STEAM, COMMUNITY & CELEBRATION: FOUNDER’S DAY WEEKEND RETURNS!
Steam, Community & Celebration: Founder’s Day Weekend Returns!
The heartbeat of Southeastern railroading is ready to roar again as Founder’s Day Weekend returns to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM)! From Friday through Sunday, families, photographers, and history buffs alike can step aboard a living piece of American heritage. At the center of it all? The legendary Southern Railway 630, affectionately known as our Steam Star.
This year’s celebration marks not just a tribute to the locomotives that built a nation, but to the community that continues to preserve and share this legacy. Founder’s Day 2025 highlights include daily steam-powered rides, historical exhibits, and live demonstrations. Plus, Saturday will mark the final run of the Evening Ridge Runner for the season — a sunset ride you won’t want to miss.
Daily Steam-Powered Rides Behind Southern 630
TVRM’s own Southern 630 takes center stage all weekend, offering multiple departures on the Missionary Ridge Local. Guests can board the train pulled by this beautifully restored 2-8-0 steam locomotive, first built in 1904, for a round-trip ride between our Grand Junction and East Chattanooga depots. Along the way, you’ll pass through pre-Civil War tunnels, enjoy views of Chickamauga Creek, and disembark for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of our working turntable and restoration shop.
The Missionary Ridge Local rides are family-friendly and ideal for all ages. Seating is limited for each departure, so book your ticket now to guarantee a spot behind this steam icon.
Exhibits & Demonstrations
On Saturday only, a group of Chattanooga amateur “ham” radio operators will be holding demonstrations in the Ticket Office at Grand Junction Depot and in car 390 on the Chickamauga Turn.
Between rides, guests can visit the Exhibit Building for a deeper dive into the history of the locomotives, coaches, and all the equipment in use or under restoration at TVRM.
Don’t miss the Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders open house. Their layouts are a favorite among guests of all ages and highlight the technical and creative skill of the model railroading hobby.
Additional special displays include:
- WWII-era military rail service gear
- Historic railway communication equipment
- Volunteer-led preservation stations
Final Evening Ridge Runner of the Season — Saturday Only
As the sun sets on Founder’s Day Weekend, the rails light up one last time for the Evening Ridge Runner. This seasonal favorite blends golden-hour beauty with vintage ambiance, offering a relaxing ride perfect for all ages.
With Southern 630 at the head, guests enjoy a shorter evening route along Missionary Ridge with scenic light, photo runbys, and a peaceful mood to close the weekend. It’s the perfect finale for enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
Important: Saturday is your last chance of the season to experience this event! Book your seat now to ride off into the sunset with us. Reserve now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the event good for young children?
A: Absolutely! Children love the steam engines, model trains, and hands-on exhibits. Strollers are welcome.
Q2: Can I still come if I don’t ride the train?
A: Yes! The exhibits and live demonstrations are all accessible without riding the train.
Celebrate, Ride, Remember
Founder’s Day isn’t just about railroads — it’s about the people who keep their stories alive. It’s a celebration of memory, motion, and making history accessible to new generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or simply looking for a fun, meaningful weekend activity in Chattanooga, this event offers the perfect blend of education, entertainment, and heritage.
Come ride with us. Make history part of your weekend. Book Now
📅 Event Details Recap:
- Dates: Friday, Saturday, Sunday (check TVRM calendar)
- Location: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga, TN
- Parking: Free and plentiful at Grand Junction
- Train Rides: Steam-powered Missionary Ridge Local, Evening Ridge Runner (Saturday only)