Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum (Soulé Steam Works) Tour — Meridian, Mississippi

Discover the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum (Soulé Steam Works) Tour in Mississippi

Located in Meridian, Mississippi, the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum (Soulé Steam Works) Tour offers visitors a guided exploration of one of the South’s most significant historic industrial sites. Housed inside the former Soulé Steam Feed Works complex, this museum preserves massive original machinery, working steam engines, and rare belt-driven equipment from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Guests experience a unique combination of live demonstrations, preserved factory floors, and hands-on industrial history in an authentic production-era setting.

Why it’s special: The Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum Tour provides rare access to operational historic steam-powered machinery inside its original factory environment — making it one of the most immersive industrial heritage experiences in the Deep South.

History & Story of Soulé Steam Works

Founded in 1890 by James Soulé, Soulé Steam Feed Works became one of the South’s leading manufacturers of steam-powered sawmill equipment. The facility produced patented steam engines and industrial machinery that were shipped throughout the United States and internationally.

After closing in the late 20th century, preservationists worked to save the site from demolition. Today, the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum operates within the original factory buildings, maintaining and restoring historic equipment to demonstrate how early industrial production shaped Mississippi’s economy.

What You’ll See & Do on the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum Tour

• Walk through original factory floors featuring preserved 19th-century machinery
• See operational steam engines and belt-driven equipment during demonstration days
• Learn how steam power transformed Southern industry
• Explore exhibits on Mississippi manufacturing and labor history
• View machine tools, foundry equipment, and historic production systems

Hands-On Elements: On designated demonstration days, visitors can observe live steam engine operation; direct operation by guests is not permitted.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted throughout the museum and factory spaces.

Souvenirs & Extras: Museum gift shop offering books, industrial memorabilia, and branded merchandise.

Pricing of the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum Tour

Adult price: $10 per adult

Discounted rates may be available for seniors and students.

Visiting information

Duration: 60–90 minutes depending on exploration time and demonstrations

Age limits: All ages welcome; children must remain supervised around heavy machinery

Accessibility: Partially accessible; historic factory floors may include uneven surfaces

Working Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday Closed; Monday Closed

Special steam demonstration events may occur on select Saturdays.

Nearby

• Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
• Dentzel Carousel (Highland Park)
• Meridian Museum of Art

FAQs About Visiting the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum Tour

Are the steam engines still operational?
Yes. On select demonstration days, restored steam engines are powered up to show how belt-driven factory systems once operated.

Is this located inside the original Soulé factory buildings?
Yes. The museum is housed within the original Soulé Steam Feed Works structures, preserving the authentic industrial environment.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
Visitors can explore the museum independently, and guided tours or demonstrations may be available depending on the day.

Are there safety concerns due to historic machinery?
The museum maintains safety barriers and supervised areas, but visitors should follow posted guidelines and supervise children closely.

Does the museum focus only on Soulé equipment?
While Soulé machinery is central, the museum also highlights broader Mississippi industrial and manufacturing history.