If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, memory-making, grin-inducing family adventure, let me just spill the sweet Southern tea—you don’t have to spend a dime to have a blast! We had ourselves a FUN (and FREE!) day at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and let me tell you, it was a hit with the whole crew.
We climbed aboard a real, old-fashioned train (yep, the kind that makes those delightful choo-choo sounds). The train we rode was celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year.
Once we arrived at Missionary Ridge's train Depot, the engine was disconnected from the rest of the train and rolled forward to the turn table at the end of the track. They positioned the engine, flipped a switch, then the table turned. Once the engine was facing the correct direction they began connecting the engine to the rest of the train.
Allowing us time to walk around. Rows upon rows of vintage trains filled the space; some resembled movie props, others, works in progress. The tour guide walked us into the train garage. Stories of several old trains were recounted there. Once our train was reconnected we heard the famous calling — ALL ABOARD. We re-boarded the train and enjoyed the short 15 minute train ride back to the main depot. Crossing over water and traveling through a tunnel.
While the train was getting ready for the next departure, we watched the conductor preforms his safety checks on the train. Everyone’s eyes lit up when we saw our train blow steam. It’s like stepping back in time!
The train museum is located on the same property as the main depot. It is a short 5 minute walk or you can drive up the museums. Inside the museum, there were plenty of old train fixtures to check out, and yes, we touched every button (don’t worry; we were allowed).
Now, the burning question—how was it FREE? Here’s the magic: our local library, the Sequatchie County Public Library, has a family pass that gets you into the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at no cost. All you need is your library card! (If you don’t have one yet, what are you even doing with your life?) You can check out the pass just like a book, and you get to keep it for an entire week.
I’m telling you, if you’re sleeping on this deal, you’re seriously missing out. It’s perfect for a staycation, an easy summer day trip, or even when family is in town visiting. And let’s be honest, finding something fun to do that doesn’t drain your wallet feels like winning the mom jackpot.
So next time the kids chant “I’m bored,” skip the pricey outings and head to the library instead—you might just find your next adventure hidden between the shelves!
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