Pay tribute to Mike Smith, the heartbeat of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) grounds, whose dedication and love transformed our historic train journeys. Mike’s meticulous care and enthusiasm for every season made TVRM a welcoming haven for all visitors. His profound love for his family and his commitment to preserving our railroad heritage will be deeply missed. With a reliable perspective and engaging historical details, we honor Mike’s legacy and highlight the significance of his contributions to both railway history enthusiasts and the general public.
In Memoriam: Mike Smith – The Heartbeat of TVRM Grounds The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) stands hand-in-hand with the Smith family in mourning the loss of an invaluable team member, Mike Smith. As the steward of our grounds, Mike’s dedication made our premises a welcoming haven for visitors from all walks of life. It…
October 16, 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
