All Aboard the Tweetsie Railroad: NC's Western Theme Park

Come one, come all! The steam-powered Tweetsie Train is ready to take off on a rugged Wild Wild West adventure and it needs YOU! Have your kids been dying for a thrilling day in the sun? Or maybe you need some good ol’ fashioned device-free family fun? The Tweetsie Railroad has everything you want and more and we’ve got the scoop. 

Check out our helpful guide for visiting the park including the best place to stay while exploring the area. So clean your spurs, saddle up and read on!

A Historical Ride Back in Time

Found in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, this popular theme park offers scenic landscapes and a lawless adventure for all ages. A beloved attraction since 1957, the park offers visitors a unique blend of history, entertainment, and natural beauty that captures the essence of the Old West. 

The Tweetsie Railroad takes its name from the original East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, which operated until 1950. Early residents of the area named the train "Tweetsie" for its distinctive shrill whistle.

Today, visitors can experience a nostalgic ride on a narrow-gauge steam locomotive, lovingly restored to its former glory.

Tweetsie Railroad Trains

The Tweetsie Railroad between Boone and Blowing Rock operates two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives that power a 3-mile train ride through the Appalachian Mountains.

The Tweetsie 12 is the last surviving steam locomotive of the Western North Carolina Railroad. That’s right! This steam-powered gem is not only a fun ride ,it’s an infamous piece of history.

Tweetsie Railroad Attractions

The park features a recreated Western town where visitors can witness thrilling shootouts between cowboys and outlaws and participate in Wild Wild West activities.

For families with young children, Tweetsie Railroad offers a range of attractions beyond the train ride. Let’s take a closer look at some of these:

Rides

Who doesn’t love feeling the wind in their hair while being lifted high into the blue sky? Tweetsie Railroad has multiple types of rides including a chairlift, ferris wheel, and amusement rides. 

The chairlift to Miner's Mountain provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the Tornado coaster and Buckaroo Drop offer some hair-raising thrills to test your toughness and grit.

Deer Park Zoo

Take a break from the amusement and enjoy some quality time with the animals. The Deer Park Zoo allows visitors to interact with friendly deer and other regional natives like goats, emus, llamas, babydoll sheep, and more.

Shops

Main Street: Check out the park’s Main Street for stuffed animals, toys, Old West gear, and General Store souvenirs. 

Miner’s Mountain: Visit Miner’s Mountain for additional souvenirs, toys, gifts and even gem mining!

Live Entertainment

It wouldn’t be the rugged Old West without some good old-fashioned entertainment. Enjoy a variety of shows including an authentic Wild West Adventure, can-can experience, clogging jamboree, and more! Don’t miss a single show and check out the park’s website for seasonal show dates.

Special Events

Throughout the year, Tweetsie Railroad hosts special events and holiday-themed celebrations.

Riders in the Sky: Experience the Grammy Award-winning quartet as they sing and entertain audiences as America’s favorite cowboys.

K9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs: Often used by cowboys for ranching, dogs have always been a prominent character in man’s development of the American Frontier. Enjoy the impressive flips, tricks, and awe-inspiring acts of the tail-wagging entertainers. Each member of the fluffy crew has either been rescued or adopted off the streets. The show is not only fun but is a testament to the benefits of animal adoption. 

Day Out With Thomas: Perfect for your family’s little rail buff, a Day Out With Thomas gives visitors a ride with the beloved and classic storybook engine at regional heritage railroads.

Railroad Heritage Weekend: This event is held once a year and is perfect for all ages. Celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives with the Railroad Heritage Weekend. 

Ghost Train: The Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train is a chilling experience for those who want to celebrate Halloween and inject a dose of spookiness into their vacation. Daytime guests can enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides, and attractions during the Halloween season. 

When the moon rises, the park gets a bone-chilling makeover with costumed characters, decorations, music, and Halloween-themed attractions. Young children can take part in the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and Halloween shows.

Tweetsie Christmas: Skip the overpriced Christmas vacation at a Disney Park and enjoy smaller crowds and a festive experience. The Tweetsie Christmas event enchants visitors with a winter wonderland of lights, Santa train rides, and cool holiday performances.

Park Information

Admission: Park tickets include access to all rides and attractions, although some activities such as gem mining may require additional fees. 

Hours of Operation: Tweetsie Railroad operates seasonally, typically from April to October, with special events extending into the winter holidays.