TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM
CHATTANOOGA & HIWASSEE VALLEY TRAIN RIDES
FEATURED TRAIN RIDES
- All Ages
- 2-3 Hours
Valentine Train Ride
This event offers a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a special train ride that includes a four-course meal. This event is a great way to enjoy a romantic evening out while also traveling through Chattanooga.
- All Ages
- Tea Service (75 Minutes)
The Homefront Tea Room
Step into timeless elegance at the Homefront Tea Room — a “Tea in the Depot” experience combining classic afternoon tea with a nostalgic train ride. Savor delightful treats and Southern charm before enjoying a 65-minute journey aboard the Missionary Ridge Local from Grand Junction Depot.
- Ages 10+
- 4-6 Hours
Dinner in the Depot
Experience an elegant evening of fine dining and vintage railroading at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Enjoy a five-course gourmet meal inside Grand Junction Depot followed by a relaxing one-hour evening train ride. Please note: This event takes place in the Depot, not on the Dinner Train.
- Family Favorite
- All Ages
- 2-3 Hours
Day Out With Thomas™ 2026
Returning in Spring 2026! Day Out With Thomas™: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour brings a real train ride with Thomas, music-themed activities, photo ops, and exclusive merchandise—plus the outdoor Music Corner with games, hands-on fun, and dancing for the whole family.
- All Ages
- 2-3 Hours
Dinner Train
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Dinner Train is a unique opportunity to enjoy a railroad excursion trip and fine dining en route. The train travels through the Tennessee Valley, making this a perfect outing for anyone who loves trains and good food.
- Delano Trip
- All Ages
- 4-6 Hours
Hiwassee Loop
Embark on a 4.5-hour journey through the lower Hiwassee River gorge, featuring the remarkable Hiwassee Loop. This 50-mile round trip starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., showcasing the natural beauty and railway marvels of Tennessee.
- All Ages
- 4-6 Hours
Chickamauga Turn
Ride a 6-hour round-trip train from Chattanooga to Chickamauga, Georgia, with a 90-minute stop to explore the Gordon-Lee Mansion, Crawfish Springs, and downtown shops. Lunch options are available onboard, making this an easy, well-paced day trip by rail.
- All Ages
- Full-Day Experience
Summerville Steam Special
Experience the beauty of the Summerville Steam Special, a 9-hour train ride from Chattanooga to Summerville, GA. Enjoy a layover for exploration, with optional dining services and a tea-in-a-box selection available onboard for Georgia trains.
- Delano Trip
- All Ages
- Full-Day Experience
Copperhill Special
Enjoy a full-day scenic train journey through the Hiwassee River Gorge on the Copperhill Special. Travel historic rails, take in mountain and river views, and enjoy a 90-minute layover in Copperhill and McCaysville to explore shops, dining, and the state line before returning.
- All Ages
- 2-3 Hours
SeaLight Festival Train Ride
Enjoy a limited-time evening train ride to the SeaLight Festival, featuring glowing art installations and a relaxing return journey to Grand Junction.
A RIDE THROUGH TIME!
Step back into a slower-paced era when train travel was an experience, not just transportation. Discover the charm of vintage railroading as you ride beautifully restored trains that once carried generations across the Tennessee Valley.
At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, history comes to life through immersive, hands-on experiences that add a distinctive dimension to any visit to Chattanooga. Home to the only regularly scheduled, full-sized train rides in Tennessee, TVRM offers far more than a museum visit—it’s an opportunity to hear, see, and feel the timeless rhythm of the rails.
AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES!
Even though we did the shortest tour on the Missionary Ridge line, it was very enjoyable. We loved the history of that line as well as getting to see behind the scenes at the railyard. This was our first time doing this tour and visiting here, and we got a treat while here! When we were about to leave the railyard to head back to the Grand Junction, our engine (the 606) broke down. Thankfully, they had the 5000 there at the yard and we got to see how they exchange engines. It added an extra 30 - 45 minutes to our experience! We also enjoyed the feel of riding in a 1940's passenger car as well as seeing all the different trains in their collection. If our budget ever allows, we would love to come back and do their all day tours!
– bluejello_eater | Tripadvisor
The service was OUTSTANDING!!! Staff were very attentive. The food was great! By far the best thing we’ve done, so far in Chattanooga!!!!
– Lane | Google Review
Had a wonderful time riding the 55min “Missionary Ridge Local” train ride, pulled by Southern #630. The museum grounds is beautiful, the equipment is fantastically taken care of, and every single staff member was welcoming and friendly! Special Notes: the conductor stopped the locomotive in front of the depot and offered to take pics of the visitors for them in front of the engine! A great touch! Trip includes a tour of the backshop where maintenance is done on the equipment
– Evan P | Tripadvisor
We rode the Hiwassee Loop excursion in November, and enjoyed the best seat in the house, from our perch in the dome car. Terrific scenery on a very unique track plan, and the tour guide is the best in the business. He shared tons of fascinating history. Gotta love this excursion out of Etowah, Tennessee!
– Jim A | Tripadvisor
My family and I visited the TV Railroad Museum on the way through Chattanooga and we loved it! It was a nice quick stop - only about 1.25 hours from arrival to departure. We went on the short Missionary Ridge ride, which was perfect with small kids. They got the thrill of being on a “real train” without getting bored. There aren’t any large interior areas (like a traditional museum), but you can see some beautiful restored trains in the yard, most from the 1920s-1940s. If you enjoy looking at vintage trains, I’d definitely recommend this for a quick visit. Oh, and try the local ice cream at the halfway point… it was delicious!
– Natalia O | Tripadvisor
We took a ride on the Hiwassee Loop Railroad trip in October, to enjoy the changing of the leaves, and the trip was great. The conductor & staff are very courteous and knowledgeable, and we were thoroughly entertained. It's not expensive and worth every dollar. Only took 4 hours and there's lots to see. Snacks are provided for a minimum cost and you get a wonderful running narrative as you enjoy the scenery. Take the time to go to Etowah and catch the train!
– Scott G. | Tripadvisor
We enjoyed the Hiwassee Loop trip that left from Etowah, Tennessee. The staff was very friendly and entertaining. Our conductor was a very good narrator and even played the banjo! Our trip was in the fall and the views were spectacular. We are hoping to plan another trip soon.
– UsTraveler1992 | Tripadvisor
Thoroughly enjoyed my short trip on the TV rail today. The turntable is really cool to see in action along with the train repair depot. Lots of kiddos enjoying themselves, which was great to see. Riding the train is like a trip back in time! Seemed like there were a lot of local repeat customers who knew the staff, that says a lot about the experience and people!
– JLB_ATL | Tripadvisor
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is to collect for preservation, operation, interpretation, and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public concerning the role of railroads in the history and development of our region.
This Weekend on the Rails: Train Rides, Tea & Holiday Lights in Chattanooga
🚂 This Weekend on the Rails: Train Rides, Tea & Timeless Experiences in Chattanooga Looking for something memorable to do this weekend in Chattanooga? Step aboard the rails and experience a lineup of unforgettable train adventures running Friday through Sunday, with options for families, couples, and anyone who loves classic rail travel. From narrated train…
January 9, 2026
Thank You for a Magical Christmas Season at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Thank You for a Magical Christmas Season at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum 🎄✨ What a season it’s been! ✨🎄 As our holiday trains head back to the depot and the last jingle bells fade into winter, all of us at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum want to say a heartfelt thank you to every family who rode…
December 24, 2025
A Big Year of Growth at TVRM: Looking Back at 1981
As the year winds down, it’s a perfect time to reflect on moments that helped shape what guests experience at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum today. One of the most pivotal chapters in our story came in 1981, a year marked by operational milestones, major infrastructure investments, and the tireless dedication of volunteers…
December 18, 2025
Frisco 200 Diesel Returns to Service at TVRM
Frisco 200 Rolls Again: A Classic Diesel Returns to Life at TVRM When Saint Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco) locomotive 200 rolled out of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Soule Shops this morning, it wasn’t just another shop move. It was the return of a one-of-a-kind diesel, wearing its familiar Frisco paint scheme once more and…
November 21, 2025