The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

About this museum

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum in Townsend, Tennessee, is a charming free museum that preserves the fascinating history of logging and railroading in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Located at 7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, this beloved attraction is one of the most enjoyable and family - friendly things to do in Townsend.The museum tells the story of the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, which played a central role in the economic development of the Smoky Mountains during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visitors can explore carefully preserved artifacts, vintage photographs, logging equipment, and railroad memorabilia that bring this industrial era vividly to life. Outside, a historic train, an original depot building, and a train water tower complete the scene, creating a picturesque setting that delights railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike.The museum is especially popular with families. Children who love trains will be thrilled by the locomotives and railroad structures, while adults appreciate the well - researched exhibits that explain how the lumber industry shaped the landscape that eventually became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A gift shop on site offers souvenirs and books for those who want to take a piece of the history home.Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the museum provides flexible visiting hours that are easy to fit into a Smoky Mountains vacation. Accessible parking, a wheelchair - friendly entrance, and accessible restrooms are available.Townsend is often called the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and this museum perfectly embodies that spirit. As a free museum in Townsend, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum offers a relaxed, informative, and genuinely enjoyable experience. If you are searching for free things to do in Townsend or the Great Smoky Mountains area, this is a must - stop that will enrich your understanding of the region's remarkable history.