Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Irish Delights & Historic Train Rides

This St. Patrick’s Day, step away from the conventional celebrations and embark on a journey of cultural richness and nostalgia with the “Missionary Ridge Local.” Ideal for those seeking a distinctive way to commemorate this festive day, this experience merges the charm of a train ride with box of chocolate treats.

As a renowned and well-loved train route, the Missionary Ridge Local is celebrated for providing extraordinary experiences. This St. Patrick’s Day special event is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that every aspect, from the box of chocolate treats to the cozy seating, contributes to an unforgettable experience.

For just $36 per guest, this unique event promises not only a selection of box of chocolate treats but also a safe and enchanting journey on one of the most historic train routes. Your journey begins at 8:00 PM, offering the perfect evening backdrop for cultural immersion and relaxation.

This St. Patrick’s Day, opt for an exceptional way to honor Irish heritage. Whether it’s savoring box of chocolate treats on a historical train ride or enjoying the festive atmosphere in a historical setting, the Missionary Ridge Local ensures a night filled with cultural celebration, history, and memorable moments.

- 15 minute trip to East Chattanooga Depot – 3 miles
- 25 minutes for turntable demonstration (left side of map) and backshop tour (left side of map)
- 15 minute return trip to Grand Junction – 3 miles
- A 6-mile roundtrip ride
- A tour guide who will discuss local history and railroad operations
- Crossing of the Chickamauga Creek bridge
- Pass through our pre-Civil War tunnel, completed in 1858
- A demonstration of our turntable, turning the locomotive around for the return trip
The term “Local” refers to shorter trains that were once a lifeline to small towns along the railroad. Local trains featured frequent stops and services that included mail delivery, shipping of local produce, meat and dairy products, and for some children, even their daily ride to school!

Imagine as you stand on the platform as the train arrives… the train rolls to a stop with the ground rumbling beneath your feet, you feel a mounting sense of anticipation. The conductor calls the long-awaited signal: “Board!” Excitement builds as passengers scurry to their seats, looking forward to a relaxing trip aboard the train, on to their next destination. This was a regular occurrence 100 years ago… and it still is today on the Missionary Ridge Local!

Missionary Ridge Local trips begin at the Grand Junction depot and take passengers along one of the original railroad lines into Chattanooga, crossing bridges and diving through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel before arriving at the other side of our museum, East Chattanooga.

The train stops at East Chattanooga, allowing riders off the train to watch the locomotive rotating on a turntable and participate in a tour of the railroad restoration shop before re-boarding for the return trip. Round trip time is slightly less than one hour – a great introductory train ride for kids!

Our wheel shop is unique because it is the only place in North America where all three of these machines can be found under one roof. Our shop is home to a 90” diameter wheel lathe, a journal lathe and quartering machine, all manufactured by the Niles Company.

To date, approximately two dozen different steam locomotives have had their wheels repaired in our wheel shop, and we’ll list a few here: TVRM 610, SOU 630, SOU 4501, WMSR 1309, ARR 557, MIlW 261, UP 844, BC&G 4, GW 75, CP 2816, NCSL 576, USSC 148 and quite a few others.
Join our engineer in the cab of the locomotive for the ultimate train ride experience!

Steam locomotive: $55 for one-way ride and $80 round trip ride per person. Limit two riders per trip; age: 12-14 accompanied with an adult, 15 and up unaccompanied.

Diesel Locomotive: $35 for one-way ride and $50 round trip ride per person. Limit two riders per trip; minimum age 10-14 accompanied by an adult, 15 and up unaccompanied.

**All cab riders are required to wear long pants without rips or holes and close-toed shoes. Protective eyewear and earplugs will be available at check-in.

All cab ride tickets are first-come, first-served. Cab riders without long pants without rips or holes and close-toed shoes will not be permitted to ride in the cab.
Starting in Chattanooga, our trips are based out of the 4119 Cromwell Road location. This includes any North Georgia routes going to Chickamauga or Summerville!
Historic rail cars and stations were built before the advent of accommodations for individuals with special needs. Our passenger cars and Summerville station were not designed to safely accommodate wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes the limitations of such historic rail equipment and expressly exempts trains and stations of this type from accessibility requirements. Though we cannot accommodate wheelchair use or access within our historical passenger cars, all persons who are able to board the train themselves and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcomed and encouraged to ride.
TVRM reserves the right to substitute equipment or motive power and to alter published fares, times of operation, and destination as mechanical or operating conditions require, without notice.
2025 Missionary Ridge Local

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Hubs and I did the Missionary Ridge Train ride during a quick stop in Chattanooga for the holidays. Emily N.

Hubs and I did the Missionary Ridge Train ride during a quick stop in Chattanooga for the holidays. The train was more for him than me, but we both had a phenomenal time! Not only are all the employees helpful and kind, they experience is incredibly informative and interesting. I suggest if there are only 2 people in your party to ride in the cab of the train. We rode with the engineer who drives and it took our experience to the next level. Joe the engineer told us a plethora of extra info about the trim, TVRM, and you get to ride in the lead train car while it turns around at the turn around spot. So cool! Also, check out the exhibit they have in the depot area. Loads of info and cool things to check out!

– Google Review

A great stop for train enthusiasts. Susan M

A great stop for train enthusiasts. Nicely restored locomotives and passenger cars. The missionary ridge train ride is pleasant and informative.

– Google Review

We took the Missionary Risge train ride today and loved it. Pat O

We took the Missionary Risge train ride today and loved it. The entire way to East Ridge the conductor gives a narrated tour of the history of the trains we are on as well as the area. This is followed by a narrated demonstration of the turn table which rotates the train for the ride back. It was fun, informative, and scenic. Will be recommending to friends and family when they visit.

– Google Review