Fall Heritage Festival

The Fall Heritage Festival is a celebration of life in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau, engaging regional communities through the educational and inspirational experience of history, music, arts, and civic involvement.

Did you know that proceeds from the Fall Heritage Festival benefit the Cowan Railroad Museum? Most people think CRM is owned by the City of Cowan, but that's not true -- we are a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization "owned" by our members.

Cowan Railroad Museum is Open to the public May 1 through October 31: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 - 4 pm.  The museum charges a nominal admission fee of $2 per adult, $1 for children or $5 for a family;  always free to Military personnel.  Members gain unlimited access for an annual membership fee of $20.  During the Festival, all fees are waived but we never turn down donations of any kind!!!

This is a wonderful little museum nestled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains that warrants your visit. Outdoor prototype equipment (in Railroad Park) includes a 1920 Porter Engine, L&N Flatbed, NC&StL Caboose, and NC&StL GE 44-ton diesel locomotive.

Indoor displays cover railroading though the years. Don't miss our "Bubble" on the HO Scale layout, or the 1920's working telephones and the telegraphy exihibit (think forerunner of text messaging). The Cowan Mountain Tunnel, built between 1849 and 1982 is represented in photos and a 30 minute video. Sorry, but there is no public access to the tunnel, as it is still in use by CSX as an active mainline.

We invite all attendees at the Fall Heritage Festival to take the time to visit the Museum while in town. ALL ABOARD!