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…
Fall Rides Day and Night at TVRM
Fall Rides Day and Night at TVRM Fall in Chattanooga is the perfect time to slow down, take in the crisp air, and enjoy the sights and sounds of railroading. This weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the Missionary Ridge Local during the day and…
Waves of History — Amateur Radio Joins Founders Day at TVRM
Waves of History — Amateur Radio Joins Founders Day at TVRM Founders Day at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is always a celebration of stories that shaped Chattanooga’s rail heritage. This year, Saturday brings a new twist: the Chattanooga Amateur Radio Operators will be on site, broadcasting live from the Chickamauga Turn and inside…
N.C. & St.L. 710: 75 Years Strong & 68 Years Since Merger
Ride Through Time: N.C. & St.L. 710 at 75 Years Strong & 68 Years Since Merger This Labor Day Weekend, step aboard history in motion with N.C. & St. L. 710, the 1,500‑horsepower GP7 locomotive built in 1950 and lovingly restored to its original paint scheme. It’s not just a locomotive—it’s a tribute to 75 years of…
Final Inspection — The Work Behind the Steam
Behind the Scenes with Fireman Kyle Shannon Before a single whistle echoes across the hills or a wheel turns down the track, a dedicated team ensures every bolt, bearing, and brake on 114-year-old Steam Engine No. 4501 is in working order. On this day, Fireman Kyle Shannon — a seasoned member of TVRM’s mechanical team…
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August 23, 2025
A Saturday Night to Remember: Sunset Sips, Ice Cream Rides, and a Conductor’s First Call
💫 What a Saturday night to remember! 💫 This past weekend, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) brought together fine dining, twilight rides, and exciting firsts in Chattanooga. Guests stepped aboard for Dinner in the Depot, toasted the evening with the debut of Sunset Sips, and breezed along the rails with Ride & Chill: Ice…
A Complete August Guide to Train Rides at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
A Complete August Guide to Train Rides at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) isn’t just a place to see trains — it’s a place to ride them. Since 1961, TVRM has preserved not only historic rail equipment but also the experience of rail travel itself. Every ticket purchased supports…
Ride, Dine & Preserve Rail History This August 16
An August Evening of Flavor, Fun & Railroading at TVRM On Saturday, August 16, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites you to an evening that combines entertainment with preservation. Whether you choose gourmet dining, sunset cocktails, or ice cream with the family, each Special August Ride gives you a ticket into railroading’s living history. Dinner…
Step into Magic — A Wizarding Ride Awaits at TVRM
🧙♂️ All Aboard for Magic! This fall, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum opens the gates once more to Rails, Wizards & Spells — an imaginative, family-friendly experience where fantasy meets railroading tradition. From the moment you pass through the Enchanted Forest entrance to the final spell aboard your train car, every detail is curated to…
Steam Whistles & Small-Town Wanders: Our Summerville Family Escape
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…