Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville, Tennessee
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesCurrently running the Christmas Lantern Express only
The Three Rivers Rambler is Knoxville's steam excursion train, running 1925 passenger cars from a depot near the University of Tennessee out to the trestle where the Tennessee River begins.
- Running since 2000
- 11-mile trip along the river
- Steam engine No. 203 "Lindy"
- Passenger cars built in 1925
- Open air car on board
- Free parking at University Commons
Three Rivers Rambler at a glance
- Hours
- No regular weekday hours; trains run on the posted Christmas Lantern Express schedule
- Admission
- 2026 Christmas Lantern Express: adults $60, seniors 55+ $55, ages 5 to 14 $40, ages 2 to 4 $20, infants free
- Train rides
- Christmas Lantern Express, an 11-mile round trip along the Tennessee River, seasonal
- Seasonal events
- Christmas Lantern Express, December field trip days
- Plan for
- About 2 hours
- Best for
- Families with young children at Christmas
- Best ages
- Toddlers and up
- Parking
- Plenty of free parking at University Commons, including two accessible spaces next to the depot
- Accessibility
- Two accessible parking spaces next to the depot with sidewalks nearby; because the cars date from 1925, wheelchair access on board is limited to standard wheelchairs.
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(865) 524-9411
- Emailthreeriversrambler@outlook.com
- Websitethreeriversrambler.com(opens in a new tab)
Follow Three Rivers Rambler
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Three Rivers Rambler? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Knoxville.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Knoxville's steam train to the head of the Tennessee River
The Three Rivers Rambler, known to fans as the 3RR, has carried passengers of all ages out of Knoxville since 2000. Its route follows the water from downtown to the very start of the Tennessee River, where the French Broad and Holston Rivers meet beneath the Three Rivers Trestle. The train is operated by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad, a subsidiary of Gulf and Ohio Railways, and the Rambler's website describes the freight railroad that helps it run.
The railroad describes itself as a seasonal tourist operation that uses both steam and diesel equipment, and it takes pride in pairing historic equipment with a modern operation. That shows in its newer depot at University Commons, near the University of Tennessee campus, which has restrooms, plenty of free parking, and shops and restaurants all around it.
Its passenger cars date from 1925. Steam engine No. 154 is in the middle of a 15-year rebuild required by the Federal Railroad Administration, so steam trains are currently pulled by No. 203, an oil-fired locomotive nicknamed "Lindy", with diesel power standing by as backup. A uniformed conductor and volunteer staff ride along and know the local history well, and they welcome questions on the trip. In recent seasons, the Rambler has focused its schedule on the Christmas Lantern Express.
Riverbanks, farmland and the Three Rivers Trestle
The 11-mile round trip leaves the University Commons depot and runs along the Tennessee River past historical sites, farmland and the area of Knoxville's first settlement, reaching the Three Rivers Trestle where the French Broad and Holston join. Visitor listings put the whole outing at close to two hours. Riders can sit in the enclosed 1925 coaches or step out onto the open air car for the best views, and the train runs in rain, snow or shine.
Snacks and drinks are sold on board, and you may bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The railroad's website also has a Virtual Trip page describing sights along the route and a Steam Engines 101 page explaining how a steam locomotive works, both good homework for curious kids before the ride.
Don’t miss
- Engine No. 203 "Lindy"The oil-fired steam locomotive pulling the Rambler's steam trains while No. 154 is rebuilt, and a favorite search for rail fans.
- The Three Rivers TrestleThe turnaround point, where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River.
- The open air carThe best place to feel the steam train and watch the river go by, so dress for the weather.
- 1925 passenger carsCoaches nearly a century old that give the ride its vintage feel.
- Engine No. 154The Rambler's other steam engine, now out of service for its 15-year FRA rebuild.
A holiday steam ride sized for families
The Christmas Lantern Express is a seasonal trip made for families, with a steam engine up front, a conductor who loves questions and an open air car for watching the river. Toddlers ages 2 to 4 have their own lower fare, and infants ride free with an adult ticket. Restrooms are in the depot and on the train, which helps with little ones.
The train runs in rain, snow or shine, so bundle kids up if you plan to spend time on the open air car. Schools can book December field trip days with morning and afternoon departures.
Plan your visit: tips for Three Rivers Rambler
- Book early: tickets begin selling out in November.
- Dress for the weather, since the train runs rain, snow or shine and the open air car is outdoors.
- No printed ticket needed; staff check you in from an electronic roster.
- Cancel at least 48 hours ahead for illness to get a voucher good for one year.
- Groups of 15 or more should call (865) 524-9411 for special pricing.
The Christmas Lantern Express is the Rambler's big season and, for now, its only regular trip, a steam train ride along the river in the run-up to the holidays. Tickets for the 2026 season went on sale September 8, and the railroad warns that trains begin selling out in November. For more holiday ideas, see our list of Christmas train rides in Tennessee.
Conductors, volunteers and a working railroad
The Rambler is run by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad, with a uniformed conductor and volunteer staff who share local history along the way. You can support it by riding, booking a charter for a birthday party or company gathering, or buying hats, shirts, toys and books from its online store.
More trains around Knoxville
The Southern Appalachia Railway Museum in Oak Ridge is about 25 miles away, and the Dollywood Express in Pigeon Forge is about 26 miles away. The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train is about 19 miles out. For more, see every Tennessee train museum.
- Secret City Scenic Excursion TrainOak Ridge, TN · about 19 mi
- Southern Appalachia Railway MuseumOak Ridge, TN · about 25 mi
- Dollywood ExpressPigeon Forge, TN · about 26 mi
- Great Smoky Mountains RailroadBryson City, NC · about 44 mi
- Historic L&N DepotEtowah, TN · about 54 mi
- Big South Fork Scenic RailwayStearns, KY · about 60 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
The Rambler has a uniformed conductor who welcomes questions all the way to the river, and that makes me smile, because Mr. Conductor is one of my favorite people in our book. He wears a blue uniform and holds out a hand as Rally climbs aboard with Mom and Dad. My mom imagined him first, years before I painted him. Her story is on our story page.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in Tennessee: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Tennessee
- Halloween train rides in Tennessee
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Three Rivers Rambler?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
- Three Rivers Rambler official website(opens in a new tab)
- Three Rivers Rambler on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- Three Rivers Rambler on Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Three Rivers Rambler: 20 questions about Knoxville's steam train
Where does the Three Rivers Rambler leave from in Knoxville?
The Three Rivers Rambler leaves from its depot at 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919, near the University of Tennessee campus. The depot has plenty of free parking and is surrounded by stores and restaurants, which makes it easy to add a meal before or after your ride.
What is the Three Rivers Rambler train ride?
It is an 11-mile excursion from Knoxville along the Tennessee River to the Three Rivers Trestle, where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River. The train passes historical sites, farmland and Knoxville's first settlement area, with a conductor and volunteers sharing local history along the way.
How much are Three Rivers Rambler tickets?
As of October 2026, Christmas Lantern Express tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors 55 and over, $40 for children ages 5 to 14, and $20 for toddlers ages 2 to 4. Infants ride free with a paid adult ticket. Groups of 15 or more can call (865) 524-9411 for special pricing.
What is the Three Rivers Rambler Christmas Lantern Express?
The Christmas Lantern Express is the Rambler's holiday steam train ride along the Tennessee River from the University Commons depot. As of October 2026, it is the only trip the railroad is running. Tickets for the 2026 season went live September 8, and trains usually begin selling out in November.
What is the Three Rivers Rambler schedule?
The Rambler runs on a seasonal schedule built around the Christmas Lantern Express, and the depot has no regular weekday business hours. The 2026 schedule is posted on the tickets page at threeriversrambler.com. Sign up for the newsletter there to hear when new dates are released.
How do I buy Three Rivers Rambler tickets?
Book online through threeriversrambler.com or call (865) 524-9411. The railroad accepts all major credit cards, cash and checks. You do not need a printed receipt, because staff check riders in from an electronic roster at the depot. Book early, since trains start selling out in November.
How long is the Three Rivers Rambler ride?
The trip covers 11 miles round trip, and visitor listings describe the outing as close to two hours. Plan a little extra time to park at University Commons, check in at the depot and use the restrooms before boarding.
What is Three Rivers Rambler engine 203?
No. 203, nicknamed "Lindy", is the Rambler's oil-fired steam locomotive. While the railroad's other steam engine, No. 154, goes through its 15-year FRA rebuild, No. 203 pulls the steam-operated trains, with diesel power as a backup if it has problems. The railroad may change the locomotive without notice.
Is the Three Rivers Rambler a real steam train?
Yes. The Rambler uses both steam and diesel equipment. Its steam trains are currently pulled by oil-fired engine No. 203 "Lindy", since engine No. 154 is out of service for a rebuild. Diesel locomotives serve as backup, and the railroad reserves the right to change power without notice.
Does the Three Rivers Rambler run in bad weather?
Yes. The Rambler runs in rain, snow or shine. The railroad strongly urges riders to dress for the weather so they can enjoy the open air car. The 1925 passenger cars give you a place to sit inside, but it is still a winter ride, so bring warm layers.
Is the Three Rivers Rambler good for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers ages 2 to 4 have a reduced fare, infants ride free with an adult, and restrooms are available both in the depot and on the train. The trip lasts around two hours, and snacks are sold on board or you can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Can you bring food on the Three Rivers Rambler?
Yes. The Rambler sells drinks and snacks on board, and riders are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Alcohol may not be brought on the train. The shops and restaurants around University Commons are another option before or after the ride.
Is the Three Rivers Rambler wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Two accessible parking spaces sit next to the depot, with more spaces and sidewalks nearby. Because the passenger cars were built in 1925, wheelchair access on the train is limited, and doorways accept only standard wheelchairs. Call (865) 524-9411 before booking to talk through your needs.
Where do you park for the Three Rivers Rambler?
Park for free at University Commons, where the depot is located at 2560 University Commons Way. The railroad says there is plenty of free parking, plus two accessible spaces right next to the depot. The surrounding shopping area means you can grab food before your train.
What is the Three Rivers Rambler cancellation policy?
If you cancel because of illness, the railroad gives a voucher for the amount paid, good for one year from the original event date. You must cancel at least 48 hours in advance, and vouchers are not given without prior notice. Call (865) 524-9411 to cancel.
Can I book a Three Rivers Rambler field trip?
Yes. As of October 2026, the 2026 field trip days are December 2, 9 and 16, with trips from 9 am to 10:30 am and from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Call (865) 524-9411 for pricing and to check availability for your class or school group.
Can you charter the Three Rivers Rambler for a birthday party?
Yes. The Rambler offers charters for birthday parties and corporate gatherings, and a private car or train makes a memorable party for a young train fan. Details are on the Charters page of threeriversrambler.com. Call (865) 524-9411 or email threeriversrambler@outlook.com to ask about dates and pricing.
Who operates the Three Rivers Rambler?
The Three Rivers Rambler is operated by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad, a subsidiary of Gulf and Ohio Railways. A uniformed conductor and volunteer staff ride each trip and share local history. The railroad has been running excursions from Knoxville since 2000.
Does the Three Rivers Rambler have a gift shop?
The Rambler sells hats, shirts, toys, books and other memorabilia through its online store, linked from threeriversrambler.com. Check the store before your trip if you want a souvenir ready for a young rider, or ask at the depot on your ride day.
What train attractions are near the Three Rivers Rambler?
The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train in Oak Ridge is about 19 miles away, the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum about 25 miles, and the Dollywood Express in Pigeon Forge about 26 miles. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina, is about 44 miles away.
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