Tweetsie Railroad Blog

From trick-or-treating and dance parties to haunted train rides and eerie forests, Ghost Train offers safe, scary fun for the whole family.

The restoration of Locomotive No. 12 has already taken us through careful disassembly and early repairs. While much of the work is still ahead, the next few months will be all about putting the pieces back together, step by step, until this historic engine is ready to steam again.

The Heart of the Restoration: If the boiler is the heart of a steam engine, then the firebox is its furnace, where coal turns water into the power of steam. For No. 12, that means a complete firebox rebuild.

Once inspections were complete, we had our roadmap: No. 12 needed major repairs, starting with her firebox, the furnace where coal burns to create the steam that drives the engine.

When you think of a steam locomotive, you picture strength and motion, not the careful disassembly it takes to restore one after more than 100 years of service.

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even get a little wet—the K9s In Flight Frisbee Dog Show is back at Tweetsie Railroad July 19-21 & 24-27!

When the weather heats up, folks start looking for ways to cool off without missing out on summer fun. That’s where the mountains and Tweetsie Railroad come in.

For the first time in decades, our historic ET&WNC flatbed car is back to work—hauling logs through the mountains just like it did years ago. Discover how this rare moment connects to the ongoing restoration of Locomotive No. 12 and our enduring railroad legacy.

All Aboard for a Full Season of Family Adventures!

A Must-Do Event for Families with Small Children!

Celebrate both Valentine’s Day and National Ferris Wheel Day with a look at Tweetsie Railroad’s historic Ferris Wheel

Whether you’re looking for a fun summer job, a great first work experience, or a rewarding role after retirement, Tweetsie Railroad has something for everyone. Join us and make memories that will last a lifetime.