Quick Details
General Admission
Ages 2+ • Priced per person
$ 35
Experience Rails, Wizards & Spells!
Step into a world of wizarding fun – brand new for 2024 the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is bringing to life our first “Rails, Wizards and Spells” train experience. Your ticket includes entrance through the enchanted forest to Wizards Way where you can purchase fun wizardy items such as hand crafted wands, special charms to hold spells and tasty treats of the season. Then board the train at platform 4 1/2 for a ride to remember. Once you have arrived at Chamberlain Crossing Station you can deboard the train and enjoy more items available for purchase along with a demonstration turning the engine for the return trip to Grand Junction.
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Activity Details
Description
Step into a world of magic with the “Rails, Wizards, and Spells” train experience. Begin your journey by walking through the enchanted forest to Wizards Way Village, where you can purchase wizarding items, enjoy seasonal treats, and more. Afterwards, board the train at Platform 4 ½ for a magical ride to Chamberlain Crossing Station. Deboard to witness an engine demonstration and engage in more wizard-themed activities before returning to Grand Junction.
What’s Included
- Train ride from Grand Junction to Chamberlain Crossing Station
- Access to Wizards Way Village
- Interaction with our visiting wizard, Professor Americus Hillmore
What’s Not Included
- Personal wizarding items like wands or charms
- Food and drinks available at Wizards Way Village
- Wizard-themed merchandise available for purchase
Itinerary
- Arrival at Grand Junction Depot
- Meet at the depot and check in for your adventure.
- Enchanted Forest Walk
- Walk through the magical Enchanted Forest to Wizards Way Village.
- Wizards Way Village
- Explore the village, purchase wizarding items, and enjoy seasonal treats.
- Board the Train at Platform 4 ½
- Hop aboard for a magical train ride.
- Chamberlain Crossing Station
- Deboard to witness an engine-turning demonstration.
- Return Journey to Grand Junction
- Reboard the train for the return trip.
Highlights
- Immersive Wizarding Experience
- A magical adventure suitable for wizards and wizards in training of all ages.
- Enchanted Forest Walk
- Step into the story with a mystical walk through the enchanted forest.
- Wizards Way Village
- Handcrafted wands, charms, and magical items available for purchase.
- Magical Train Ride
- Board the train at Platform 4 ½ for a spellbinding journey.
- Engine Demonstration
- Witness the turning of the train’s engine at Chamberlain Crossing.
At Wizard Way, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical experience filled with uniquely themed shops offering enchanting items and experiences:
- Ye Old Wand Shoppe: This boutique specializes in custom-made wands, allowing visitors to choose a personalized wand perfect for their magical journey. The shop may also offer accessories and mystical items that complete a wizard’s collection.
- Track Side Mercantile: Visitors can expect to find enchanted trinkets, potions, spellbooks, and other collectibles to take home as part of their magical adventure.
- Magical Sundries and Novelties: This shop is sure to delight those looking for whimsical items and collectibles. It offers a variety of magical-themed novelties that add charm and fantasy to any wizard’s experience.
- Oddities & Commodities: Here, visitors can find specialty gifts and rare magical objects. The shop might feature odd and curious items that appeal to fans of all things mystical and unusual.
- What’s Your Poison: Offering tasty treats and magical libations, this food and drink stand provides themed snacks and beverages. Expect fantastical food options and beverages that are as fun and whimsical as the rest of the experience, with creative names and perhaps even glowing or color-changing drinks!
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Check-in Details
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding at Grand Junction Depot.
- Location: 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for wizarding activities
- Wear your favorite costume
- Camera to capture magical moments
- Personal items for a day of adventure
Special Requirements
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Please notify us in advance of any special accessibility needs.
Restrictions
- Not suitable for those with severe mobility issues due to limited walking spaces in certain areas.
- Not wheelchair accessible
Extras
- Wizard Merchandise
- Handcrafted wands, charms, and other magical items available for purchase at Wizards Way Village.
- Seasonal Treats
- Additional food and drinks available for purchase.
Disclaimers
- The event takes place rain or shine.
- Seasonal treats and merchandise are not included in the ticket price.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the operating hours for Wizards Way Village?
- Fridays: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturdays: 2:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sundays: 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Are there any special activities or performances during the train ride?
- Yes, the train ride includes interaction with Professor Americus Hillmore, ensuring an enchanting experience for all passengers.
- Are there any food and drink options available during the event?
- Yes, there are various seasonal treats available for purchase in Wizards Way Village, and the “Spells and Potions Special Tea” ticket option includes a high tea experience with a wizarding twist.
- Is there parking available at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum?
- Yes, there is ample parking available at the museum for all guests attending the event.
- Can we bring our own wands and wizarding costumes?
- Absolutely! We encourage guests to bring their own wands and dress in wizarding costumes to enhance the magical atmosphere.
- Are there restroom facilities available?
- Yes, restroom facilities are available at both the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and Chamberlain Crossing Station.
- How long is the train ride and the entire experience?
- The train ride itself is 15 minutes to Chamberlain Crossing, 20 minutes at Chamberlain Crossing, and 15 minutes return to Grand Junction. The entire experience, including time spent in Wizards Way and Chamberlain Crossing Station, is around two and a half hours.
- Is the event accessible for guests with disabilities?
- The pathway through the enchanted forest and along Wizards Way is packed gravel. If you require any special accommodations, please contact us in advance.
- Can we buy tickets on the day of the event?
- While we recommend purchasing tickets in advance to secure your spot, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase on the day of the event, subject to availability.
- What is the refund policy for this event?
- All sales are final, and no refunds are issued. However, with Trip Protection (available for an additional 15% of your ticket price), you may cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund minus the Trip Protection fee. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@tvrail.com or via text to 423-894-8028. Trip Protection is not available for bookings made less than 24 hours in advance and cannot be added after your purchase.
- Is there any merchandise exclusive to this event?
- Yes, there are exclusive event-specific items, including hand-crafted wands, T-shirts, stickers, and more, available only at Wizards Way Village.
- Will there be any photo opportunities with Professor Americus Hillmore?
- Yes, guests will have the opportunity to take photos with Professor Americus Hillmore during the train ride.
- What are the operating hours for Wizards Way Village?
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About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.