Behind-the-Scenes at TVRM

Long before dawn’s glow kissed Chattanooga’s ridges, my family boarded the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Summerville Steam Special—nine glorious hours of clanging rods, Southern fare, and small-town charm. According to TVRM, the train departs Grand Junction Depot at 9 a.m. and returns around 6 p.m., tracing the former Central of Georgia main line across the…

Welcome aboard — six ways to time-travel in a single weekend Chattanooga earned its place on the rail map in the 1850s, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) still lets you experience that golden age at full scale. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, the rides below turn casual getaways into…

Preserving the Past with Every Pane: Grand Junction’s Window Renovation Project Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Chattanooga, the Grand Junction Depot is more than a departure point—it’s a monument to a golden age of rail travel. Now, after 42 years, the depot’s upstairs dining room has been fitted with new windows, completing a…

Ride the Legend—Steam Engine 4501 Returns to Summerville Step aboard a living piece of railroading excellence as Steam Engine 4501 powers up for its journey from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia, on Saturday, June 28. Built in 1911, this 114-year-old locomotive embodies the golden era of American steam travel. With powerful chuffs and vintage charm, 4501…

All Aboard! Thomas is Ready to Party in Chattanooga Chattanooga families, get ready! Thomas the Tank Engine is chugging into the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) this April for a celebration 80 years in the making. The beloved blue engine will be at TVRM for Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour on April 5-6…

Diesel #710: Experience Rail History at TVRM Step back in time aboard the Missionary Ridge Local, featuring Diesel Locomotive #710—TVRM’s oldest operating diesel engine, built in 1950 by General Motors for the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. Witness first-hand the engineering marvels of mid-century railroading! Highlights: Oldest operational diesel locomotive at TVRM Built in…

Historic Train Rides at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Embark on a journey through time at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga, where history comes alive on the rails. Among the museum’s treasured artifacts is the Southern Railway Coach 1000, a testament to the golden age of rail travel. Originally built in 1925 by…

A Festive Evening of Gourmet Dining and Vintage Rail Travel Join us for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! This unique event combines fine dining with a classic train ride, offering guests an elegant evening in a historic setting. 📍 Location: Grand Junction Depot – Chattanooga, TN ⏳ Duration:…

Experience the Legacy of Southern Railway 832 The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites you to step into a bygone era aboard the meticulously restored Southern Railway 832. Built in 1949 by the renowned Budd Company, this lightweight coach played a crucial role in some of the most famous passenger trains in the United States, including…

Welcome to Steam Season at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum! A beautiful weekend is ahead, and we’re kicking off Steam Season in style! If you’re looking for an authentic railroading adventure, now is the perfect time to climb aboard. Featured Rides This Weekend: Missionary Ridge Local – All departures powered by the legendary Southern 630…