Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga (must see)

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) offers a living history experience that takes visitors back to the golden age of rail travel. Founded in 1961 by a group of railroad preservationists, the museum was established to save, restore, and operate historic locomotives and train equipment. The museum is home to an impressive collection of vintage steam and diesel engines, some of which are still in operation today. TVRM allows visitors to step aboard fully restored passenger cars, explore a historic rail yard, and learn about Chattanooga's significant role in American railroad history. A highlight of the museum experience is the chance to ride an actual vintage train, bringing the past to life in a way that few other museums can.

One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the Missionary Ridge Local, a six-mile train ride that crosses three bridges and passes through the Civil War-era Missionary Ridge Tunnel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum also offers a range of special themed excursions, including the Christmas-themed North Pole Limited, dining train experiences, and even romantic evening rides. Families can delight in the Polar Express experience, where children can ride a train operated by costumed elves and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus.

Beyond its excursion rides, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum serves an educational purpose, preserving the legacy of the railroad industry and its impact on American history. Chattanooga was once a major rail hub, dating back to 1850 when the Western and Atlantic Railroad arrived, followed by the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad in 1858. The city’s strategic importance during the Civil War and its continued prominence as a transportation hub led to its association with the famous song “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” However, as interstates and air travel grew in the mid-20th century, passenger rail service declined.