Tennessee Valley Railroad News

Tourist Destinations

Explore the most captivating tourist destinations connected to the rich railroading heritage at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Our “Tourist Destinations” tag on the News and Update blog showcases the must-visit spots, scenic routes, and historic landmarks that every rail enthusiast and traveler should experience. Embark on a journey through time and discover the gems of railroading tourism.

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Throwback Thursday: Reliving the ’80s with Southern Railway 630 on the Missionary Ridge Local

Today for “Throwback Thursday,” Southern Railway 630 leads a TVRM Missionary Ridge Local trip out of East Chattanooga in the mid-1980s. Though clothing styles have changed since the 80s, you can still experience the same nostalgia of historic steam and passenger equipment with the Southern 630 from 1904 leading our Missionary Ridge Local excursions this…

August 24, 2023

Posted in: Featured Exhibits, Historic Preservation, Railroad History And Heritage, Upcoming Events At TVRM

Embark on a Historical Journey with the Missionary Ridge Local: A Relaxing Escape Through Chattanooga’s Past Aboard the 119-Year-Old Steam Star Number 630

Need a little escape from a hectic August? We have just the ride – – – The Missionary Ridge Local – at just over an hour it is the perfect way to sit back and relax while riding into the history of the Chattanooga area. Crossing four bridges, passing through a pre-civil War era tunnel,…

August 11, 2023

Posted in: Featured Exhibits, Upcoming Events At TVRM

A Thrilling Weekend of Steam at TVRM: Ride with Steam Star #630 and #4501 on the Summerville Special & Missionary Ridge Local!

Great news, steam train enthusiasts! This weekend promises to be a memorable one at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM). It’s not just a regular weekend; it’s a great weekend of steam that you’ll remember for years to come. Steam Star #630 – The Summerville Steam Special The real star of the show will be…

April 4, 2019

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Featured Exhibits, Upcoming Events At TVRM

Group Train Tours on the Missionary Ridge Local in Chattanooga

All Aboard with Burke Christian Tours: A Group Ride on the Missionary Ridge Local The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum recently welcomed Burke Christian Tours for a group ride aboard the Missionary Ridge Local. This experience offered their guests a relaxed, engaging introduction to railroading in Chattanooga, combining live narration, historic infrastructure, and a comfortably paced…

June 9, 2018

Posted in: Behind-the-Scenes At TVRM, Featured Exhibits, Railroad History And Heritage, School Field Trips And Education, Upcoming Events At TVRM

Smoke & Cinders (4th Quarter 2017) – Being in Select Company – TVRM Joins the SHA

TVRM Joins the Elite League of Southern Highlands Attractions The Southern Highlands Attractions (SHA) is a prestigious group of travel attractions that dot the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to some of the finest tourist destinations, the group boasts of members such as the Biltmore Estate, Shenandoah Caverns, The Blowing Rock, Rock City,…

October 12, 2017

Posted in: Railroad History And Heritage, Smoke & Cinders, Train Travel Tips

Most Popular

From $26 per person

All Ages
1 Hour

Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride

January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026 EST

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 $100 per person

All Ages
2-3 Hours

Dinner Train

March 6, 2026 - October 24, 2026 EST

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
4.5 hours

Hiwassee Loop

March 29, 2026 - November 22, 2026 EST

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 $58 per person

All Ages
4-6 Hours

Chickamauga Turn

April 18, 2026 - October 31, 2026 EST

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
8–9 Hours (Full Day)

Summerville Steam Special

May 2, 2026 - November 9, 2026 EST

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 $85 per person

All Ages
8–9 Hours (Full Day)

Copperhill Special

April 1, 2026 - December 11, 2026 EST

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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