Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Family activities Chattanooga

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

Posted in: Featured Exhibits, Train Travel Tips, Upcoming Events At TVRM

ThrowbackThursday — 4501 Rises Again, Railfest Rumbles, and Steam Returns to the Mainline!

Big Wheels, Bigger Work Fall 2013 marked a turning point at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). Guests strolling through East Chattanooga may have seen sparks from the Soule Shops, but few realized they were witnessing the rebirth of Southern Railway 2-8-2 Mikado #4501. By late August, crews had slid three massive driving wheel axles…

October 2, 2025

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Historic Preservation

Most Popular

From $26 per person

All Ages
1–1.5 Hours
Educational, Relaxed

Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride

January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026 EDT

Enjoy a 65-minute narrated train ride through Chattanooga featuring historic bridges, a pre-Civil War tunnel, a live turntable demonstration, and a guided visit to our active restoration shop — an engaging, family-friendly introduction to railroading at TVRM.

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From $110 per person

All Ages
2-3 Hours

Chattanooga Dinner Train Experience

March 6, 2026 - October 24, 2026 EDT

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.

Reserve Your Table Live availability · Limited seating

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Delano Trip

From $62 per person

All Ages
4-6 Hours

Hiwassee Loop Train Ride Through Tennessee’s Hiwassee River Gorge

March 29, 2026 - November 22, 2026 EDT

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.

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From $60 per person

All Ages
4-6 Hours

Chickamauga Turn

March 28, 2026 - November 1, 2026 EDT

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.

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From $90 per person

All Ages
Full-Day Experience

Summerville Steam Special

May 9, 2026 - November 8, 2026 EDT

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.

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Delano Trip

From $80 per person

All Ages
Full-Day Experience

Copperhill Special

April 1, 2026 - December 11, 2026 EDT

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.

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