Located in the heart of Townsend, Tennessee, the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum is a non-profit museum dedicated to preserving the rich logging and railroading heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Before the region became a protected national park, it was home to one of the largest commercial logging operations in Southern Appalachia. Founded in 1901 by Colonel W.B. Townsend, the Little River Lumber Company harvested timber across thousands of acres and built over 150 miles of mountain rail track. Today, this free museum offers visitors a hands-on look at the engines, equipment, and people that transformed the region.
Preserved heavy machinery and authentic historic equipment used in mountain logging.
The crown jewel of the outdoor display, this 70-ton, 3-truck geared Shay locomotive was built in 1909 by the Lima Locomotive Works. Designed specifically for steep, winding mountain tracks, Shay engines were essential for hauling logs through the terrain.
Built around 1925, this coal-fired, stationary steam engine powered mobile sawmills deep in the woods to process timber on-site.
Walk up to preserved examples of portable, modular houses. Built in Townsend, these rudimentary structures were loaded onto flatcars and moved along the rail system to house lumbermen and their families deep in the forest.
Explore a restored hand-pump car, vintage caboose, line-skidder loading equipment, and historic water tower structures.
Preserving artifacts, photographs, and personal records detailing the rise of the local rail industry.
Originally constructed along the rail line in Walland, TN, the historic depot building was moved to the site in 1983. It houses an extensive collection of historical photographs, tools, switch lamps, original railroad passes, and operational documentation.
Built alongside the depot platform, this structure serves as the museum gift shop, offering local history books, souvenirs, and train apparel.
Inside the air-conditioned museum spaces, children and model rail enthusiasts can enjoy working scale-train displays.
Pivotal role played by the Little River Railroad in the creation of the national park.
In addition to moving timber, Colonel Townsend operated passenger trains that brought early vacationers to mountain retreats like Elkmont and Kinzel Springs.
In 1925, Townsend agreed to sell more than 76,000 acres of timberland to the state and federal government at a heavily discounted rate. This massive land acquisition formed the core territory that eventually became Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Plan your visit to the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum
7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882
FREE (Donations are welcomed to support preservation efforts).
May – October: Open daily (Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sun 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
April: Weekends only
November – March: Closed for off-season (outdoor grounds remain accessible)
The museum features newly constructed wooden ramps for easy stroller and wheelchair access, making it family-friendly for all ages.