
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.