Missionary Ridge Local
Our most frequent service - Daily in season! Missionary Ridge Local trips begin at the Grand Junction Station and take passengers along one of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga, crossing four bridges and passing through pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, which was completed in 1858.
The train stops at East Chattanooga, allowing riders to see the locomotive rotating on a turntable and participate in a tour into the railroad restoration shop before re-boarding for the return trip. Round trip time is slightly less than an hour.
The term “Local” refers to short line trains that were at one time a lifeline to the world from small towns around the nation. As the train rolls to a stop with the ground rumbling under your feet you feel mounting anticipation. The conductor calls the long awaited signal: “All Aboard!” Excitement builds as passengers scurry to their seats. This was a regular occurrence 100 years ago…as it is today!
Buy Tickets at Chattanooga Grand Junction - No Reservations Necessary!
Cost
Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children age 3-12. There is no charge for children age 2 and under. Tickets are purchased as walk-up only on the day of the trip. The boarding location is Grand Junction Station. Check calendar for dates of operation.
2013 Schedule
January: Trains depart every Saturday at 10:40 & 12:05.
February: Trains depart every Saturday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
March: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Beginning on March 13, trains also depart on Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Note: CLOSED on Easter Sunday, March 31.
April: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Note: Day Out With Thomas will be held on April 27 & 28 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule.
May: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35 Trains also depart on Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Note: Day Out With Thomas will be held on May 4, 5 & 11 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule. Beginning on May 27, trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
June: Trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
July: Trains depart daily at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35.
August: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart weekdays on Aug 1 & 2 at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Beginning on August 6, trains depart on weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) at 10:40 & 12:05.
September: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35 (also Labor Day Monday, Sept 2.) Trains also run on Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05. Notes: Railfest will be held on Sept 7 & 8 including an expanded Missionary Ridge Local schedule -- all passengers must purchase Railfest admission here rather than individual Missionary Ridge Local tickets.)
October: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05.
November: Trains depart every Saturday & Sunday at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15, 2:25 & 3:35. Trains also depart on Fridays at 10:40 & 12:05 except Friday, Nov 29 when trains depart at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15 & 2:25. On days featuring North Pole Limited service in the evening, Missionary Ridge Local trains do not depart at 3:35.
December: Trains depart on Saturdays at 10:40, 12:05, 1:15 & 2:25.