Jump on the train to fun in Watertown

Watertown’s Excursion trains will kick off the year with the Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Train on Feb. 9.

The trains, which are operated by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, operate throughout the year out of Nashville and offer passengers a taste of nostalgia in 1950s-era passenger trains.

Watertown Chamber of Commerce President Robin Vance estimates the excursion trains have been running to Watertown for about 14 years, and it’s been win-win for both the Railway Museum and for Watertown.

“We are one of only two destinations in the state of Tennessee, where they travel on a regular basis, the other being Cookeville,” said Vance.

Passengers can enjoy everything from a good murder mystery to a visit with Ole St. Nick before the train lets them off in Watertown to meander the town’s shops and varying events.

“As far as the chamber of commerce is concerned, we couldn’t ask for a better delivery of guests to our front door,” said Vance.

She estimated each train brings in between 600-800 people, many of them from Davidson and surrounding counties.

This year, 10 train excursions will stop in Watertown throughout the year.

Feb. 9

The Valentines Day Murder Mystery Train will feature a murder mystery play performed in the train car during the trip to and from Watertown.

March 23, 30

The Easter Bunny Train will feature the Easter Bunny as a special guest for the ride, and children can hunt for Easter eggs during the stop in Watertown.

April 20

The Spring Mile-Long Yard Sale Trip will let passengers ride in style to the 25th annual Spring Mile-Long Yard Sale in Watertown

May 4

The Train Robbery Trip will be a tempting target for the Wilson and Mackle Gangs.

July 13

The Murder Mystery Trip to the Watertown Music Fest will feature a murder mystery play performed in the train car during the trip to and from Watertown’s annual music festival.

Sept. 28

The Fall Mile-Long Yard Sale Trip will let passengers ride in style to Watertown’s Fall Mile-Long Yard Sale.

Oct. 5

The Train Robbery Trip will tempt the Wilson and Mackle Gangs again.

Nov. 9

The Murder Mystery Trip will feature a murder mystery play performed in the train car during the trip to and from Watertown.

Nov. 30

The North Pole Express will feature Santa as a special guest for the ride.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be sold on the train during each trip.

Adult ticket prices range from $32 to $75, depending on the seat location, and ticket price for children under 12 is $21.

All train excursions depart from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, located at 220 Willow St. in Nashville. For more information, visit tcry.org or call 615-244-9001.