A Once-a-Year Event for Railroad Enthusiasts of All Ages!
Railroad Heritage Weekend is Tweetsie Railroad’s annual celebration of steam locomotive history and the heritage of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (ET& WNC). Join us for two days filled with hands-on train history and railroad heritage – perfect for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone who loves American railroads.
Step back in time during Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad!
This special event honors the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad—the famous “Tweetsie”—with a full weekend dedicated to railroad history. Guests will experience:
- Historic Steam Train Rides aboard our narrow-gauge locomotives
- Behind-the-Scenes Restoration Updates on Locomotive No. 12, the last surviving narrow-gauge ET&WNC engine, including the firebox rebuild and boiler work
- Interactive Exhibits & Historical Displays featuring rare artifacts and photos
- Meet Railroad Experts and learn about the engineering behind steam locomotives
- Family-Friendly Activities across the park, included with regular admission
Tickets
- Railroad Heritage Weekend activities are included with a Daily Admission ticket to Tweetsie Railroad. (Note: this is a two-day event; you will need to purchase two daily admission tickets or a Golden Rail Season Pass to participate in the full weekend.)
- Daily Admission tickets are $65 for adults (age 13+), $45 for children ( ages 3-12) and free for toddlers (age 2 and under).
- Parking is always free.
Customer Reviews
5 stars Google Review: Absolutely worth every penny and drive if you have to make a drive. My kid loves steam engines and this was top tier! We rode the train many times. lt's railroad heritage weekend so we got to ride it even longer with stops to jump off and take video and pics of the train barreling up the track! 10/10
Find answers to the most common questions about Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad, from tickets to park hours.
The park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on August 29 & 30, for Railroad Heritage Weekend.
Yes! The event offers interactive displays, family rides, and history experiences for all ages.
Historic train rides, special exhibits, behind-the-scenes restoration updates, expert talks, and a full day at the theme park, all included with a Daily Admission ticket.
No, this once-a-year event is included with a Daily Admission ticket to the theme park.
Yes, Golden Rail Season Pass holders have unlimited daytime admission to Tweetsie Railroad.
On Saturday, August 29th, after the park closes, we provide an exclusive opportunity for Guests who are already admitted to the park, to photograph Locomotive No. 190 with the excursion cars. Guests must be 16 years or older to be permitted to get off the train at the designated photo run-by locations.
Drones are prohibited at Tweetsie Railroad. Tripods and selfie sticks are permitted as long as they do not affect the experience of other Guests.
Yes, if you enter the park after 3:00 p.m. on the first day of Railroad Heritage Weekend, you can come back for free on the next day. Please note: this would also allow you to attend the Evening Photo Special.
For general park questions, including parking, photography, etc. see Park FAQs.
2026 Tweetsie Railroad Heritage Weekend Schedule - TBA