Quick Details
Step aboard the Missionary Ridge Local for a 65-minute narrated train ride through Chattanooga featuring historic bridges, a pre–Civil War tunnel, a live turntable demonstration, and a guided visit inside our working restoration shop — a behind-the-scenes experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Adult
Ages 13+
$ 26
Child
Ages 2 - 12
$ 17
Infant
Under 2
Free
Experience the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride
Step aboard the Missionary Ridge Local, our most popular Chattanooga train ride and a 65-minute guided experience combining rail travel with behind-the-scenes access. Enjoy live narration, historic bridges and tunnels, a working turntable demonstration, and a guided visit inside our active restoration shop — a rare look at railroad preservation in action.
🚂 Ride → 🔄 Turntable → 🛠️ Restoration Shop → 🚂 Return
Perfect for families, first-time visitors, and history or train enthusiasts, this engaging experience offers a memorable introduction to Chattanooga’s railroad heritage without requiring a full-day commitment.
Why Guests Love This Ride
- A behind-the-scenes experience you won’t find on other train rides
Includes a live turntable demonstration and guided access to an active restoration shop. - Short, engaging format perfect for families and first-time visitors
A complete experience in just over an hour—easy to fit into any Chattanooga visit. - Live narration and hands-on demonstrations throughout
Conductors bring the route, equipment, and railroad operations to life. - Ideal for travelers with limited time in Chattanooga
A memorable introduction to railroading without a full-day commitment.
🚂 Operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit preserving working railroad history in Chattanooga.
🎟️ Looking for a flexible gift or experience idea?
TVRM gift cards are available online and make an easy, thoughtful option for history lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys a classic train ride. Gift cards can be used toward the Missionary Ridge Local or any of our Chattanooga-area train experiences, giving recipients the freedom to choose the ride and date that works best for them.
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Your experience includes both train travel and guided, off-train experiences, giving you a well-rounded look at Chattanooga’s railroad operations. Here’s how the approximately 65-minute experience is structured:
Total Duration: ~65 minutes
- Outbound Train Ride: ~15 minutes
- Turntable Demonstration & Restoration Shop Stop: ~25 minutes
- Return Train Ride: ~15 minutes
Guests spend about 30 minutes riding the train and about 35 minutes participating in guided activities, including watching the locomotive turn on our historic turntable and exploring the active restoration shop. These behind-the-scenes elements are a core part of the experience and are what make the Missionary Ridge Local unique.
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🌄 1. Narrated Ride Through Missionary Ridge
Travel a 3-mile rail line originally built in the 1850s as your conductor provides live narration about Chattanooga’s railroads, local history, and role as a transportation hub.
Along the way, you’ll see:
- The pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel (completed in 1858)
- Four historic railroad bridges
- Active rail yards and preserved locomotives
🚂 2. Historic Turntable Demonstration
At East Chattanooga Depot, watch the locomotive roll onto our fully restored 1911 turntable and rotate for the return trip. This hands-on demonstration is a guest favorite and offers a fascinating look at how trains were turned long before modern technology.
🛠️ 3. Restoration Shop Tour
Step inside our active restoration shop, where historic locomotives and railcars are rebuilt and maintained by hand.
You’ll experience:
- Locomotives in various stages of restoration
- Original machine tools and shop equipment
- Behind-the-scenes preservation work rarely open to the public
Please note: This is a working shop—similar to visiting an auto restoration garage—with tools, parts, and real projects underway. This is where railroad preservation happens every day.
Guest option: Visitors who prefer not to participate in the restoration shop tour are welcome to remain onboard the train during this stop.
🚂 4. Return to Grand Junction
Reboard the train for the approximately 15-minute return ride, featuring additional narration and photo opportunities as you head back to Grand Junction Depot.
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The Missionary Ridge Local is a historic urban rail line, not a long-distance scenic excursion. The focus of this experience is railroad operations, history, and behind-the-scenes access rather than expansive natural views.
Along the route, guests will see:
- Bridges crossing Chickamauga Creek
- The pre–Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel
- Active rail yards and historic equipment
- Neighborhood and industrial views along the corridor
For sweeping river gorges, mountain landscapes, and extended scenic views, we recommend our Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special excursions — both specifically designed for guests seeking immersive scenery.
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👨👩👧 Is This the Right Ride for You?
Perfect for:
- Families with young children
- Visitors looking for a shorter, engaging activity
- History and railroad enthusiasts
- First-time TVRM guests
- Travelers with limited time in Chattanooga
You may want a different ride if you’re looking for:
- Sweeping mountain or river scenery → Hiwassee Loop
- A full-day excursion → Copperhill Special
- A dining experience onboard → Dinner Train
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the actual train ride?
The train is in motion for about 30 minutes total — approximately 15 minutes each direction. The remaining time is spent at the turntable and restoration shop, which are key parts of the experience.Why is there a stop in the middle of the ride?
The locomotive must be turned for the return trip. During this stop, guests can enjoy a live turntable demonstration and a guided visit inside our active restoration shop.Can I stay on the train during the stop?
Yes. Guests who prefer not to participate in the off-train activities are welcome to remain onboard the train during this portion of the experience.Is the restoration shop safe for children?
Yes. The restoration shop visit is a guided, family-friendly experience designed to be safe and engaging for guests of all ages.Can we bring our pet on the train?
Only service animals — defined as dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities — are permitted on board.
Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.Is this ride scenic?
This is a historic urban rail experience featuring bridges, a pre–Civil War tunnel, rail yards, and preserved equipment. It is not a mountain or river-gorge route. For panoramic scenery, we recommend the Hiwassee Loop or Copperhill Special excursions. -
🚂 Cab Ride Experience: Ride Along with the Crew
Step into the cab of a working locomotive and experience railroading from the crew’s perspective. This limited, behind-the-scenes upgrade offers an unforgettable look at how trains are operated — perfect for railfans and thrill-seekers alike.
🚆 Steam Locomotive Cab Ride
- Cost: $55 (one-way) | $80 (round trip)
- Age requirements:
- Ages 12–14 must ride with an accompanying adult
- Ages 15+ may ride unaccompanied
- Rider limit: Two riders per trip
🚆 Diesel Locomotive Cab Ride
- Cost: $35 (one-way) | $50 (round trip)
- Age requirements:
- Ages 10–14 must ride with an accompanying adult
- Ages 15+ may ride unaccompanied
- Rider limit: Two riders per trip
⚠️ Important Information
- Dress code: Long pants (no rips or holes) and closed-toe shoes are required
- Safety gear: Protective eyewear and earplugs are provided at check-in
- Availability: Cab rides are first-come, first-served and cannot be prebooked
- Guests who do not meet dress or safety requirements will not be permitted to ride in the cab
Experience the power, precision, and teamwork of locomotive operations up close — an unforgettable upgrade to your Missionary Ridge Local ride.
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🎟️ Discounts & Special Offers
Available Discounts
Discounts are offered for Seniors, AAA members, Military personnel, and First Responders on the Missionary Ridge Local.How to redeem:
These discounts must be redeemed by phone or in person.
Call (423) 894-8028 or visit our Grand Junction Depot ticket office at
4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Discounts are not available for online purchase.
🎂 Birthday Special
Enjoy a free Missionary Ridge Local ride or complimentary exhibit admission on your birthday.
Celebrate with us and choose either:
- One free Missionary Ridge Local train ride, or
- Free admission to our exhibit building
How to redeem:
This offer is available in person only at the ticket office or exhibit building. Simply present a valid ID.Terms & Conditions:
- Valid on your birthday only
- One complimentary ride or exhibit visit per guest
- Offer cannot be redeemed online or through other channels
Acceptable ID for children:
- Birth certificate
- School ID showing birthdate
- Passport
- Any government-issued ID with the child’s name and birthdate
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🎟️ Using Your Annual Pass or Membership
If you’re a TVRM Annual Pass holder or member, you can ride the Missionary Ridge Local for free, and booking online is quick and simple.
✅ How to Book Your Free Ride Online
- Go to the booking page
Visit: tvrail.com/train-rides/missionary-ridge-local
Click “Book Now” for your preferred date and time. - Enter your Member ID
At the top of the booking screen, enter your Member ID where prompted and click Apply.
Your member pricing (including $0 adult tickets) will appear automatically. - Select your tickets
Choose the number of free or discounted tickets you need.
Example: “Adults – Unlimited rides on the Missionary Ridge Local” = $0
Eligible guest discounts will be applied automatically. - Complete checkout
Add tickets to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Use the same email address associated with your membership to confirm your benefits.
You’ll receive a confirmation email to show at check-in.
🚨 Helpful Tips
- You can use your Annual Pass immediately after purchase — no physical card required
- Need assistance? Email [email protected] or call (423) 894-8028
- Go to the booking page
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TVRM may substitute motive power (steam or diesel), equipment, or departure times due to operational or mechanical considerations. These adjustments ensure a safe and reliable experience and do not change the core Missionary Ridge Local experience, including live narration, the turntable demonstration, and restoration shop access.