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Plan Your Visit

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Plan Your Visit

Welcome to the Johnson City Railroad Experience! Our museum is dedicated to bringing the vibrant history of railroads to life, showcasing their crucial role in shaping the development and culture of Johnson City and the surrounding region.

Whether you’re a history buff, a railroad enthusiast, or a family looking for an educational outing, the Johnson City Railroad Experience offers something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of your time with us.

Teachers: Plan Your Perfect STEAM Field Trip!

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One Time Visit

Enjoy the museum for one full day.

General Admission

$10
Enjoy access to the museum for one full day.

(For membership options, scroll below.)
Buy Ticket

Children 5-12

$8
Your child (5-12) will enjoy access to the museum for one full day.

(For membership options, scroll below.)
Buy Ticket

 Children Under 5

FREE
Your under 5 child can enjoy the museum, and no ticket is needed.



(For membership options, scroll below.)
Honored Heros
$8
Discounted rate for Seniors, Teachers, First Responders, Veterans, and Military
Buy Ticket

Groups

$7
Group rate
 
Buy Ticket

Become a Member of the Johnson City Railroad Experience

🚂 Membership is the best way to enjoy the Johnson City Railroad Experience all year long—while helping us preserve and share the region’s rich railroad history. Whether you visit once a month or once a week, membership pays for itself quickly and supports the museum you love.

Family Membership

$25/month
 Unlimited free admission for up to five family members per visit
 
Become a Member

Individual Membership

$15/month
 Unlimited free admission for one adult
Become a Member

Student Membership

$10/month
 Unlimited free admission for one currently enrolled student
Become a Member

Annual Memberships
(Pay Once, Visit All Year)

Annual memberships offer a simple, pay-once option and provide a great way to support the museum with upfront impact.

Family Membership

$250/year
Unlimited free admission for up to five family members per visit
Buy Ticket

Individual Membership

$150/year
Unlimited free admission for one adult
Buy Ticket

Student Membership

$50/year
Unlimited free admission for one currently enrolled student
Buy Ticket

What Members Get


🎟 Unlimited free admission during the active membership period


🛍 10% off all purchases in our gift shop


🎉 Early access and members-only discounts for special events


🚂 Members-only events throughout the year


🎂 Discounts on birthday parties and private events


📚 Access to our 7,000-volume railroad library, including book checkout privileges


🚨 An exclusive JCRE member sticker


🔔 The honor of ringing the JCRE Member Bell on your first visit

All Johnson City Railroad Experience members enjoy:

💡 Why Membership Is a Great Value

Just a few visits a year can more than cover the cost of membership—especially for families. Beyond the savings, your membership helps keep the museum accessible, supports educational programming, and ensures Johnson City’s railroad stories continue to be shared with future generations.
Membership isn’t just a discount—it’s a way to be part of the JCRE community.
Location:
207 N. Boone St.
Johnson City, TN 37604

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday: Closed


Parking:

Ample free parking available in the lot across the street from the museum

Contact Information:

Phone: (423) 631-5273
Email: info@johnsoncityrailroadexperience.org



Exhibits and Attractions:

Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on displays that bring railroad history to life

Model Train Layouts: Explore detailed model train setups in various scales

Children’s Activity Room: A special area with activities designed for young visitors

Historical Artifacts: View an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia and artifacts

Special Events: Participate in monthly Heritage Day events and other special programs
Guided Tours:

Available on request for groups of 10 or more
Perfect for school groups, scout troops, and community organizations
Contact us in advance to schedule a tour


Holiday Closures for 2025

The Johnson City Railroad Experience will be closed on the following dates in 2025.

Tuesday January 21st MLK Day (observed)

Friday July 4th Independence Day

Thursday November 27th Thanksgiving

Friday November 28th Black Friday

Wednesday December 24th Christmas Eve

Thursday December 25th Christmas Day


Daily Rates: $10 (General Admission), $8 (Children 5-12), Free (Children Under 5), $8 (Seniors, Teachers, First Responders, Veterans, Military)


Frequently Asked Questions

Is your museum accessible?:
The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities
For specific accommodations, please contact us prior to your visit

What else can I do when I visit?:
King Common’s Park: A beautiful green space perfect for a picnic before or after your museum visit
Downtown Johnson City: Explore local shops, restaurants, and other attractions within walking distance

How long does it take to enjoy the museum?:
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits. If you have an avid railroader in your group you may spend much more time.

Are you open?
Check our website or social media for any updates on special events or changes in hours. We will post any updates about closures or changes in operation to our social media at 9 AM daily.

Can I take pictures? 
We would love for you to bring a camera to capture memories, but please be respectful of other visitors and exhibits. For commercial photography please check with the museum ahead of time.

I love what you are doing, how can I help?:
Donations: Contributions help us maintain and expand our exhibits
Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers
Membership: Become a member for exclusive benefits and support our mission.

 

Railroad Experience
Check Out Some Of Our Exhibits!
 

EXPLORE UPCOMING EVENTS!
Excursions

Discover upcoming excursions that bring the rich history of our city's railroads to life!
View Excursions