Chattanooga Choo Choo: An Iconic Piece of History in the Heart of Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a small city filled with plenty of history and charm.

From the Appalachian Mountains to the Tennessee River, there is something for everyone in this unique southern town.

And at the heart of it all is the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a beloved artifact of the city's past that still draws crowds to this day.

chattanooga choo choo

Chattanooga choo choo

Originally a train station during the 19th century, the Chattanooga Choo Choo has since been renovated and transformed into a hotel, museum, and entertainment venue.

It remains an iconic piece of history that both locals and visitors alike adore. So, let's take a closer look at what makes this historic hotspot so special.

chattanooga choo choo History

The Chattanooga Choo Choo has a long and rich history that dates back to the 1800s.

Back then, the city was a bustling railroad hub for the South.

Passengers would travel from all over the country to ride the rails into Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo station was the gateway to it all.

ups and downs

In the years that followed, the train station experienced its fair share of ups and downs, including a period of neglect and abandonment.

But it wasn't until the mid-20th century that something truly special happened.

In 1969, a businessman named Wally Findlay purchased the Chattanooga Choo Choo and began to turn it into the landmark it is today.

Findlay's vision was to transform the old train station into a place of beauty and art, a destination that people would flock to year after year.

And with his commitment to restoration and preservation, that's exactly what happened.

Today, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, thanks in large part to Findlay's dedication.

accommodations

One of the most unique aspects of the Chattanooga Choo Choo is its accommodations.

Visitors to the area can rent rooms in restored train cars, each of which has been lovingly restored to capture the romance and nostalgia of the railroad era.

Guests can choose to stay in either traditional sleeper cars or more luxurious options, like the Presidential Suite, which boasts a full dining room and parlor.

place to play

But the Chattanooga Choo Choo isn't just a place to sleep; it's also a place to play.

The property features numerous entertainment venues, including a live music venue, a comedy club, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Visitors can also explore the gardens, which boast more than 100,000 plants and flowers, or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

See The Museum

Of course, no visit to the Chattanooga Choo Choo would be complete without a trip to the museum.

Here, visitors can explore the history of the train station, from its early days as a depot to its current incarnation as one of the most beloved destinations in the South.

And for those who want a taste of train travel, there's even a model train display that gives visitors a glimpse into what it was like to ride the rails during the golden age of train travel.

Conclusion

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a true gem of the South, a testament to the rich history and unique culture of this one-of-a-kind city.

From its historic train car accommodations to its entertaining venues, museums, and gardens, there's no shortage of things to see and do at this beloved landmark.

For visitors to the area, staying at the Chattanooga Choo Choo provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the romance and nostalgia of a bygone era.

And for those who call Chattanooga home, this iconic train station is a source of pride and joy, a reminder of the city's long and storied past.

So, the next time you find yourself in the heart of Tennessee, take a journey back in time and visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo. You won't regret it.