Three Rivers Rambler

• ArriveBoarding normally begins 20 minutes before departure once public trips are published.
• ParkingFree parking is published adjacent to the depot. GPS can route visitors incorrectly, so use the official depot directions.
• AccessibilityThe depot has two accessible parking spaces, accessible restrooms and a lift. Doors on the 1925 cars accept only nonmotorized standard wheelchairs under 25 inches into an enclosed car; call ahead. No open-air-car seating or securement promise is made.
• WeatherTrips run rain, snow or shine. A below-freezing forecast may cause cancellation; the operator emails then phones, with automatic refunds typically in three to four days.
• RestroomsTwo depot restrooms and two merchandise-car restrooms are published, but train restrooms are limited.
• StatusThe 2026 Christmas Lantern Express schedule is pending. Public dates and online inventory are not yet published; the official ticket page says tickets go live September 8, 2026.
• Excluded GroupsSix call-only group field-trip windows on December 2, 9 and 16 are not general-public occurrences and are excluded.
• BoardingBoard at 2560 University Commons Way. The depot does not publish regular weekday visitor hours; use the train schedule rather than arriving for an unscheduled visit.
• RouteThe roughly two-hour, 11-mile Knoxville round trip passes historic and farm context to Three Rivers Trestle, where the French Broad and Holston form the Tennessee River, then returns to the depot.
• FaresPublished 2026 fares are adult $60, senior 55+ $55, child 5-14 $40, toddler 2-4 $20 and infant free with an adult. These do not establish current inventory.
• GroupsGroups of 15 or more may call about reservations; group field trips are not public schedule occurrences.
• SteamCurrent steam-trip guidance identifies oil-fired 1925 Baldwin 2-8-0 No. 203 Lindy with diesel backup and unrestricted substitution. No. 154 is out for its FRA 15-year rebuild.
• Equipment LimitsKXHR 2391 and dated gallery subjects are context only. No image or historical equipment page guarantees a current assignment.
• AnimalsPets are discouraged or prohibited. No complete current service-animal contract was established; call before booking.
• RefundsChristmas purchases are non-refundable. Illness notice at least 48 hours ahead earns a one-year voucher; a missed trip without notice does not.
• FoodSnacks are sold. Visitors may bring nonalcoholic food and drink; alcohol is prohibited.
• SeatingSeating is normally unassigned and movement among cars is allowed; groups of 15 or more may reserve seating.
• TicketingNo printed receipt is normally required. Do not use the stale 2025 FAQ schedule as current 2026 inventory.

When steam is advertised, the current operator notice identifies oil-fired Baldwin 2-8-0 No. 203 Lindy with diesel backup and unrestricted substitution. Southern 154 is out of service for its FRA 15-year rebuild. KXHR 2391, retired No. 9 and all gallery works remain historical or property context unless a current trip page assigns them.