EXPERIENCE THE JOURNEY: CHICKAMAUGA TURN’S 2025 SEASON BEGINS
🚂 The Chickamauga Turn is back—and it’s the perfect day trip out of Chattanooga.
Offered by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), this six-hour round trip blends travel, learning, and leisure for families, history lovers, and weekend adventurers. Running select Saturdays and Sundays through October, it’s your chance to ride vintage railcars through scenic countryside and explore a Civil War battlefield site that shaped the nation.
📍 Your Itinerary at a Glance
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Departure: Grand Junction Depot, Chattanooga, TN
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Destination: Chickamauga, Georgia
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Round Trip Duration: 6 hours
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On-the-Ground Time: 90-minute layover in Chickamauga + battlefield excursion
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Availability: Select Saturdays & Sundays from April 19 through October 26, 2025
Your ticket includes a ride to Chickamauga, where you’ll have time to explore downtown, shop, or visit sites like the Gordon-Lee Mansion. Afterward, the train continues to the Chickamauga Battlefield—a poignant reminder of the past and the first official national military park in U.S. history.
🥪 Dining Options Onboard
Travelers can elevate their experience by booking lunch with their ticket. Dining is served in restored mid-20th-century railcars, where polished woodwork and classic table settings set the tone.
Ticket Types Include:
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Coach (No Meal): $55 adults, $45 children
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Coach + Boxed Lunch: $70 per person
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Dining Car + Lunch: $85 per person
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First-Class Seating (Parlor/Observation): $125–$130, includes table service
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Dome Section: $400 (2-seat luxury dome view with lunch)
🍽️ Meals may vary by date. Guests recently enjoyed brisket with two sides and a DF/GF chicken salad option. Always check availability during booking for seasonal entrees.
🏞️ What You’ll See in Chickamauga
This journey offers more than just beautiful views from a train window. Once in Chickamauga, visitors can:
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Climb Wilder Tower, a striking monument offering battlefield views
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Tour the Gordon-Lee Mansion, steeped in Civil War-era stories
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Walk the park trails of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Founded in 1890, this park is America’s oldest and largest military park, dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1863 Battle of Chickamauga—one of the most pivotal in Civil War history.
🚻 Comfort and Accessibility
Every effort is made to provide a smooth, enjoyable experience:
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Climate-controlled cars keep you comfortable in all weather
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Restrooms available on board
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Snacks and beverages sold during the ride
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ADA-compliant restrooms available at the depot
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Service animals welcome (Note: pets are not permitted)
❓FAQ – Questions You Might Have
1. Is there walking involved?
Yes. Guests who wish to explore the battlefield or Wilder Tower should expect moderate walking. Good shoes are recommended.
2. Do I need to book dining in advance?
Yes. Dining seats and meals must be booked in advance and often sell out early.
3. What if it rains?
The ride operates rain or shine. Coaches are enclosed and climate-controlled. Guests are encouraged to bring umbrellas or ponchos if they plan to explore on foot during the layover.
🧡 Riders Say It Best
“The views were amazing, lunch was delicious, and the staff was incredibly kind. I loved learning about the battlefield—we even climbed to the top of the tower. Highly recommend this experience!”
Whether you’re visiting Chattanooga or simply seeking a meaningful weekend escape, the Chickamauga Turn invites you to slow down and connect with the stories of those who came before.
🎟️ Book Your Journey
Seats for the 2025 season are now live. Visit tvrail.com to view ride dates, ticket options, and menu offerings.