Missionary Ridge Local
Our most frequent service - Daily in season! Missionary Ridge Local trips begin at the Grand Junction Station and take passengers along one of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga, crossing four bridges and passing through pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, which was completed in 1858.
The train stops at East Chattanooga, allowing riders to see the locomotive rotating on a turntable and participate in a tour into the railroad restoration shop before re-boarding for the return trip. Round trip time is slightly less than an hour.
The term “Local” refers to short line trains that were at one time a lifeline to the world from small towns around the nation. As the train rolls to a stop with the ground rumbling under your feet you feel mounting anticipation. The conductor calls the long awaited signal: “All Aboard!” Excitement builds as passengers scurry to their seats. This was a regular occurrence 100 years ago…as it is today!
Buy Tickets at Chattanooga Grand Junction - No Reservations Necessary!
Cost
Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children age 3-12. There is no charge for children age 2 and under. Tickets are purchased as walk-up only on the day of the trip. The boarding location is Grand Junction Station. Check calendar for dates of operation.
Schedule
January: Trains depart on Saturdays at 10:40 & 12:05.
February: Trains depart every Saturday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
March: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Beginning on March 13, trains also depart on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05.
April: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Note: Day Out With Thomas will be held on April 28 & 29 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule.
May: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35 Trains also depart on *Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Note: Day Out With Thomas will be held on May 5, 6 & 12 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule. Beginning on May 28, trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. *PLEASE NOTE: THE RAILROAD WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, MAY 22.
June: Trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. On Saturdays only there is also an early 9:30am departure.
July: Trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. On Saturdays only there is also an early 9:30am departure.
August: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart weekdays on Aug 1-3 and Aug 7-10 at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Beginning on August 14, trains depart on weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) at 10:40 & 12:05. On Saturdays only there is also an early 9:30am departure.
September: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also run on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Notes: Railfest will be held on Sept 1 & 2 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule; Trains run on Labor Day Monday, Sept 3 at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
October: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05.
November: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05 except Friday, Nov 23 when trains depart at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15 & 2:25. Notes: Closed the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov 25; On days featuring North Pole Limited service in the evening, Missionary Ridge Local trains do not depart at 3:35.
December: Trains depart on Saturdays at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15 & 2:25.