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Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: A Journey Through Time

Experience railway history firsthand with vintage train rides, exhibits, and special events at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga.

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The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga offers a unique opportunity to experience railway history firsthand. Founded in 1961, the museum features vintage trains, locomotives, and railcars, providing scenic rides and educational exhibits for all ages.

A brief summary to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the schedule of train rides and special events, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Visit during Steam Season (mid-March to mid-October) for the chance to ride behind a powerful steam engine on weekends.
  • Allow extra time to explore the exhibits and restoration shop in addition to your train ride.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance, especially for popular events like the North Pole Limited during the holiday season.
  • Arrive early to allow time to park and explore the museum before your scheduled departure.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Chattanooga, take I-24 East to I-75 North. Take Exit 4 for Highway 153 and then Exit 3 for Jersey Pike. Turn left onto Jersey Pike, then immediately turn right onto Cromwell Road. The museum is about 1/3 of a mile on the right. Ample free parking is available.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chattanooga, take CARTA bus route #19 to Grand Junction on weekdays (no weekend service). Check the CARTA website for the most up-to-date route information. A single ride fare is $1.75.

  • Rideshare

    Use a rideshare app such as Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum' or the address '4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421' as your destination. The ride is approximately 15-20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $15-25.

Unlock the Best of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

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Discover more about Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Step back in time at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), where the golden age of railroading comes to life. Established in 1961 by local railway enthusiasts, the museum is dedicated to preserving and operating historic railway equipment. TVRM is located a short drive from downtown Chattanooga. Explore a wide array of vintage trains and railcars, including steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. The museum operates passenger trains on the original East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia roadbed. Experience the thrill of riding through history on excursions like the Missionary Ridge Local, which takes you through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, or the Hiwassee Loop, a scenic route through the Hiwassee Gorge. In addition to train rides, TVRM features exhibits and special displays, including a new exhibit building. Visit the restoration shop to see how volunteers maintain and restore these classic locomotives. Special events, such as dinner trains and holiday-themed rides, offer unique and memorable experiences throughout the year. Chattanooga's rich railway history dates back to 1850, with the city serving as a strategic rail hub. TVRM not only preserves railway equipment but also provides educational programs and immersive experiences that highlight the region's history and culture.

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