A COMPLETE AUGUST GUIDE TO TRAIN RIDES AT THE TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM

A Complete August Guide to Train Rides at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) isn’t just a place to see trains — it’s a place to ride them. Since 1961, TVRM has preserved not only historic rail equipment but also the experience of rail travel itself. Every ticket purchased supports the museum’s mission of keeping history alive while creating new memories for each guest.

Over the decades, TVRM has relied on community support. One notable moment came in August 1965, when the Brock Candy Company of Chattanooga donated a complete dial telephone system, with installation assistance from the Tennessee Air National Guard . This early partnership was just one example of how Chattanooga rallied to help TVRM grow from a small volunteer effort into one of America’s leading operating railroad museums.

Today, TVRM offers a wide variety of excursions — from short train trips to all-day ones, from elegant dining cars to magical holiday experiences. Here’s your complete guide to every ride you can enjoy.

🚆 Missionary Ridge Local – The Family Favorite

The Missionary Ridge Local is TVRM’s signature ride, operating daily and perfect for first-time visitors. This 65-minute trip starts at Grand Junction Depot, travels through a historic Civil War-era tunnel, and arrives at East Chattanooga, where visitors can watch as the locomotive is turned on the museum’s working turntable.

• Duration: ~65 minutes

• Route: Grand Junction ➡ East Chattanooga ➡ Grand Junction

• Highlights: Historic tunnel, turntable demonstration, short & family-friendly

• Perfect For: Families with kids, school groups, first-time visitors

📌 History Tie-In: The tunnel used on this route was built in the mid-19th century and once played a role in Civil War troop movements. Riding through it today is like stepping back into another era.

🌄 Chickamauga Turn – A Scenic Day Trip to Georgia

The Chickamauga Turn offers a longer adventure, taking guests from Chattanooga to Chickamauga, Georgia, with time to explore the town. Known for its small shops and proximity to Chickamauga Battlefield, this trip combines history, scenery, and a touch of Southern hospitality.

• Duration: ~6 hours

• Route: Chattanooga ➡ Chickamauga, GA ➡ return

• Highlights: Georgia countryside, layover in historic town

• Perfect For: History enthusiasts, couples, day-trippers

🍽 Dinner on the Diner – Fine Dining on Rails

For those seeking an unforgettable evening, TVRM’s Dinner on the Diner brings back the golden age of rail travel. Guests enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal served aboard restored dining cars from the 1940s, complete with crisp linens, polished silver, and window-side tables.

• Duration: ~2 hours

• Highlights: Fine dining, authentic restored dining cars, romantic atmosphere

• Perfect For: Date nights, anniversaries, food lovers

📌 Why It Matters: Railroads once defined luxury travel in America. Dining cars were places of refinement, and TVRM is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can still experience this tradition in motion.

🏛 Dinner in the Depot – Gourmet Elegance in Historic Surroundings

Prefer a stationary meal before your ride? Dinner in the Depot offers six courses in the beautifully restored Grand Junction Depot, followed by an evening ride aboard the Evening Ridge Runner. Live music often accompanies the event, making it one of TVRM’s most elegant offerings.

• Duration: ~3 hours

• Highlights: Six-course meal, live entertainment, twilight ride

• Perfect For: Special occasions, group outings

🍵 Homefront Tea Room – A Vintage Afternoon

Step back into the charm of yesteryear with TVRM’s Homefront Tea Room. Guests enjoy a classic tea service inside the depot, featuring teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts — all followed by a short train ride.

• Duration: ~90 minutes

• Highlights: Afternoon tea, vintage atmosphere, included ride

• Perfect For: Families, friends, light afternoon outings

🌅 Evening Ridge Runner – Twilight on the Rails

As the sun sets over Chattanooga, the Evening Ridge Runner takes passengers on a breezy twilight trip. Two themed options add flavor to the ride:

• 🍷 Sunset Sips – Includes two beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and a treat box (ages 21+).

• 🍦 Ride & Chill: Ice Cream Edition – Featuring locally made Clumpies Ice Cream.

• Duration: ~75 minutes

• Highlights: Sunset views, themed refreshments, open-window coaches

• Perfect For: Couples, groups, families

🚂 Hiwassee Loop – River and Mountain Views

Departing from Delano, Tennessee, the Hiwassee Loop winds along the river gorge before climbing Bald Mountain, where the train makes a complete loop to reverse direction. This rare track design creates a scenic and thrilling experience.

• Duration: ~4 hours

• Route: Delano ➡ Bald Mountain Loop ➡ return

• Highlights: Hiwassee River Gorge, Bald Mountain loop track

• Perfect For: Nature lovers, photographers

🚂 Copperhill Special – An All-Day Mountain Adventure

The Copperhill Special expands the Hiwassee route into a full-day trip, continuing along the river gorge to the mountain town of Copperhill, Tennessee. Guests have time to explore before the evening return trip.

• Duration: ~8 hours

• Route: Delano ➡ Copperhill ➡ return

• Highlights: Full-day experience, mountain and river views, small-town exploration

• Perfect For: Rail fans, adventurers, group trips

🎄 North Pole Limited – Holiday Magic

Every winter, TVRM transforms into a holiday wonderland for the North Pole Limited. Families board decorated coaches for a festive ride to meet Santa and his elves at the “North Pole.” Hot chocolate and cookies make the experience even sweeter.

• Duration: ~75 minutes

• Highlights: Santa visit, holiday storytelling, decorated coaches

• Perfect For: Families, children, Christmas traditions

Why These Rides Matter

Each of these rides is more than an attraction — it’s part of TVRM’s mission. The museum exists not just to display locomotives, but to keep them operating, giving people a living connection to the past.

From the 1965 Brock Candy donation to community-driven excursions of the 1970s, to today’s mix of dining and holiday trains, TVRM thrives because people value history brought to life.

FAQs

Q1: Do trains run in bad weather?

Yes. Most cars are enclosed, and trips operate rain or shine.

Q2: How early should I book?

Popular rides — especially holiday and dinner trains — often sell out weeks in advance. Book as early as possible.

Q3: Are rides wheelchair accessible?

Select cars are accessible, though availability varies. Contact TVRM before booking for specific accommodations.