It’s hard to imagine a city more closely linked to the railway than Chattanooga. We welcomed our first rail line in 1850, and the iron tracks crisscross our land like well-earned badges of honor. We owe a great deal of our city’s history to Chattanooga railroads. From famous songs to present-day attractions, the tracks run straight through the heart of our city. It’s time to get all aboard as we take you through some of our favorite stops of our Chattanooga railroads.
Chattanooga Railroads History
Our love affair with the railway began in the mid-1800s. Our premier central foothold in the country made us a desirable hub for rail travel. Eventually, our city was dubbed the “Gateway to the South” during the Civil War due to our developed rail lines. The rhythmic chug of the trains was a familiar symphony in our neck of the woods until a certain famous orchestra replaced it with an even better tune.
Chattanooga Choo Choo the Song
One of the most famous banners for Chattanooga railroads must be the infamous “Chattanooga Choo Choo” music. Glenn Miller’s song is about a steam locomotive that traveled from Cincinnati to Chattanooga. A newspaper reporter dubbed the train by its famous moniker, and the name lives on in infamy in Miller’s arrangement. The song was released in 1941 and is said to be a homage to the soldiers coming home from World War II. Today, the music is permanently a part of our city’s soundtrack, and you can find the lyrics to the song engraved on the sidewalk in front of the Tennessee Aquarium.
Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
The infamous Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel started as the Terminal Station, which serviced Chattanooga railroads from 1909 to 1970. Every southbound train passing through Chattanooga came through the historic Terminal Station. Millions of passengers began or ended their journey in our fair city.
In 1973, despite the history of the building, it was all but slated for demolition. That is until a group of local businessmen banded together to save it from its fate. They revamped the complex and reopened its doors as The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. It now features a beautiful hotel, multiple food and beverage outlets, music venues, a comedy club, a distillery, and retail opportunities. The commitment to preserving the building has helped land it on the National Register of Historic Places.
During your visit, take a stroll through the 2-acre Glenn Miller Gardens. This beautiful and tranquil area is where the 14 tracks and seven platforms came together to serve millions of passengers. You can play life-sized checkers, bocce ball or take in the day from the comfort of a rocking chair.
For those who love the nightlife, take a roll down Station Street. Enjoy live music, comedy, and good times all in one area. The street is one of two open-container streets in Tennessee, so you can feel free to stroll with a cold brew in hand.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
For a more authentic railway experience, go straight to the tracks. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum allows visitors a chance to return to when Chattanooga railroads were king. Return to the romance of the rail and enjoy your own ride on a locomotive.
Travel through the picturesque Hiwassee Loop and experience the corkscrew tracks up a mountain. Splurge on an 8-hour Copperhill Train Ride, which will take you to the former mining town of Copperhill. You can ride the Evening Ridge Runner train as the sun sets over the city. You’ll experience a 1940s, 50s, or 60s passenger car pulled by a genuine steam engine. The trains offer seasonal adventures, including Halloween and Christmas specialty trips. Grab a ride on the Fall Foliage train for a seasonal, scenic wonderland! And if those breathtaking views aren’t enough, our next option will certainly get your blood going!
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
The tagline for the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is “Discover America’s Most Amazing Mile.” One ride on this funicular rail, and you’ll see why it consistently tops the list of Chattanooga railroads. With a heart-pumping 73% grade near the top, the incline is one of the United States’ steepest and most awe-inspiring passenger railways.
When you reach the Top Station, you can enjoy the observation deck. It has some of the best panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley, so be sure to snap your selfies. You can also grab a snack or gift in the shop. And visit the various points of Civil War interest nearby.
The Urban Stack
Though technically not one of the Chattanooga railroads, we’re keeping it on the list because the Urban Stack lives in the historic Southern Railway passenger baggage building. The structure has existed since 1867 and serves some of the city’s best burgers and bourbon.
Take a ride on the flavor train with any of their delicious Angus burgers. Or tuck into their fried bologna sliders or hot pimento cheese dip. You can wash it all down with one of their hand-picked bourbons and whiskies. As you dine, you can gaze at the gorgeous exposed-brick building and imagine past travelers’ Chattanooga adventures.
The heartbeat of America kept its rhythm on our Chattanooga railroad tracks. Discover this treasured pulse of American history on your next visit to our beautiful city. Contact us, and we’ll help you get all aboard.
