Spirit of Jasper
A train ride through history
With the advent of paved roads and then the interstates, rail travel ceased to be a desirable option and the Southern Railway depot in Jasper, first built in 1879 and then replaced in 1906, fell into disrepair and was torn down in the late 1960s when the trains ceased running.
But Jasper is a town devoted to its heritage and the historic area has been recreated including the building of a new depot constructed like the old.
The swank refurbished railroad cars include the luxurious lounger car originally designed to carry the coffins of soldiers during World War II carry passengers in a style that almost faded away.
And now the Spirit of Jasper, a tourist train, takes passengers to French Lick, home to splendidly renovated early 20th century resorts, French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Resort and a recently opened casino.
Travelers can choose from a variety of excursions, enjoying the ride and the cash bar before getting off in French Lick to roll the dice at the casino, walk among the historic gardens and sit on the large verandah or the dinner train for meals prepared by the excellent Schnitzelbank, an authentic German restaurant in Jasper where waitresses wear dirndls, all food is house made and German is frequently heard spoken.
Schedule your visit to Jasper when their Strassenfest takes place each August – a fun festival celebrating the area's German heritage.