RAILS, WIZARDS & SPELLS

Description

Step into a world of magic with the “Rails, Wizards & Spells” train experience! Begin your adventure with a walk through the Enchanted Forest leading into Wizards Way Village. Here you’ll discover handcrafted wands, spell-holding charms, seasonal treats, and—new this year—hay rides! Afterwards, board the train at Platform 4 ½ for a spellbinding ride to Chamberlain Crossing Station. Deboard to enjoy a live potion-creation demonstration and witness the turning of the engine before returning to Grand Junction.

What’s Included

• Roundtrip train ride from Grand Junction to Chamberlain Crossing Station
• Access to Wizards Way Village and Enchanted Forest walk
• Interaction with visiting professors, including Professor Americus Hillmore

What’s Not Included

• Personal wizarding items such as wands, charms, or spellbooks
• Food and beverages (available for purchase at Wizards Way Village)
• Wizard-themed merchandise and souvenirs (available for purchase)

Itinerary

1. Arrival at Grand Junction Depot
   • Check in at the depot before your adventure begins.
2. Enchanted Forest Walk
   • Stroll through a mystical forest leading to Wizards Way Village.
3. Wizards Way Village
   • Shop for magical items, enjoy seasonal treats, and try this year’s new hay rides.
4. Board the Train at Platform 4 ½
   • All aboard for a magical train ride with our wizard professors.
5. Chamberlain Crossing Station
   • Enjoy a live potion demonstration and watch the engine turn on the historic turntable.
6. Return Journey to Grand Junction
   • Reboard the train for your return trip.

Highlights

• Immersive Wizarding Experience
  • A magical adventure designed for wizards and apprentices of all ages.
• Enchanted Forest Walk
  • Step into the story with a mystical walk through the forest path.
• Wizards Way Village
  • Discover shops with handcrafted wands, charms, spellbooks, and magical novelties.
• Magical Train Ride
  • Board at Platform 4 ½ for a ride full of wizarding fun and storytelling.
• Engine Demonstration
  • See the locomotive turned at Chamberlain Crossing before the return trip.

At Wizards Way Village, visitors can immerse themselves in magical shops and attractions:

• Ye Old Wand Shoppe: Choose your perfect custom wand or browse mystical accessories.
• Track Side Mercantile: Stock up on enchanted trinkets, spellbooks, and potion kits.
• Magical Sundries & Novelties: Find whimsical keepsakes and collectibles for every wizard.
• Fun Stations & Magical Activity: Explore festively decorated village buildings—you might even spot a haint!
• Over-Sized Outdoor Games: Challenge friends to giant Jenga, chess, bean bag toss, and more.
• Hay Rides: New this year! Enjoy a gentle hay ride from the village down to Chickamauga Creek and back.

Check-in Details

• Arrival Time: Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding at Grand Junction Depot.
• Location: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for seasonal weather and wizarding fun
• Your favorite wizard or witch costume (encouraged but not required)
• Camera or phone to capture magical memories
• Personal items you may need for a one-hour adventure

Special Requirements

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Please notify us in advance of any accessibility needs so we can best accommodate your visit.

Restrictions

• Some walking is required through the Enchanted Forest and Wizards Way Village.
• Accessible seating is limited; please reserve in advance if needed.

Extras

• Wizard Merchandise
  • Handcrafted wands, charms, and other magical souvenirs available for purchase at Wizards Way Village.
• Seasonal Treats
  • Food, beverages, and themed goodies available for purchase throughout the event.
• Hay Rides
  • New this year! Enjoy a gentle hay ride to Chickamauga Creek and back (tickets sold separately).

Disclaimers

• The event operates rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
• Merchandise, seasonal treats, and add-on activities (such as hay rides or Wizard Tea) are not included in the base ticket price.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the operating hours for Wizards Way Village?
   • Fridays: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
   • Saturdays: 2:30 PM – 10:00 PM
   • Sundays: 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
2. Are there special activities or performances during the train ride?
   • Yes! Passengers will meet Professors Americus Hillmore and Dahlia Jade, who bring the magic to life with interactive fun and storytelling.
3. Are food and drink options available?
   • Yes. Seasonal treats are available for purchase at Wizards Way Village. On select dates, you can also reserve a ticket for the Potions & Spells Special-Tea, served at 3:30 PM with a wizarding twist.
4. Is parking available at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum?
   • Yes, free parking is available for all guests attending the event.
5. Can we bring our own wands and wizard costumes?
   • Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to bring their wands and wear wizarding costumes to enhance the magical atmosphere.
6. Are restroom facilities available?
   • Yes, restrooms are located at both Grand Junction Depot and Chamberlain Crossing Station.
7. How long is the train ride and the full experience?
   • The train ride is about 15 minutes to Chamberlain Crossing, 20 minutes at the station, and 15 minutes back to Grand Junction. Including time in the Enchanted Forest and Wizards Way Village, plan for about 2.5 hours total.
8. Is the event accessible for guests with disabilities?
   • The pathway through the Enchanted Forest and Wizards Way Village is packed gravel. Limited accessible seating is available on the train. Please contact us in advance with specific needs so we can best assist you.
9. Can we buy tickets on the day of the event?
   • Advance purchase is strongly recommended as trains often sell out. A limited number of same-day tickets may be available but are subject to availability.
10. What is the refund policy?
    • All sales are final. Guests who purchase Trip Protection (15% of ticket price) may cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund minus the Trip Protection fee. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] or via text to 423-894-8028. Trip Protection cannot be added after booking.
11. Is there event-exclusive merchandise?
    • Yes! Handcrafted wands, limited-edition T-shirts, stickers, and other magical items are available only at Wizards Way Village.
12. Will there be photo opportunities with the professors?
    • Yes. Guests will have opportunities to take photos with Professor Americus Hillmore and other characters during the event.

About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.