Missouri ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Published: January 26, 2026
By: Adam Burns
With a blend of theatrical intrigue, exquisite dining, and the nostalgic charm of railway travel, murder mystery dinner trains offer an immersive and entertaining experience like no other.
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to several such unique excursions. Whether you're a mystery enthusiast, a train aficionado, or simply looking for a novel night out, these dinner trains promise an evening of suspense, laughter, and memorable fun.
St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway 2-4-2 #5 - a 1946 product of H.K. Porter -leads an excursion during the 1980s. The engine has not pulled trains since 1999.The Concept: What is a Murder Mystery Dinner Train?
A murder mystery dinner train combines the excitement of a live-action "whodunit" with the luxury of fine dining aboard a moving train. Passengers become participants or observers in a carefully crafted narrative where someone—perhaps even a fellow traveler—is not who they seem. As the story unfolds, clues are revealed, and guests engage in solving the mystery. The experience is interactive, with professional actors guiding the plot and diners encouraged to join in the fun.
Why Missouri?
Missouri's picturesque landscapes and historic railway lines make it a perfect backdrop for such theatrical endeavors. The state's storied past, from the Wild West to the Jazz Age, offers a rich tapestry of potential storylines for murder mystery dinners, allowing guests to step back in time while they solve the crime.
Key Players: Noteworthy Murder Mystery Dinner Trains in Missouri
Currently, only the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad hosts murder mystery specials. Interestingly, the popular Branson Scenic Railway and Arkansas & Missouri do not although perhaps one day that will change due to the popularity of these excursions.
St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad
The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, based in Jackson, Missouri, has been offering a 10-mile excursion through southeastern Missouri's countryside since 1986. It typically uses a former Pennsylvania Railroad E8A locomotive but also has a steam locomotive, 2-4-2 #5, which is under long-term restoration.
The railroad's name has historical significance as it was a component of the Missouri Pacific system, developed by tycoon Jay Gould. The current tourist attraction provides special runs throughout the year such as a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, "The Santa Express," and Chuck Wagon Dinners.
The aforementioned murder mystery excursions are hosted on select dates during the spring and summer.
Behind the Scenes: How It Works
Each murder mystery train is meticulously planned to ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Here's how it generally works:
Setting the Stage: The train's interior is often decorated to reflect the storyline's era, immersing guests in the time and place of the narrative.
The Cast: Professional actors play the roles of the main characters, initiating the mystery with a staged murder. They roam the train, interacting with guests and doling out clues.
Interactive Dining: Meals are served course by course, with plotting and discussions unfolding between each dish. Guests are encouraged to converse with the actors for clues or to investigate scenes within the train.
Solving the Mystery: Towards the end of the journey, guests submit their guesses as to who the murderer is, often accompanied by their reasoning, leading to a climactic reveal.
Why Participate?
Participating in these unique experiences is more than just an indulgence in a delectable meal. It's a chance to:
Engage in Role-Playing: Feel free to dress the part and dive into the narrative by embracing the role you've been allotted. Whether you're a background observer or a key character, the thrill of role-playing elevates the experience.
Stimulate Your Mind: These events encourage analytical thinking and deduction, allowing you to play detective for an evening.
Enjoy Historic and Scenic Rail Travel: Relish the nostalgic charm of train travel, with breathtaking views of Missouri’s landscapes unfolding before you.
Missouri's murder mystery dinner trains offer a unique combination of dining, drama, and discovery. They are perfect excursions for individuals or groups seeking something out-of-the-ordinary. So, gather your courage, don your detective hat, and prepare to embark on a captivating journey filled with history, mystery, and excitement. All aboard the Mystery Express!
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