ALL ABOARD: EVERY RAIL JOURNEY AT THE TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM

All Aboard: Every Rail Journey at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Whether you have an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day to spare, TVRM offers a lineup of distinct rail experiences that turn an ordinary weekend into a memory-making journey. Below is your guide to every regularly scheduled trip you can book right now—plus a few seasonal gems you’ll want on your radar.

1. Missionary Ridge Local

Duration: ~65 min | Departs: Grand Junction Depot, Chattanooga

Perfect for: First-time visitors, families with young kids, train-spotters short on time

• Steam or vintage diesel power (check the weekly social post).

• Cross four bridges and a pre-Civil-War tunnel.

• Includes a behind-the-scenes restoration-shop tour and a spin on the turntable.

2. Evening Ridge Runner

Duration: ~75 min | Departs: 6:15 PM, Grand Junction Depot

Perfect for: Couples, sunset chasers, casual photographers

• Same track as the Missionary Ridge Local but timed for golden-hour light.

3. Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad – Bald Mountain Loop

Duration: ~4 hrs | Departs: Delano Depot (1 hr north of Chattanooga)

Perfect for: Nature lovers, geology buffs, fall-color fanatics

• Follow the Lower Hiwassee River.

• Continuous narration on Cherokee lore, river ecology, and the loop’s 19th-century engineering feat.

4. Summerville Steam Special

(select Saturdays & Sundays, April–November)

• Duration: ~9 hrs | Departs: 9:30 AM, Grand Junction Depot

• Ideal for: All-day railfans, steam purists, history enthusiasts

• Pulled by 114-year-old Mikado-type Engine 4501.

• Travels the former Central of Georgia mainline to Summerville, GA.

• Layover features downtown shopping, a turntable demonstration, and an optional boxed-lunch picnic.

5. Chickamauga Turn

(select Saturdays and Sundays, summer & fall)

Duration: ~6 hrs | Departs: 10:00 AM, Grand Junction Depot

Perfect for: Civil War buffs

• Stops in Chickamauga, GA—gateway to Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.

• Walk to the visitor center or grab Southern barbecue on Main Street.

• Usually powered by heritage diesel.

6. Copperhill Special / Hiwassee Loop Extended

Duration: ~8 hrs | Departs: Seasonal, Delano Depot

Perfect for: Hardcore railfans, river-rafters, small-town explorers

• Continues past Bald Mountain to Copperhill/McCaysville on the GA-TN border.

• 90 minute layover for lunch, shopping, or a quick walk across the state line on the Blue Ridge bridge.

7. Dinner on the Diner

Duration: ~2 hrs | Departs: Select Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, Grand Junction Depot

Perfect for: Date nights, special-occasion groups, foodies

• Multi-course meal served in a Pullman and dining cars.

• After-dinner stroll through the train as it pauses on a quiet siding under starry skies.

8. Homefront Tea Room Experience

Duration: 2 hrs + 25-min ride | Departs: Select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Grand Junction Depot

Perfect for: Bridal parties, mother-daughter outings, costume fans

• Themed teas (Wear It Again, Downton Day, Early American, etc.) with period-appropriate treats.

• Includes a short ride aboard vintage coaches—perfect for fancy-dress photos.

9. Lunch Train

(spring, summer, & fall)

Duration: ~2 hrs | Departs: Midday Saturdays, Grand Junction Depot

Perfect for: Sightseers who want a meal but not an evening commitment

• Three-course chef-crafted menu.

• Mid-journey pause at Sculpture Fields for a guided art walk (weather permitting).

How to Build Your Personalized Itinerary

With two days, slot the Summerville Steam Special or Copperhill Special into Day 1 for the ultimate steam-or-scenery weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I ride more than one train in a single day?

   Yes—Missionary Ridge Local departures are 90 mins departures, allowing an easy combo with the Evening Ridge Runner or a tea/dinner experience.

2. Are trips wheelchair accessible?

   Historic rail cars and stations were built before the advent of technology which accommodates people with special needs. Our rail cars and the Summerville station were not designed to accommodate wheelchairs safely. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes the limitations of such historic rail equipment and expressly exempts trains and stations of this type from accessibility requirements. Though we cannot accommodate wheelchair use or access within our historical passenger cars, all persons who can board the train themselves and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcome and encouraged to ride.

3. What’s the best trip for young children?

   The Missionary Ridge Local’s 65-minute runtime is ideal. Kids love the turntable demo, and lap infants ride free.

Quick-Reference Booking Links