Best Train Journeys Around the World in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
1. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Step back in time on historic trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore restored vintage railcars and learn about railroading history.
- Authentic Experience: Ride in restored, authentic train cars dating back to the early 20th century.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the role of railroads in American history and their impact on Tennessee's development.
- Family-friendly: Fun for all ages, with various events throughout the year, including Thomas the Tank Engine Days.
2. Chattanooga Streetcar
Explore Chattanooga's vibrant downtown and neighborhoods aboard the charming electric streetcar. Discover local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Ride on an eco-friendly electric streetcar that reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
- Historic Preservation: Travel on a piece of Chattanooga's rich history, with the streetcar line originally established in 1895.
- Downtown Connection: Easy access to popular downtown attractions like the Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium.
3. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Climb Lookout Mountain in a vintage cable car on the world's steepest passenger railway. Enjoy stunning views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge.
- Engineering Marvel: Experience an engineering marvel, with a gradient of 72.7% - the steepest passenger railway in the world.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge from the summit of Lookout Mountain.
- Historic Significance: Ride on a National Historic Landmark, with the railway dating back to 1895.
4. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Embark on a scenic train journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. Explore quaint towns, breathtaking landscapes, and historic sites.
- Scenic Wonder: Take in stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala Gorge.
- Historic Sites: Visit historic sites like the Murphy North Carolina Depot and the Fontana Tunnel.
- Seasonal Experiences: Experience different seasons along your journey, with each offering unique sights and activities.
5. Cumberland Railway Museum
Delve into the rich history of railroading at the Cumberland Railway Museum. Explore restored locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses.
- Authentic Artifacts: View authentic artifacts from the golden age of railroading.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the role of railroads in Cumberland's development and their impact on the region.
- Interactive Experiences: Climb aboard restored locomotives, cabooses, and freight cars for a hands-on experience.
6. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Enjoy picturesque landscapes and quaint towns.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Toccoa River Gorge.
- Historic Preservation: Travel on a piece of railroad history, with the line dating back to 1894.
- Seasonal Experiences: Experience different seasons along your journey, with each offering unique sights and activities.
7. Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad Museum
Discover the rich railroading history between Nashville and Chattanooga at the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad Museum. Explore restored locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses.
- Authentic Artifacts: View authentic artifacts from the golden age of railroading.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the role of railroads in connecting Nashville and Chattanooga, and their impact on the region.
- Interactive Experiences: Climb aboard restored locomotives, cabooses, and freight cars for a hands-on experience.
8. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Trolley
Explore the historic Battlefield of Chickamauga and Chattanooga on a trolley tour. Learn about the pivotal role this battle played in the Civil War.
- Historic Significance: Visit one of the most significant Civil War battlegrounds.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the strategies, tactics, and events that unfolded during the battle.
- Family-friendly: Tour is suitable for all ages and offers a fun and educational experience.
9. Appalachian Excursion Train Ride
Journey through the picturesque Appalachian Mountains on the Appalachian Excursion Train Ride. Enjoy scenic beauty and historic sites.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Historic Preservation: Travel on a piece of railroad history, with the line dating back to 1879.
- Seasonal Experiences: Experience different seasons along your journey, with each offering unique sights and activities.
10. Ducktown Basin Museum
Explore the history of copper mining in Ducktown at the Ducktown Basin Museum. Learn about the mining process and the impact on the region.
- Mining History: Discover the history and process of copper mining in the area.
- Artifacts and Exhibits: View artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays about the mining industry.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the role of copper mining in Tennessee's development and its impact on the region.
11. Murphy's NC Railroad Museum
Discover the rich railroading history of Murphy, North Carolina at the Murphy's NC Railroad Museum. Explore restored locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses.
- Authentic Artifacts: View authentic artifacts from the golden age of railroading.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the role of railroads in connecting Murphy and surrounding areas, and their impact on the region.
- Interactive Experiences: Climb aboard restored locomotives, cabooses, and freight cars for a hands-on experience.
12. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Polar Express
Embark on a magical journey aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Polar Express. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and the tale of The Polar Express.
- Seasonal Experience: Celebrate the holiday season with a magical train ride.
- Family-friendly: A fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while enjoying your Polar Express adventure.
13. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Santa at the North Pole
Join Santa Claus on a magical journey aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Santa at the North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and holiday cheer.
- Seasonal Experience: Celebrate the holiday season with a magical train ride.
- Family-friendly: A fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains while enjoying your Santa at the North Pole adventure.
14. Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel's Trolley
Explore downtown Chattanooga on a trolley tour from the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel. Visit attractions like the Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium.
- Historic Preservation: Travel on a piece of railroad history, with the trolley line dating back to 1895.
- Downtown Connection: Easy access to popular downtown attractions like the Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium.
- Family-friendly: Tour is suitable for all ages and offers a fun and educational experience.
15. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Day Out with Thomas
Join Thomas the Tank Engine on a magical journey aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Day Out with Thomas. Enjoy storytelling, games, and train rides.
- Family-friendly: A fun and memorable experience for children of all ages.
- Seasonal Experience: Celebrate the classic children's story with a magical train ride.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while enjoying your Day Out with Thomas adventure.