What is Railroad Heritage Weekend?
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 legacy of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad. Join us August 23–24, 2025, for two days of historic train rides, rare exhibits, expert talks, and hands-on history, fun for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone who loves American rail heritage.
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:
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Historic Steam Train Rides aboard our narrow-gauge locomotives
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Behind-the-Scenes Restoration Updates on Locomotive No. 12, the last surviving narrow-gauge ET&WNC engine, including the firebox rebuild and boiler work
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Interactive Exhibits & Historical Displays featuring rare artifacts and photos
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Meet Railroad Experts and learn about the engineering behind steam locomotives
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Family-Friendly Activities across the park, included with regular admission
This year is extra special as we showcase progress on Locomotive No. 12’s restoration, a meticulous project preserving a true piece of Appalachian history.
Historic train rides, special exhibits, behind-the-scenes restoration updates, expert talks, and a full day at the theme park, all included with admission.
Yes! The event offers interactive displays, family rides, and history experiences for all ages.
No. No. 12 is undergoing a major restoration, but guests will see progress and learn about the firebox rebuild, new boiler components, and more.
No, Railroad Heritage Weekend activities are included with regular Tweetsie Railroad admission.
All Railroad Heritage Weekend activities are included in Tweetsie Railroad’s regular daily admission price.
This schedule is tentative and subject to change depending upon the completion of the restoration of Locomotive No. 12.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
10:00 a.m.
Park Opens
View and photograph the morning locomotive preparations after the park opens. The Locomotive Shop will be closed to visitors at this time, but available for a tour later in the day.
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
History Exhibit is open in the Tweetsie Junction
See historic and rare artifacts from Tweetsie Railroad’s past, and view documentaries about the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (ET&WNC) and Tweetsie Railroad.
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Coach No. 5
Guests can climb aboard and tour Tweetsie Railroad’s 1870s vintage Coach No. 5.
10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Locomotive No. 190 (former White Pass & Yukon “Yukon Queen”) Wild West Train
Ride behind steam locomotive No. 190 (built 1943) as she transports Guests and Railfans alike on a 3-mile journey back into the Old West. Boarding on Main Street.
11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Locomotive Shop Tour
See Locomotive No. 12 in the process of being restored, along with the equipment, tools, and machines that help keep our locomotives operating. Meet in front of the Shop five minutes prior to the scheduled tour. (Age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)
1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
No. 12 “Tweetsie” Historical Presentation by Johnny Graybeal
From Baldwin to Blowing Rock: The 108-Year Story of Engine No. 12 "Tweetsie"
Pavilion
6:30 p.m.
Evening Photo Special
An exclusive opportunity for ticketed Guests to photograph Locomotive No. 190 with the excursion cars. Locations for the photo run-bys will be at the Trestle and the Frontier Outpost, with two run-bys at each stop. (Guests must be 16 years or older to be permitted to get off the train at the designated photo run-by locations.)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
10:00 a.m.
Park Opens
View and photograph the morning locomotive preparations after the park opens. The Locomotive Shop will be closed to visitors at this time, but available for a tour later in the day.
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
History Exhibit is open in the Tweetsie Junction
See historic and rare artifacts from Tweetsie Railroad’s past, and view documentaries about the ET&WNC and Tweetsie Railroad.
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Coach No. 5
Guests can climb aboard and tour Tweetsie Railroad’s 1870s vintage Coach No. 5.
10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Locomotive No. 190 (former White Pass & Yukon “Yukon Queen”) Wild West Train
Ride behind steam locomotive No. 190 (built 1943) as she transports Guests and Railfans alike on a 3-mile journey back into the Old West. Boarding on Main Street.
1:30 p.m.
No. 12 “Tweetsie” Historical Presentation by Johnny Graybeal
From Baldwin to Blowing Rock: The 108-Year Story of Engine No. 12 "Tweetsie"
Pavilion
2:30 p.m.
Locomotive Shop Tour
See Locomotive No. 12 in the process of being restored, along with the equipment, tools, and machines that help keep our locomotives operating. Meet in front of the Shop five minutes prior to the scheduled tour. (Age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)
No photography will be allowed at the Trestle or the Frontier Outpost during the day.
Photos may be taken from the Hacienda.