Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Ride vintage trains on historical excursions, from wine tasting to festive holiday journeys. A unique way to experience Tennessee.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Excursions run on select days
Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Best Time
Excursions run on select days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride vintage trains on historical excursions, from wine tasting to festive holiday journeys. A unique way to experience Tennessee.
"LOVED THE TRAIN TO WATERTOWN!!! Everyone on board was amazing! Can’t wait to go again!!!"
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular train rides sell out fast! Plan ahead and book your tickets online to secure your spot. :ticket:
🍷 Wine Tasting Perks
Enjoy wine samples on board and purchase favorites. Watertown offers dining and shopping options. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wine Tasting Excursion
Nashville to Watertown
Sip local wines on a vintage train ride through scenic Tennessee landscapes. A perfect day trip for couples or groups.

Holiday Themed Rides
Downtown Nashville
Experience festive magic on Santa or North Pole excursions, with decorated cars and holiday cheer.

Vintage Train Cars
Museum and Excursions
Step back in time aboard beautifully preserved 1950s train cars. A unique historical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Excursions
Understand Excursion Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular train rides sell out fast! Plan ahead and book your tickets online to secure your spot.
:ticket:🍷 Wine Tasting Perks
Enjoy wine samples on board and purchase favorites. Watertown offers dining and shopping options.
:wine_glass:📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera for stunning photos of the vintage trains and scenic routes.
:camerawithflash:💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Consider upstairs seating for better views on some excursions.
:seat:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Excursions Early
Popular train rides sell out fast! Plan ahead and book your tickets online to secure your spot.
:ticket:🍷 Wine Tasting Perks
Enjoy wine samples on board and purchase favorites. Watertown offers dining and shopping options.
:wine_glass:📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera for stunning photos of the vintage trains and scenic routes.
:camerawithflash:💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Consider upstairs seating for better views on some excursions.
:seat:🚶 Explore Watertown
The stop in Watertown allows time for exploring local shops and restaurants.
:walking:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tennessee Central Railway Museum's excursions for their unique charm and engaging experiences, particularly the wine tasting and holiday rides. The vintage trains and dedicated volunteers are frequently highlighted as major draws, creating memorable journeys. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention that excursions can sell out quickly, emphasizing the need for advance booking.
"We went to Nashville for Labor Day Weekend and this is one of the things I chose for my husband and I to do. We did the wine tasting to Watertown. It was a a really nice day and it was interesting learning about the train from our train guide, George. He’s just a volunteer but knows everything about trains. Delmonico winery in Watertown brought wines around for the 2 hours ride to Watertown. Everyone seemed to be buying the blackberry wine at the end. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen an “off dry” wine label. We had a great day and met a new friend that we spoke with the whole trip."
Any Lab Test Now
"My wife and I recently took a Saturday wine tasting cruise and had a great time. This trip was about seven hours total, and you're in Watertown, TN for about 2 1/2 hours between directions. There are other types of tours you can take as well, so check the web site for those. The vintage train cars and such are amazing, and the staff was terrific. Joe, Will, and Matthew were on our car and did an excellent job. All in all a nice way to spend the day which I'm sure we'll do again in the future!"
Matt Collins
"We recently had the Wine Tasting Excursion and really enjoyed the trip. We selected the Dome Car and enjoyed the views.
Watertown is a small, pleasant stop. The Welcome Center next to Casa Amigos Restaurant gives some history of the town.
Casa Amigos is a great little Mexican restaurant. If you are looking for a meal after this train ride, having not partaking in the on board food offerings, exit the train quickly, and in fast fashion make your way to this restaurant ensuring quick table seating. Food is good, and service is fast.
After your lunch, Farmhouse Social has great coffee and/or ice cream if you like.
Great to see that Short Line train lines continue to exist."
Darryl McKoon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 220 Willow Street, Nashville, TN 37210. Excursions depart from this location or other designated points depending on the specific trip.
The museum is easily accessible by car from downtown Nashville. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often recommended.
Parking is typically available at or near the museum for visitors. It's advisable to check the museum's website for specific parking instructions on the day of your visit.
Yes, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers various excursions to different destinations throughout the year, often with themed events. Check their schedule for details.
While the museum strives to be accessible, vintage train cars can present challenges. It's best to contact the museum directly to discuss specific accessibility needs for excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for excursions are best purchased online through the Tennessee Central Railway Museum's official website. Popular rides sell out, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of excursion, seating class, and any special events. Visit the museum's website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, some excursions offer different seating options, such as dome cars or standard seating, which may affect the ticket price.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as excursions frequently sell out. Day-of purchases are not guaranteed.
Policies can vary, so it's important to review the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets. Contact the museum directly for specific questions about refunds or cancellations.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The museum preserves vintage railway equipment and offers historical theme-based train rides. You can explore the collection and enjoy unique excursions.
While specific guided tours might not be a daily offering, volunteers and staff are often available to share information about the trains and their history.
The museum houses a collection of vintage locomotives and passenger cars, including some dating back to the 1950s.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged, especially of the vintage trains and during excursions. Be mindful of any specific restrictions.
Excursion durations vary. The wine tasting trip to Watertown, for instance, is about seven hours total, including time in Watertown.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, many excursions, like the wine tasting, offer onboard food and beverage options, including wine sampling.
Watertown has several dining options, including Mexican restaurants like Casa Amigos and places for coffee and ice cream like Farmhouse Social.
It's best to check the specific policy for your excursion. Some may allow personal snacks, while others focus on onboard offerings.
Onboard menus can vary. For specific dietary needs, it's advisable to contact the museum or the winery/caterer in advance.
The wine tasting excursion features wines from local wineries, with options like blackberry wine being popular.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum grounds offer opportunities to photograph the vintage locomotives and cars. Excursions provide scenic backdrops along the rail lines.
Yes, you can generally take photos inside the vintage train cars, capturing the historical ambiance.
While generally permitted, be respectful of other passengers and avoid obstructing views or crew. Check for any specific guidelines on the day of your trip.
A camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing details from a distance. Wide-angle lenses can be great for showcasing the entire train.
You can find many photos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram using hashtags like #tennesseecentralrailwaymuseum, or by searching on Google Images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, the novelty of riding a real, historic train is often more memorable than any museum exhibit. The volunteers are typically very friendly and engaging with children, adding to the overall positive experience. It's a great way to introduce them to a piece of history in a fun and interactive way.
🍷 Couples & Wine Enthusiasts
This excursion offers a sophisticated yet relaxed way to enjoy wine and travel. It's a step above a typical winery visit, combining the charm of historical rail travel with the pleasure of tasting local vintages. It's also a great option for celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Beyond the excursions, the museum itself offers a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. Exploring the different cars and understanding their purpose provides a deep dive into the evolution of transportation. It’s a chance to connect with the past in a very real and engaging way.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Excursions
These excursions are a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Tennessee's countryside while enjoying the unique atmosphere of vintage rail travel. The volunteers and staff play a crucial role in making these trips memorable, often sharing their passion and knowledge about the trains and the routes. It's this blend of historical transport, engaging themes, and dedicated service that makes the excursions a standout attraction. Remember to book well in advance, as these popular events often sell out.
Preserving Railway Heritage
Through its educational programs and historical exhibits, the museum educates the public about the significant role railways played in the development of the region. Visitors can learn about the engineering marvels of these classic trains, the lives of the people who worked on them, and the impact they had on commerce and travel. The museum's commitment to preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate this important aspect of American history.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit