STEAM, SCENERY & SOUTHERN RAIL HERITAGE — THIS WEEKEND AT TVRM!
Experience Southern Rail Heritage This Weekend
Saturday and Sunday at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) are a celebration of American rail innovation, charming town exploration, and immersive vintage experiences. Whether you’re boarding from Chattanooga or our Delano location, your ride promises views, stories, and moments you’ll treasure.
Backed by the living legacy of Steam Engine 4501 and supported by meticulously restored passenger cars, this weekend promises to be a memorable experience.
🚂 Featured Rides on Saturday
🔹 Summerville Steam Special (9:00 AM)
Step aboard for a stunning ride through the North Georgia Mountains to the quaint town of Summerville, GA. Witness the rare and thrilling spectacle as 4501 is turned on a working public turntable — a sight few ever get to experience.
Why it’s special:
- Pulled by coal-powered steam locomotive, 4501
- Venture into a historic town in north Georgia
- Witness a rare turntable demonstration
🔹 Missionary Ridge Local + Homefront Tea Room
Enjoy a short and scenic ride through Chattanooga, including a trip through a pre-Civil War tunnel. Pair it with the elegant Homefront Tea Room experience for a mid-day treat. Vintage linens, tiered trays, and timeless charm make this a favorite for families and groups.
🔹 Dinner on the Diner (6:45 PM Departure)
End your day with the gentle rhythm of train wheels and a three-course meal aboard a restored dining car. Dinner Train seating is limited and often sells out in advance.
🔹 From Delano: The Copperhill Special (9:30 AM)
Leaving from TVRM’s Delano location, this ride follows the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge, traversing the famed Bald Mountain Loop — an engineering marvel that wraps over itself to gain elevation.
🚆 Sunday’s Featured Rides
🔹 Chickamauga Turn (10:15 AM, Chattanooga)
Travel through the pastoral landscapes of North Georgia toward Chickamauga, a town with deep ties to Civil War history and Southern heritage. The ride includes a layover to explore downtown, with opportunities to dine, shop, or visit historic sites.
Why it’s memorable:
- Ride through former military staging routes
- Stroll a town linked to one of the war’s most pivotal battles
- Ideal for families and history enthusiasts
🔹 Missionary Ridge Local (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM hourly)
Running throughout the day from our Grand Junction station in Chattanooga, the Missionary Ridge Local (MRL) is a short but exciting train ride. Passengers enjoy:
- Passage through the original Missionary Ridge Tunnel (built before the Civil War)
- Watch a live turntable demonstration with the locomotive
- Educational talks about steam locomotives and TVRM history
The Local is a family favorite!
🔹 Homefront Tea Room (11:00 AM Seating)
Pair your morning with a relaxing tea experience inside our beautifully decorated Homefront Tea Room. Guests enjoy:
- Classic Southern tea service
- Scones and a selection of sweet and savory treats
- Excellent foodservice and southern hospitality
Perfect for: Couples and groups seeking a slower-paced morning before boarding a ride.
🔹 From Delano: Hiwassee Loop (1:30 PM)
Departing from our Delano, TN station, the Hiwassee Loop showcases the breathtaking Appalachian foothills in all their glory. Guests ride in climate-controlled coaches or vintage dome cars as the train ascends Bald Mountain.
You’ll enjoy:
- Famous loop track that crosses over itself in elevation
- Panoramic views of the Hiwassee River Gorge
- A relaxing mid-day escape
Did you know? Dome car seating provides elevated views ideal for photography or simply soaking in the sights.
💬 FAQ — What Guests Want to Know
1. Can I attend Tea without riding the train?
Yes. Homefront Tea Room is a standalone booking or can be combined with a ride for a full experience.
2. Where should I board?
Check your booking confirmation. Chickamauga Turn, MRL, and Tea Room board from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station. Hiwassee Loop and Copperhill Special depart from Delano, TN.
🗺️ Why Choose TVRM on a Weekend?
While Saturdays bring crowds, Sundays offer a slower pace, shorter lines, and more opportunity to explore. It’s the perfect day to:
- Take a train ride without the rush
- Savor tea and conversation
- Experience both Chattanooga’s rail heritage and Delano’s mountain views
Many families make Sunday their multi-experience day — Tea + MRL short ride for the kids, or Chickamauga + an Exhibit visit for more history.
🎟️ Ready to Ride?
📍 Chattanooga & Delano Locations
🎟️ Book Your Tickets
🕒 Weekend Ride Schedule