I fondly remember my first trip to Tweetsie Railroad. I was just a little tyke and my parents took me to this wondrous land with train rides, dancing girls, and a Wild Wild West theme. At the time, my young brain fully believed I was transported to (essentially) an actual Wild Wild West land where outlaws roamed with pistols and dancing girls flailed their skirts and kicked their legs high in the air. I was so overwhelmed, I insisted on hiding beneath the skirt of one of the dancers I met after the show (yep, embarrassing childhood story I just shared with the internet).
But the moral of all of this (including my embarrassing story) is that Tweetsie is a place that stays with you LONG after your visit. It's a childhood memory that transcends into lifetime memories. A place you hope to take YOUR children one day.
Tweetsie opened on July 4th, 1957. This family owned and operated theme park has long been entertaining families and providing a unique experience for those in the Boone and Blowing Rock area.
There's plenty to see and do at Tweetsie. It's a place that requires more than one visit to fully appreciate.
But if you're a first-timer, the one experience you HAVE to have is hopping on board the historic Engine NO. 12.
The historic train used to roam the mountains of North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Its course started in Johnson City and led to Boone from 1919 to 1940. It's the last surviving narrow-gauge steam locomotive of the Eastern Tennessee and Western NC railroad.
Today, you can hop on board with the little ones or just by yourself (hey, grownups can be kids, too) and enjoy the 3-mile loop around North Carolina's first theme park.
As you're choo-chooing through the mountains - you'll remember all those fond memories from your childhood, and quite frankly, smile from within that your loved ones or little ones now get to have that same experience.
After your train ride - explore all that Tweetsie has to offer. From shows, rides, even a stroll and a snack. There's so much to do, but hopping on board the historic No.12 will indeed be the highlight of your trip.
For more information, visit Tweetsie's website or Facebook page.
Every tried and true North Carolinian knows a summer in North Carolina isn't complete without a trip to Tweetsie! Have you been here before or have plans to attend this summer? Any Tweetsie memories you want to share?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
