All railway museums to visit in Tennessee

Make a historic journey through railway history at 7 museums in Tennessee dedicated to trains and railroads. These museums celebrate the development and impact of rail transport.

Are you a train enthusiast? Here are the best railway museums in Tennessee:

  1. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum1

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

     Chattanooga, TN
    The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a significant heritage site located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was established in 1960 by Paul H. Merriman, Robert M. Soule, Jr., and a group of local railway preservationists. The founders aimed to preserve steam locomotives and railway equipment for future historical display and use.
  2. Tennessee Central Railway Museum2

    Tennessee Central Railway Museum

     Nashville, TN
    The Tennessee Central Railway Museum (TCRM) is a non-profit organization situated in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of rail transport in Tennessee and the central South. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history and significance of rail transport in the region.
  3. Newbern Depot Museum3

    Newbern Depot Museum

     Newbern, TN
    The Newbern Depot, also known as the Newbern Illinois Central Depot or the Newbern-Dyersburg station, is a unique combination of an Amtrak station and a museum located in Newbern, Tennessee. This historic building, constructed by the Illinois Central Railroad in 1920, serves as a testament to the rich railroading history of the region. It is an unstaffed flag stop on the City of New Orleans route, serving Newbern and the nearby town of Dyersburg when passengers have tickets to and from the station.
  4. Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum4

    Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum

     Fayetteville, TN
    The Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum offers a vast exhibit space of 33,000 square feet. This allows for a wide range of exhibits and displays, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local history and culture. The spacious layout ensures a comfortable and engaging visit for all.
  5. Cookeville Depot Museum5

    Cookeville Depot Museum

     Cookeville, TN
    The Cookeville Railroad Depot, constructed by the Tennessee Central Railway in 1909, played a significant role in Cookeville's history until the 1950s when passenger train service to the city was discontinued. This historical site, which is now home to the Cookeville Depot Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past and the importance of rail travel during that era.
  6. Clement Railroad Hotel Museum6

    Clement Railroad Hotel Museum

     Dickson, TN
    The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum is a significant historical site in Tennessee. It is housed in the Hotel Halbrook State Historic Site, which is managed by the Governor Frank G. Clement Railroad Hotel and Historical Museum Corporation, Inc. This museum is one of the few remaining examples of a railroad hotel in the state, making it a unique destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  7. 7

    Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

     Murfreesboro, TN
    The Discovery Center, located near downtown Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a unique combination of a children's museum, nature center, and wetlands boardwalk. It offers a variety of exhibits and activities that cater to the interests of children and adults alike. The center is designed to provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors, with a focus on exploration and discovery.