Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum displays steam locomotives, diesel engines, and vintage passenger cars across outdoor grounds and indoor buildings. Many of the engines still run and can be seen working during operational demonstrations and rides.

The museum started in 1960 when railroads were declining as cars and airplanes took over American transportation. Local enthusiasts collected locomotives and equipment to keep this railroad heritage alive.

The railroad shaped how people in the region moved and worked for more than a century. You can see the craftsmanship in the locomotives and learn how rail workers lived daily lives tied to these machines.

The grounds are easy to navigate with paths that let you get close to the locomotives and equipment. You can walk at your own pace or join a guided tour to learn details about specific machines and their features.

You can actually ride behind working steam and diesel engines that pull real passenger cars, not just view parked machines. These operational train rides are rare in Tennessee and turn a museum visit into a memorable experience.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1960

Website: http://tvrail.com

GPS coordinates: 35.06670,-85.20640

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32