Best Train Journeys Around the World in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Knoxville, United States, Knoxville, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Best Train Journeys Around the World

Best Train Journeys Around the World in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

1. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Experience the beautiful Smoky Mountains on a vintage train with various routes and themes like Polar Express and Murder Mystery Dinner.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
  • Variety of Themes: Provides a range of experiences from family-friendly adventures to romantic dinner trains.
  • Historic Trains: Operates historic locomotives, providing a unique step back into time.

2. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Railway Museum

Learn about the history of railroads and electricity at this museum featuring exhibits, historic trains, and a model railroad layout.
  • Educational Experience: Offers insight into the role of TVA in shaping modern electricity use.
  • Historic Trains: Houses a collection of historic trains and artifacts.
  • Model Railroad Layout: Features an extensive model railroad layout, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in miniature train worlds.

3. Cumberland Mountain Scenic Railway

Enjoy a scenic journey through the Cumberland Mountains on a steam-powered heritage train with various packages like dining trains.
  • Steam Powered: Operates steam-powered locomotives, offering a classic railroad experience.
  • Cumberland Mountains Scenery: Provides stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America.
  • Dining Trains: Offers dining options like BBQ and chicken on selected trains, creating a memorable experience.

4. Iron Mountain Railroad

Ride the Iron Mountain Limited, a vintage train traveling through beautiful landscapes and historic tunnels.
  • Historic Tunnels: Transverses several historic tunnels, some dating back to the early 1900s.
  • Vintage Train Experience: Offers a unique vintage train experience on board the Iron Mountain Limited.
  • Scenic Beauty: Travels through picturesque valleys and over mountain passes, showcasing the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

5. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Ski Area and Amusement Park: Access to skiing in winter, and an amusement park with attractions like an alpine slide and chairlift rides.
  • Nature Observation: Opportunity to observe wildlife and the natural environment from a unique perspective.

6. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Travel through North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains on a vintage train with various routes and themes like dinner trains.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the most scenic areas in the U.S.
  • Variety of Themes: Provides a range of experiences from family-friendly adventures to romantic dinner trains.
  • Historic Trains: Operates historic locomotives, providing a unique step back into time.

7. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Extension

Extend your journey on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad by connecting to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia.
  • Combined Experience: Allows you to experience both railroads for a longer, more comprehensive journey.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers continued scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Variety of Themes: Provides a range of experiences from family-friendly adventures to romantic dinner trains.

8. Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway (NC&StL)

Experience a piece of railroad history by visiting the NC&StL Depot Museum in Chattanooga.
  • Historical Significance: Preserves the legacy of one of the most significant railroads in U.S. history.
  • Artifacts and Exhibits: Displays artifacts, photographs, and exhibits related to the NC&StL Railway.
  • Interactive Learning: Provides interactive learning opportunities, including a model railroad layout.

9. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Take a steep incline railway ride up Lookout Mountain for panoramic views of seven states and Rock City.
  • Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of seven states and notable landmarks.
  • Rock City Access: Offers easy access to Rock City, a popular tourist attraction on Lookout Mountain.
  • Historic Railway: Operates one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, providing a unique experience.

10. Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

Stay at this historic hotel that was once a railroad terminal, now offering a variety of amenities and dining options.
  • Historic Accommodation: Provides a unique accommodation experience in a historic railroad terminal.
  • Dining Options: Offers various dining options, including the famous Terminal Station Restaurant.
  • Convenient Location: Located in downtown Chattanooga, offering easy access to local attractions and nightlife.

11. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Trolley Tour

Learn about the Civil War's Battles for Chattanooga on a trolley tour of the national military park.
  • Historical Education: Provides insight into the pivotal role Chattanooga played in the American Civil War.
  • Trolley Experience: Offers a relaxing and educational trolley tour experience.
  • Scenic Beauty: Travels through scenic areas of the national park, showcasing its natural beauty.

12. Chattanooga's Riverfront Tram

Ride a modern cable car system along the Tennessee River for scenic views of downtown Chattanooga and attractions like Coolidge Park.
  • Scenic Views: Offers stunning, unobstructed views of downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River.
  • Attractions Access: Provides easy access to attractions like Coolidge Park and the Tennessee Aquarium.
  • Modern Transportation: Operates a modern cable car system, providing a smooth and efficient ride.

13. Diamond Caverns

Explore one of the most beautiful underground wonders in America with guided tours through stunning caverns.
  • Underground Wonders: Offers unique, subterranean experiences not found on the surface.
  • Guided Tours: Provides informative and safe guided tours through the caverns.
  • Stunning Beauty: Showcases stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.

14. Rock City Gardens of Wisdom

Discover hidden rock formations, gardens, and stunning views at Rock City, a unique attraction on Lookout Mountain.
  • Hidden Wonders: Reveals unique rock formations and natural wonders not found elsewhere.
  • Gardens and Landscapes: Features beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
  • Educational Experience: Offers insights into the region's geology, history, and folklore.

15. Lookout Mountain SkyCenter Observatory

Stargaze at the night sky through a powerful telescope from one of the highest points in the region.
  • Stargazing Experience: Offers an unparalleled stargazing experience with clear, dark skies.
  • Powerful Telescopes: Equipped with powerful telescopes for viewing celestial bodies.
  • Educational Opportunities: Provides educational opportunities about the night sky and astronomy.