Missionary Ridge Local

Ride a Vintage Short Line Train!

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Overview

Experience the nostalgia of the past while learning about local history on the Vintage Short Line Train. Starting at the Grand Junction Station, this journey takes you over four bridges and through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel. The 65-minute adventure includes a turntable demonstration and a brief tour of the TVRM restoration shop in East Chattanooga, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience. With a tour guide sharing local history throughout the journey, you'll pass through a historic horseshoe-shaped tunnel and witness the restoration of vintage trains. It's an experience not to be missed.

Quick Details

• **Duration:** 65 Minutes
• **Departure Location:** 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, TN

About

The term “Local” refers to shorter trains that were once a lifeline to small towns along the railroad. Local trains featured frequent stops and services, including mail delivery, shipping of local produce, meat, and dairy products, and for some children, their daily ride to school!

Imagine standing on the platform as the train arrives... the ground rumbles beneath your feet as the train rolls to a stop, and you feel a mounting sense of anticipation. The conductor calls the long-awaited signal: “Board!” Excitement builds as passengers scurry to their seats, looking forward to a relaxing trip aboard the train, heading to their next destination. This was a regular occurrence 100 years ago… and it still is today on the Missionary Ridge Local!

Highlights

• **Historical Journey:** Travel along one of the original railroad lines into Chattanooga, crossing bridges and passing through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel before arriving at East Chattanooga.
• **Turntable Demonstration:** Watch the locomotive being rotated on a turntable at East Chattanooga.
• **Restoration Shop Tour:** Participate in a brief tour of the railroad restoration shop.
• **Guided Experience:** Learn about local history and railroad operations from our knowledgeable tour guide.

Trip Details

Your 65-minute experience on the Missionary Ridge Local includes:

• A 6-mile roundtrip ride
• A tour guide who will discuss local history and railroad operations
• Crossing of the Chickamauga Creek bridge
• Passage through our pre-Civil War tunnel, completed in 1858
• A demonstration of our turntable, turning the locomotive around for the return trip
• A brief tour of our restoration facility

30-Minute Round Trip to East Chattanooga Depot and a 25-Minute Stop for Turntable Demonstration and Backshop Tour at East Chattanooga

Book Your Experience

Join us for a journey through history on the Vintage Short Line Train. Book your tickets today for an immersive and educational adventure!

🚂 **Missionary Ridge Local – Important Trip Information

Please arrive **at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure** to allow time for parking, ticket check-in, and boarding.

Check-In Location

Grand Junction Depot

4119 Cromwell Road

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Check-In Process

Please check in **by name at the Ticket Office inside the station building** when you arrive.

Boarding

Boarding typically begins **15–20 minutes prior to departure**. Our staff will assist you with boarding when it is time.

Seating

Seating is **first-come, first-served**. Staff will help groups sit together when possible.

Your Experience

• Your ticket includes **entry to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum exhibit building**.
• The trip includes a ride to **Missionary Ridge**, where the train performs a historic **turntable demonstration** before returning to Grand Junction.

Parking

Free parking is available at Grand Junction Depot.

📞 **Questions?** Call us at **423-894-8028

🌐 **tvrail.com

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the **Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum!