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Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was founded and incorporated in 1960 and 1961, respectively. Today, it remains the south’s largest historic railroad, whose primary mission and objective revolves around collecting railroad artifacts for preservation, interpretation, display, and operation in their original settings. The TVRM has been able to educate the public on the historical and developmental role of railroads in the South. Read below for more on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
About the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
The Western and Atlantic Railroad was the first rail line in Chattanooga. In 1958, the area’s development furthered, with the railway arriving in Virginia, East Tennessee, and Georgia. With the new rail network, more industries began to come up in the area. The railway provided Chattanooga with a strategic advantage during the civil war, thanks to the rail network, and gained popularity over time.
However, as interstates and airlines began to gain popularity, the need for passenger and freight transport by rail continued to decrease. Railroad museums were developed as a way to save railway transport. A group of residents bought passenger cars and steam engines and started the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to help preserve and restore railway equipment from the “Golden Age of Railroading.” Railroads such as Southern Railway also made donations, and through their input, the TVRM expanded its collection.
Today, when passengers are on the train, they live the experience of what it would be like to travel on the train. This historical experience is educational and provides insight into the railway’s role in creating the modern world.
Popular Train Rides at the TVRM
Family Favorite Day Out with Thomas
Day Out with Thomas is a unique family event in which they ride with the legendary Thomas and have a day enjoying themed activities. This is a yearly event, and during this time, the train will depart hourly, no matter the weather. The train runs every day between 9 am and 6 pm during the event. If you are wondering about the prices, the tickets start at $24 for all ages. However, you can book group tickets for $20 for groups of 20 and above in advance.
Missionary Ridge Local
This train ride is also suitable for all ages and is one of the most frequent service trips at TVRM. The ride begins at the Grand Junction Station and takes you through the pre-Civil War and four bridges. It takes an average of 1 hour to complete a trip. Throughout the journey, the tour guide will provide you with local historical knowledge to match the experience that locals had up to a century ago.
Hiwassee Loop
The Hiwassee Loop, just like the two train rides that we have mentioned above, is suitable for the whole family. The ticket costs differ depending on whether the passenger is an adult or child and the kind of ride expected. If you are over 13, you will pay $42, $30 for children under 12, and $93 to go through Algonquin Park and the Family Dome. You will pay $78 for the observation car, and the Loop Family 4 Pack will cost you $99.
No matter the time of the year, you will find these and many more train rides that will suit you.
Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
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