Three Rivers Rambler Knoxville
Ride a historic steam train along the Tennessee River, offering scenic views and festive holiday magic.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & Santa visits
Three Rivers Rambler Knoxville
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & Santa visits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic steam train along the Tennessee River, offering scenic views and festive holiday magic.
"The memories we made this day were priceless. I can't recommend this experience enough."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Holiday rides sell out fast! Book your tickets online well before your visit to secure your spot.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Finding the station can be tricky. Give yourself extra time to locate parking near the depot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Christmas Lantern Express
Seasonal Holiday Event
Experience the magic of the holidays with a festive train ride featuring Santa, story time, and holiday cheer.

Steam Engine Ride
Along the Tennessee River
Enjoy the nostalgic charm and power of Southern Railway 154, a historic steam locomotive.

Scenic River Views
Tennessee River Banks
Take in picturesque views of the Tennessee River and surrounding landscapes from the comfort of the train.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Navigating to the Station
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Holiday rides sell out fast! Book your tickets online well before your visit to secure your spot.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Finding the station can be tricky. Give yourself extra time to locate parking near the depot.
📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera! Many people film the train, and there are great photo ops with Santa.
👕 Dress for the Occasion
Consider wearing Christmas PJs for holiday rides; it adds to the fun for kids and adults!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Holiday rides sell out fast! Book your tickets online well before your visit to secure your spot.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Finding the station can be tricky. Give yourself extra time to locate parking near the depot.
📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera! Many people film the train, and there are great photo ops with Santa.
👕 Dress for the Occasion
Consider wearing Christmas PJs for holiday rides; it adds to the fun for kids and adults!
☕ Enjoy Complimentary Drinks
Free hot chocolate and coffee are available on the snack car – perfect for a cozy ride!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Three Rivers Rambler for its nostalgic charm, especially the historic steam engine and scenic river views. The holiday excursions are a major hit, with Santa visits and festive decorations creating magical memories for families. Staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and attentiveness. Some find the station location a bit tricky to navigate initially.
"Took the train yesterday (Saturday) with my family. This was the most difficult part of the day because Google Maps doesn't bring you even remotely close. It's just luck that we drove down there and found it. This is why you always leave early. From this point on it was the best day ever. Plenty of parking close to the station. Check in was a breeze in a beutiful little depot. We boarded and took seats right behind the engine. A very comfortable car with heat and decorated for Christmas. The nostalgia of these old cars is really nice. The views all along the river were phenomenal. So many people were set up everywhere filming the train. My daughters loved waiving to everyone. We stopped for story time and the girls enjoyed that very much. Once we got underway again Santa made his way through the cars. He spent a great deal of time with all the kids. They also got a jingle bell necklace from him. Santa provided photo opportunities with all the kids. My daughters absolutely loved it. We began to return to the station at this point. Steam takes you out and diesel takes you back. The return trip is a bit quicker because of this. During the trip the kids got necklaces, ginger bread cookies, and Christmas tree ornaments project. They have a snack car with free hot chocolate and coffee. You can buy reasonably priced snacks as well. There is also a souvenir shop and restrooms. The staff are exceptional and very friendly. Everyone was so nice and attentive with all the kids on board. This was a phenomenal experience. Money is tight for middle class families. The memories we made this day were priceless. I can't recommend this experience enough. Christmas is a special time of year and we created a life long memory with our girls on the Three Rivers Rambler."
John Green
"Me and my wife took our 3 year old on his 1st train ride and everyone was so nice and I enjoyed the scenery and the people working answered all questions and we will take another ride again. Thank you all for everything"
jeff Crumpley
"Absolutely loved it and would definitely go again! The kids were thoroughly enchanted and so we're the adults! After the story time when they released the "snow" it made it even more magical!"
Lisa Chaffin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Three Rivers Rambler station is located near Neyland Stadium in downtown Knoxville, TN. While Google Maps might not be precise, look for signs near the University of Tennessee campus. Arriving early is recommended to find parking close to the depot.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available close to the station, making it convenient for visitors.
Information on public transportation routes directly to the station is limited. It's advisable to check local Knoxville transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive.
Many visitors suggest looking for landmarks like Neyland Stadium. It's also helpful to have the general area identified on your GPS before you start your journey.
The station is conveniently located near downtown Knoxville, offering access to various shops, eateries, and attractions like the University of Tennessee campus and the Tennessee Riverfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Three Rivers Rambler website. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular seasonal events like the Christmas rides, as they tend to sell out.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of excursion and seating. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing information for specific dates and events.
Yes, the Three Rivers Rambler offers various seating options, including comfortable, heated cars decorated for special occasions. Some reviews mention open rail cars for a more immersive experience.
The Three Rivers Rambler operates seasonally, with special themed rides like the Christmas Lantern Express. Check their official website for the most up-to-date operating dates and times, as schedules can change.
Refund policies typically depend on the specific event and booking terms. It's advisable to review the cancellation policy on the Three Rivers Rambler's website or contact them directly for details.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Rides offer scenic views along the Tennessee River. Holiday excursions often include Santa visits, story time, festive decorations, and sometimes even 'snow' effects.
Yes, there is a snack car with reasonably priced snacks, and free hot chocolate and coffee are provided. Restrooms are also available at the station and on some cars.
Absolutely! Children are thoroughly enchanted by the experience, especially during holiday rides with Santa and festive activities. Many families create lasting memories here.
The duration of the rides can vary depending on the specific excursion. Holiday rides often include stops for activities like story time, making them a longer, more immersive experience.
Yes, you can move freely between rail cars during the ride, and some excursions feature open rail cars where you can stand outside.
📸 📸 Photography
Many people set up along the riverbanks to film and photograph the train as it departs and returns. The station itself, especially when decorated for holidays, also offers great photo opportunities.
Yes, the historic Southern Railway 154 steam engine is a popular subject. You can get great shots of it at the station or as it pulls the train along the river.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the train and scenery. For holiday rides, the train lit up at night is also a stunning sight.
Yes, Santa makes his way through the cars during holiday excursions and provides photo opportunities with the children.
From casual phone cameras to more professional setups like Sony ZV-E10II, visitors capture the train in various ways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents rave about the friendly and attentive staff who go out of their way to make the experience special for little ones. The complimentary hot chocolate and the chance to wave to people filming along the river add to the excitement. It's a fantastic way to create lasting memories and a truly unique family outing in Knoxville.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Railfans
Excursions provide opportunities to observe the train operating on the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad trackage. While diesel power is sometimes used for the return trip, the steam engine experience is the highlight for most enthusiasts. The nostalgia of riding in vintage cars and witnessing a piece of railway history come alive makes this a must-do for any train lover.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
While the experience is very family-oriented, especially during themed events, a quieter weekday ride can offer a more intimate setting. Enjoying complimentary hot chocolate or coffee together while taking in the views can be a simple yet memorable part of a Knoxville visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Southern Railway 154
Witnessing the 154 'slip and slide' up hills or hearing its distinct steam whistle are highlights for many visitors. The locomotive's age and historical significance add a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the train ride, making it more than just a journey, but a step back in time.
While the steam engine is a major draw, it's worth noting that diesel engines are sometimes used for the return trip, making the journey back to the station a bit quicker. This practical consideration doesn't detract from the overall charm, as the steam engine experience is the primary focus for most riders.
Festive Holiday Excursions
Key elements of these holiday rides include a special story time, often featuring Christmas tales, and sometimes even the release of 'snow' to enhance the magical atmosphere. Santa Claus makes his rounds, interacting with children, offering photo opportunities, and often handing out small gifts like jingle bell necklaces. Many families embrace the theme by dressing their children (and themselves!) in Christmas pajamas, adding to the festive spirit.
Beyond the entertainment, the holiday excursions also provide complimentary hot chocolate and coffee, with additional snacks available for purchase. The combination of the nostalgic train ride, the enchanting holiday theme, and the warm hospitality makes these Christmas excursions a cherished tradition for many.
The Knoxville & Holston River Railroad Connection
This arrangement means that the Three Rivers Rambler is not an independent entity but rather a passenger service utilizing the infrastructure of another railroad. This is common for many heritage and tourist railways, allowing them to offer rides without the extensive overhead of owning and maintaining their own main lines.
The KH&R's trackage provides the picturesque route that the Three Rivers Rambler follows, offering passengers views of the river and the surrounding Knoxville landscape. This symbiotic relationship is key to the continued operation of this beloved Knoxville attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit