• Cave Springs Historic Site and Nature Center
• Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield

Jackson County Parks + Rec

Address: 22807 SW Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015

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Phone: (816) 503-4800

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Price: Complete listing of prices and free activities at www.makeyourdayhere.com

Hours: All facilities and events are listed at www.makeyourdayhere.com.

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