Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum — Local services in Bryson City

My family and I visited after riding the train. The museum is pretty neat if you're into model trains, the gift shop is like any normal gift shop in the sense it's full of overpriced tourist trap stuff and cheap kids toys. The reason for the poor review is because they have little whistles for sale with a sign that says if you blow it you must buy it. Of course kids being kids one of mine blew it and the girls inside swarmed like vultures on a fresh carcass to quickly point it out and hold us accountable. The whistle in question was a cheap plastic one with bubbles costing $8. My wife paid for it and we left. It was a great way to ruin the end of our experience with the train. They have the wherewithal to put a sign up but still have it easily accessible for children who can't read, or if they can aren't going to read anyway because kids coming off a great experience are excited and just want to try toys that they want to buy. I understand the policy as it it a sanitation thing, but if the store knows they have an issue and leave it to young kids to read a sign then they obviously are doing it as a money trap to force people to buy their overpriced junk.

I will say that after discussing it with my wife I did go back and spoke to the supervisor on duty. She did refund the whistle (after giving some attitude about it). I gave her the choice of refunding the $8 I had spent on the whistle or the $50 I had spent on my other purchases that she could resale if she so chose. After suggesting the move them so kids can't pick them up and do what kids do, she snarkily asked where as parents would we suggest her putting them, to which I obliged and suggested several out of reach of young kids options readily avaliable in their store.

Overall don't take your kids into the gift shop. The model train displays...

Our family just returned from the Smokey Mountain Train Nantahala Ride. It was very nice and we enjoyed it very much! We were parked in handicapped area since we had a disabled member .. There was transport provided once we were on the tracks to the train ...but be prepared for a walk across the parking lot and across a small town street to enter the train site. We were seated in the open air car, and it was at max capacity, (an announcement for people to please place bags on the floor to make room for passengers would of been nice, as one of us had to stand most of the way -people were not wanting to scoot over and were taking up too much space on the bench style seating) The view was gorgeous!!! and friendly people along the way were waving, which made the ride more fun for everyone. There was onboard service cart to buy drinks including alcohol. The train stops at the NOC center and has an hour layover, however, there is a MILE long walk to get from the drop off location to the center, no transport was provided, it was not possible for the disabled elderly to even view the stores or sights before its time to be back on the train so many remained on the train disappointed .. there was only one restroom on the train, which had a line.. at the end of the ride, we were dropped off at the end of the one mile track.. golf cart transport was offered for anyone who couldn't walk but since the train held over 800 people .. there was quite a wait for a transport! BENCHES at the end of the track walkway would of been so helpful to those who couldn't make the walk! It was still a very enjoyable trip and would recommend it, just be prepared to huff it back to the...

Oct of 2022. What a wonderful time of year to take the Train ride during the fall. We went with the first class silver star ticket. We had a pleasant dinner (you place your food order when making reservations) with cheese cake for dessert. There is also, complimentary non-alcohol drinks as well as alcohol beverages that are available to purchase. You can also bring snacks if you want. Everyone received, in our train car "silver star", a nice souvenir Smokey Mountain train togo cup & tote bag to take home. There was a guy(train entertainment) playing a guitar & singing a few songs near the end of our tour (tips). Also, there was a youngman taking keepsake photos and returns later with the pictures for you to purchase, if you want. They have a very friendly service crew to help with all your needs and, even during the train ride, they gave entertaining tidbits of interesting information along the way. The train uses the same track to leave the station and return. Before returning back to the station, the crew member will tell you to which sides with the table directly across from you. So it doesn't really matter what side you're sitting on. They take a hour break at the mid-way point of the trip. Nice little place by the river with businesses & restaurant. But, time goes fast by the time you wait to get off train, walk around alittle and have to be back on board before it heads back. This was an enjoyable authentic train ride thu the Smoky Mountains. Would recommend, you folks, to add this to your...