MISSIONARY RIDGE LOCAL TRAIN RIDE

The Story Behind the “Local”

In the early days of American railroading, the term “Local” described short-distance trains that made frequent stops to serve nearby towns. These trains delivered mail, shipped produce, and even carried children to school — connecting communities long before highways crisscrossed the region.

Today, that same spirit of connection lives on aboard the Missionary Ridge Local. Imagine standing on the platform as the whistle sounds and the conductor calls, “All aboard!” The ground trembles beneath your feet as passengers settle in, ready for a relaxing train ride through Chattanooga’s railroad past.

Departing from Grand Junction Depot, this 65-minute trip traces one of the original rail lines into Chattanooga. Along the way, the train crosses four historic bridges and passes through the pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, an engineering marvel completed in 1858.

At East Chattanooga Depot, the excitement continues with a live turntable demonstration — where the locomotive is turned around right before your eyes — followed by a guided visit to the railroad restoration shop. Here, skilled craftsmen preserve the locomotives and passenger cars that keep history alive. The entire round trip lasts just under an hour, making it the perfect introduction to vintage rail travel for families and children alike.

Inside the restoration facility is the Wheel Shop, one of the most specialized railroad repair centers in North America. It houses a 90-inch wheel lathe, a journal lathe, and a quartering machine, all operating under one roof. The shop has serviced more than a dozen steam locomotives — including TVRM 610, Southern Railway 630 and 4501, Western Maryland 1309, Union Pacific 844, Canadian Pacific 2816, and Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis 576.

This remarkable space isn’t just a workshop — it’s a living part of America’s railroad legacy. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the precision, craftsmanship, and passion that keep the wheels of history turning at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Starting in Chattanooga, our trips are based out of the 4119 Cromwell Road location. This includes any North Georgia routes going to Chickamauga or Summerville!

The Ultimate Train Ride Experience

Join our engineer in the cab of the locomotive for a thrilling train ride experience!

Steam Locomotive:

• Cost: $55 for a one-way ride, $80 for a round trip
• Age Requirements: Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied
• Rider Limit: Two riders per trip

Diesel Locomotive:

• Cost: $35 for a one-way ride, $50 for a round trip
• Age Requirements: Ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied
• Rider Limit: Two riders per trip

Important Information:

• Dress Code: Long pants without rips or holes and closed-toed shoes are required.
• Safety Gear: Protective eyewear and earplugs will be provided at check-in.
• Availability: All cab ride tickets are first-come, first-served. This cannot be prebooked. Riders not adhering to the dress code will not be permitted to ride in the cab.

Experience the thrill of riding in the cab of a locomotive and see the inner workings of these magnificent machines up close!

Accessibility Options:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: While the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride strives to accommodate all guests, please note that historic rail cars and stations, such as the Summerville station, were built before modern accessibility standards. These passenger cars were not designed to safely accommodate wheelchairs. However, passengers who can board the train themselves and occupy a standard seat are welcomed and encouraged to ride.
• Assistance: Staff members are available to assist with boarding, exiting, and navigating depot facilities. If your party requires the use of our ramps, please inform our ticket agent when checking in.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are available at both depots for passenger comfort.

Safety Protocols:

• Emergency Procedures: Clear instructions and trained staff are available to handle any emergencies that may arise during the trip.
• Passenger Safety: Safety briefings are provided, and all safety equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure a secure journey for all passengers.

These measures ensure that all guests have a safe and comfortable experience aboard the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride.

Discounts for Seniors, AAA Members, Military Personnel, and First Responders

We offer special discounts for seniors, AAA members, military personnel, and first responders for the Missionary Ridge Local Trip. To redeem these discounts, you can purchase tickets over the phone by calling (423) 894-8028 or in person at our Grand Junction Depot ticket office at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Birthday Special

Free Missionary Ridge Local Ride or Exhibit Visit

Celebrate your birthday with us and enjoy a complimentary ride on the Missionary Ridge Local or a free visit to our exhibit building.

How to Redeem:

This offer is only available at our ticket office or exhibit building and cannot be redeemed online or through any other channels. Just show your ID to get your birthday discount.

Terms and Conditions:

• Offer valid on your birthday only.
• Must present a valid ID to redeem the offer.
• Complimentary Missionary Ridge Local ride or free visit to the exhibit building.
• This offer can only be redeemed in person at our ticket office or exhibit building.

Acceptable Forms of ID for Kids:

• Birth Certificate
• School ID with the birthdate printed on the card
• Passport
• Any government-issued ID with the child’s name and birthdate

TVRM reserves the right to substitute equipment or motive power and to alter published fares, times of operation, and destination as mechanical or operating conditions require, without notice.