From its opening day on July 4, 1957 with its first steam locomotive ride (one mile to a picnic area and back), this theme park has been delighting throngs of young and old alike. That sole locomotive was Locomotive No. 12, the last surviving narrow--gauge steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), which ran train service from Johnson City, Tennessee to Boone, North Carolina from 1919 to 1940. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1960, Tweetsie Railroad acquired another steam locomotive, No. 190, the "Yukon Queen" from Alaska's White Pass & Yukon Railway.
Both locomotives are coal-fired narrow-gauge engines built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. No. 12 was completed in 1917, and No. 190 in 1943. In addition to these famous steam engines, there are a variety of other rides to climb aboard -- from gentle ones for tots to such thrilling ones as “Free Fall”, which allows riders to enjoy a spectacular view from the top before plummeting in zero gravity! While taking a break from the rides, you can get up close and personal with wildlife at Deer Park Habitat, which includes such interesting animals as African Pygmy Goats, Pot Bellied Pigs, Miniature Horses, Emus, Llamas, and Nubian Goats.
When you’d like to sit down and take in some great entertainment, you can enjoy Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue in the saloon, the high-energy Country Clogging Jamboree, and Miner’s Mountain Magic! There are also arcade games, gold panning and gem mining, country fair games, and shops aplenty to explore. With rides, shows, and historic trains, everybody can have a blast at Tweetsie Railroad. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently nearby to all the fun. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon!