📅 How the 65-Minute Experience Works

Your trip includes train movement + guided experiences. To set clear expectations: Total Duration: ~65 minutes Outbound Ride: ~15 minutes Turntable & Restoration Stop: ~25 minutes Return Ride: ~15 minutes You are on the train for roughly 30 minutes of movement, and the remaining time is the turntable demonstration and restoration shop tour — both essential parts of the experience.

🛤️ What You’ll Experience

🌄 1. Narrated Ride Through Missionary Ridge Travel a 3-mile route originally built in the 1850s. Along the way, your guide will share stories of local railroading, Civil War history, and Chattanooga’s role as a transportation hub. You’ll see: The pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel (completed in 1858) Four historic bridges Yard operations and preserved locomotives 🚂 2. Historic Turntable Demonstration At East Chattanooga Depot, watch as the locomotive is moved onto our fully restored 1911 turntable. This is a highlight for many guests and a fascinating look at how railroads operated long before modern technology. 🛠️ 3. Restoration Shop Tour Next, step inside our active restoration shop, where historic locomotives and railcars are rebuilt by hand. You’ll see: Locomotives in various stages of restoration Machine tools and equipment used to maintain vintage rolling stock Behind-the-scenes preservation work rarely shown to the public Note: This facility is a working shop, similar to visiting an auto restoration garage. You’ll see tools, parts, and real restoration projects — this is where history is actively preserved. 🚂 4. Return to Grand Junction Reboard for the 15-minute return trip with additional narration and photo opportunities.

🌄 About the Scenery

The Missionary Ridge Local is a historic urban rail line, not a long-distance scenic excursion. Guests will see: Bridges over Chickamauga Creek The Missionary Ridge Tunnel Rail yards and equipment Neighborhood views For sweeping river and mountain scenery, we recommend our Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special excursions — both designed for guests seeking extended scenic experiences.

👨👩👧 Is This the Right Ride for You?

Perfect For: Families with young children Visitors looking for a shorter activity History and railroad fans First-time museum guests Those with limited time in Chattanooga Choose Another Ride If You Want: Extended mountain views → Hiwassee Loop A long day trip → Copperhill Special Dining on board → Dinner Train

Cab Ride Experience: Ride Along with the Crew

The Ultimate Train Ride Experience Join our engineer in the cab of the locomotive for a thrilling train ride experience! Steam Locomotive: Cost: $55 for a one-way ride, $80 for a round trip Age Requirements: Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied Rider Limit: Two riders per trip Diesel Locomotive: Cost: $35 for a one-way ride, $50 for a round trip Age Requirements: Ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied Rider Limit: Two riders per trip Important Information: Dress Code: Long pants without rips or holes and closed-toed shoes are required. Safety Gear: Protective eyewear and earplugs will be provided at check-in. Availability: All cab ride tickets are first-come, first-served. This cannot be prebooked. Riders not adhering to the dress code will not be permitted to ride in the cab. Experience the thrill of riding in the cab of a locomotive and see the inner workings of these magnificent machines up close!

Special Offers & Promotions

Discounts for Seniors, AAA Members, Military Personnel, and First Responders We offer special discounts for seniors, AAA members, military personnel, and first responders for the Missionary Ridge Local Trip. To redeem these discounts, you can purchase tickets over the phone by calling (423) 894-8028 or in person at our Grand Junction Depot ticket office at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Birthday Special Free Missionary Ridge Local Ride or Exhibit Visit Celebrate your birthday with us and enjoy a complimentary ride on the Missionary Ridge Local or a free visit to our exhibit building. How to Redeem: This offer is only available at our ticket office or exhibit building and cannot be redeemed online or through any other channels. Just show your ID to get your birthday discount. Terms and Conditions: Offer valid on your birthday only. Must present a valid ID to redeem the offer. Complimentary Missionary Ridge Local ride or free visit to the exhibit building. This offer can only be redeemed in person at our ticket office or exhibit building. Acceptable Forms of ID for Kids: Birth Certificate School ID with the birthdate printed on the card Passport Any government-issued ID with the child’s name and birthdate

Using Your Annual Pass or Membership

If you have a TVRM Annual Pass/Members, you can ride the Missionary Ridge Local for free — and booking your ride online is quick and easy! Step-by-Step Instructions Go to the Booking Page Visit: tvrail.com/train-rides/missionary-ridge-local Click “Book Now” on the date and time you want to ride. Enter Your Member ID At the top of the page, enter your ID where it says “Enter your member ID.” Click Apply. Your special member pricing will appear (like $0 for adults with a pass). Choose Your Tickets Select how many free or discounted tickets you need. Example: “Adults – Unlimited rides on the Missionary Ridge Local” = $0 Guest discounts will appear automatically. Click “Add to Cart” and Checkout Enter Your Email Use the same email you used when you bought your membership. This confirms your benefits. Complete Your Order Click “Complete your order” to finish. You’ll get a confirmation email to show at check-in. 🚨 Quick Tips You can use your pass immediately after purchase — no need to wait for a physical card! Need help? Contact us at info@tvrail.com or call (423) 894-8028

Equipment & Scheduling Updates

TVRM reserves the right to substitute equipment or motive power and to alter published fares, times of operation, and destination as mechanical or operating conditions require, without notice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the actual train ride? About 30 minutes of movement total — 15 minutes each direction. Why is there a long stop in the middle? The locomotive must be turned for the return trip, and the stop allows guests to enjoy the turntable demonstration and restoration tour. Can I stay on the train during the stop? Yes. Guests may remain onboard if they prefer not to tour the shop. Is the restoration shop safe for children? Yes — it is a guided experience designed for families. Is this ride scenic? The route includes historic features, bridges, and the tunnel, but it is not a mountain or river gorge route. For panoramic scenery, choose the Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special.

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Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride | Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Book Now

Adult

Ages 13+

$ 25

Child

Ages 2 - 12

$ 16

Infant

Under 2

Free

Quick Details

January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026 EST
Ages: All Ages
Duration: 1 Hour
Food: Snacks and drinks are available at the deli prior to the trip
Departure Location: Chattanooga (4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN)

Experience the History of Chattanooga on the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride

Adult

Ages 13+

$ 25

Child

Ages 2 - 12

$ 16

Infant

Under 2

Free

Experience the History Tour of Missionary Ridge Local

Step aboard the Missionary Ridge Local, our most popular heritage ride and the perfect introduction to Chattanooga’s railroad history. This 65-minute experience combines a narrated ride, a visit to our historic turntable, and a rare behind-the-scenes walk through our restoration shop — one of the few working railroad preservation facilities in the nation.

Whether you love history, trains, or unique family activities, this short but engaging experience offers a fun and educational look into the golden age of rail travel.

Your trip includes train movement + guided experiences. To set clear expectations:

Total Duration: ~65 minutes
- Outbound Ride: ~15 minutes
- Turntable & Restoration Stop: ~25 minutes
- Return Ride: ~15 minutes
You are on the train for roughly 30 minutes of movement, and the remaining time is the turntable demonstration and restoration shop tour — both essential parts of the experience.
🌄 1. Narrated Ride Through Missionary Ridge

Travel a 3-mile route originally built in the 1850s. Along the way, your guide will share stories of local railroading, Civil War history, and Chattanooga’s role as a transportation hub.

You’ll see:
- The pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel (completed in 1858)
- Four historic bridges
- Yard operations and preserved locomotives
🚂 2. Historic Turntable Demonstration

At East Chattanooga Depot, watch as the locomotive is moved onto our fully restored 1911 turntable. This is a highlight for many guests and a fascinating look at how railroads operated long before modern technology.

🛠️ 3. Restoration Shop Tour

Next, step inside our active restoration shop, where historic locomotives and railcars are rebuilt by hand.

You’ll see:
- Locomotives in various stages of restoration
- Machine tools and equipment used to maintain vintage rolling stock
- Behind-the-scenes preservation work rarely shown to the public
Note: This facility is a working shop, similar to visiting an auto restoration garage. You’ll see tools, parts, and real restoration projects — this is where history is actively preserved.

🚂 4. Return to Grand Junction

Reboard for the 15-minute return trip with additional narration and photo opportunities.
The Missionary Ridge Local is a historic urban rail line, not a long-distance scenic excursion. Guests will see:
- Bridges over Chickamauga Creek
- The Missionary Ridge Tunnel
- Rail yards and equipment
- Neighborhood views
For sweeping river and mountain scenery, we recommend our Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special excursions — both designed for guests seeking extended scenic experiences.
Perfect For:
- Families with young children
- Visitors looking for a shorter activity
- History and railroad fans
- First-time museum guests
- Those with limited time in Chattanooga
Choose Another Ride If You Want:
- Extended mountain views → Hiwassee Loop
- A long day trip → Copperhill Special
- Dining on board → Dinner Train
The Ultimate Train Ride Experience

Join our engineer in the cab of the locomotive for a thrilling train ride experience!

Steam Locomotive:
- Cost: $55 for a one-way ride, $80 for a round trip
- Age Requirements: Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied
- Rider Limit: Two riders per trip
Diesel Locomotive:
- Cost: $35 for a one-way ride, $50 for a round trip
- Age Requirements: Ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 and up can ride unaccompanied
- Rider Limit: Two riders per trip
Important Information:
- Dress Code: Long pants without rips or holes and closed-toed shoes are required.
- Safety Gear: Protective eyewear and earplugs will be provided at check-in.
- Availability: All cab ride tickets are first-come, first-served. This cannot be prebooked. Riders not adhering to the dress code will not be permitted to ride in the cab.
Experience the thrill of riding in the cab of a locomotive and see the inner workings of these magnificent machines up close!
Discounts for Seniors, AAA Members, Military Personnel, and First Responders

We offer special discounts for seniors, AAA members, military personnel, and first responders for the Missionary Ridge Local Trip. To redeem these discounts, you can purchase tickets over the phone by calling (423) 894-8028 or in person at our Grand Junction Depot ticket office at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Birthday Special

Free Missionary Ridge Local Ride or Exhibit Visit

Celebrate your birthday with us and enjoy a complimentary ride on the Missionary Ridge Local or a free visit to our exhibit building.

How to Redeem:

This offer is only available at our ticket office or exhibit building and cannot be redeemed online or through any other channels. Just show your ID to get your birthday discount.

Terms and Conditions:
- Offer valid on your birthday only.
- Must present a valid ID to redeem the offer.
- Complimentary Missionary Ridge Local ride or free visit to the exhibit building.
- This offer can only be redeemed in person at our ticket office or exhibit building.
Acceptable Forms of ID for Kids:
- Birth Certificate
- School ID with the birthdate printed on the card
- Passport
- Any government-issued ID with the child’s name and birthdate
If you have a TVRM Annual Pass/Members, you can ride the Missionary Ridge Local for free — and booking your ride online is quick and easy!

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Go to the Booking Page
  Visit: tvrail.com/train-rides/missionary-ridge-local
  Click “Book Now” on the date and time you want to ride.
2. Enter Your Member ID
  At the top of the page, enter your ID where it says “Enter your member ID.”
  Click Apply. Your special member pricing will appear (like $0 for adults with a pass).
3. Choose Your Tickets
  Select how many free or discounted tickets you need.
  Example: “Adults – Unlimited rides on the Missionary Ridge Local” = $0
  Guest discounts will appear automatically.
4. Click “Add to Cart” and Checkout
5. Enter Your Email
  Use the same email you used when you bought your membership. This confirms your benefits.
6. Complete Your Order
  Click “Complete your order” to finish. You’ll get a confirmation email to show at check-in.
🚨 Quick Tips
- You can use your pass immediately after purchase — no need to wait for a physical card!
- Need help? Contact us at [email protected] or call (423) 894-8028
TVRM reserves the right to substitute equipment or motive power and to alter published fares, times of operation, and destination as mechanical or operating conditions require, without notice.
How long is the actual train ride?

About 30 minutes of movement total — 15 minutes each direction.

Why is there a long stop in the middle?

The locomotive must be turned for the return trip, and the stop allows guests to enjoy the turntable demonstration and restoration tour.

Can I stay on the train during the stop?

Yes. Guests may remain onboard if they prefer not to tour the shop.

Is the restoration shop safe for children?

Yes — it is a guided experience designed for families.

Is this ride scenic?

The route includes historic features, bridges, and the tunnel, but it is not a mountain or river gorge route. For panoramic scenery, choose the Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special.
Stay Connected — Join Our Email List
Get event announcements, seasonal rides, and exclusive offers.
Sign Up Here

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Hubs and I did the Missionary Ridge Train ride during a quick stop in Chattanooga for the holidays. Emily N.

Hubs and I did the Missionary Ridge Train ride during a quick stop in Chattanooga for the holidays. The train was more for him than me, but we both had a phenomenal time! Not only are all the employees helpful and kind, they experience is incredibly informative and interesting. I suggest if there are only 2 people in your party to ride in the cab of the train. We rode with the engineer who drives and it took our experience to the next level. Joe the engineer told us a plethora of extra info about the trim, TVRM, and you get to ride in the lead train car while it turns around at the turn around spot. So cool! Also, check out the exhibit they have in the depot area. Loads of info and cool things to check out!

– Google Review

A great stop for train enthusiasts. Susan M

A great stop for train enthusiasts. Nicely restored locomotives and passenger cars. The missionary ridge train ride is pleasant and informative.

– Google Review

We took the Missionary Risge train ride today and loved it. Pat O

We took the Missionary Risge train ride today and loved it. The entire way to East Ridge the conductor gives a narrated tour of the history of the trains we are on as well as the area. This is followed by a narrated demonstration of the turn table which rotates the train for the ride back. It was fun, informative, and scenic. Will be recommending to friends and family when they visit.

– Google Review

Tag 80 engine is a train traveling down the train tracks in Chattanooga. This image is perfect for those who are interested in the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, as it captures the local mission Ridge Train in all of its glory.
Tennessee's Fall Train Journeys: Experience Autumn Anew!
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - Chattanooga & Hiwassee Train Rides
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga is a great place to visit, especially if you're interested in trains. This missionary ridge local train is coming into the station, and it's a beautiful sight.
Ride the Missionary Ridge: Historical Train Adventure Awaits
Explore the rich history of Missionary Ridge on our 65-minute local tour.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit if you're interested in trains. This museum has a large collection of locomotives and rail cars, as well as other railroad-related items. One of the highlights of a visit to the museum is a ride on the Missionary Ridge Local, a vintage train that runs through the Tennessee Valley.
Crowd touring a train maintenance shop
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to visit if you're in the Chattanooga area. They have a number of different locomotives and rail cars on display, as well as a working turntable. My favorite part of the museum is the Missionary Ridge Local Southern 630 crossing over one of our four bridges.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of railroads in Chattanooga. The Missionary Ridge Local is a train that travels down the tracks near a forest, and it's a great way to experience the beauty of nature while learning about railroad history.