Railroad History and Heritage

Celebrate the 155th Golden Spike Day at TVRM Today at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, we honor the 155th Golden Spike Day with our version of the famous photograph by A.J. Russell. The golden spike is the ceremonial, 17.6-karat gold, final spike driven by Leland Stanford to join the rails of the first transcontinental railroad…

Ride the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad for a One of the Most Beautiful Train Rides in East Tennessee This train ride takes you on the historic Hook & Eye Loop where you will experience one of the few train journeys in North America that circles over itself while climbing Bald Mountain! Choose Your Journey: The…

Mother’s Day Twilight Train Ride With Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a twilight train ride? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites you to join a special 8 PM journey featuring Steam Star Number 630, a magnificent 120-year-old locomotive, ferrying riders and moms for a memorable evening ride….

Celebrate Special Days with the Chickamauga Turn At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, we love it when guests celebrate their special days with us! Recently, the crew of the Chickamauga Turn had the pleasure of hosting a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary. Their joyous occasion made the ride to and from Chickamauga extra special. Ride…

All aboard! The Tennessee Valley Model Railroad (TVMRi) is hosting an open house today from 10 am to 3 pm, and admission is absolutely free. Located in the basement of the main office building, the TVMR offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate world of model railroading. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or a curious…

All Aboard for a Memorable Weekend! Another great weekend for train rides is here! At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, we’re excited to offer you plenty of opportunities for memory-making adventures: The Missionary Ridge Local Experience a journey back in time aboard the Missionary Ridge Local, featuring our 120-year-old steam engine #630. This round-trip ride…

Behind the scenes: Forklift Certification Training At the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), our commitment to preserving the rich traditions of the railway system extends beyond mere exhibitions and ride experiences. This week, we underscored this commitment by conducting comprehensive forklift training for our team, a critical component of our behind-the-scenes operations that ensures both…

Embark on a Timeless Train Journey This Weekend at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum This weekend, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers more than just a train ride—it provides a gateway into the rich tapestry of railroading history. As we gear up for a picturesque weekend, the iconic 120-year-old steam locomotive #630 will take center…

Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration In the realm of railroad restoration, the old adage, “One person’s junk could be another’s treasure,” takes on a profound significance. The quest for preservation often leads us to unexpected places, uncovering hidden gems that are crucial for keeping the rich tapestry of railroad history alive. Over…

Have you ever imagined dining in an environment steeped in tradition and charm? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers just that with its unique Dinner Train and the special Dinner in the Depot events. What can guests expect from the Dinner Train’s special menu? From March 15th to 17th, the Dinner Train, departing from Grand…