AMUSEMENT RIDES

AMUSEMENT RIDES AT TWEETSIE RAILROAD IN BLOWING ROCK, NC

WHAT TO EXPECT

Tweetsie Railroad combines classic family rides with several more energetic attractions. Rides are spread among the Country Fair, Tweetsie Junction and Miners Mountain, and regular daytime admission includes unlimited rides.

COUNTRY FAIR RIDES

The Country Fair includes the Carousel, Ferris Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Planes and Helicopters, Bullwhip, Barrels of Fun, Buckaroo Drop, Tornado and Turnpike Cruisers. The Carousel has no restriction. Children under 48 inches need an adult on the Ferris Wheel; children under 36 inches need an adult on the Tilt-A-Whirl; and Planes and Helicopters is for riders 32–54 inches tall.

The Bullwhip is for riders age 13 or older and 59–75 inches tall, or ages 8–12 who are at least 51 inches tall and ride with an adult. Barrels of Fun is for ages 4 and older and riders 47–77 inches tall, or riders 36–47 inches tall with an adult. Buckaroo Drop requires 42 inches, or at least 38 inches with an adult, and has a 220-pound maximum. Tornado requires 48 inches, or at least 42 inches with an adult. Guests younger than 12 or under 58 inches need an adult on Turnpike Cruisers.

TWEETSIE JUNCTION AND MINERS MOUNTAIN

Tweetsie Junction features Himalaya, where riders under 42 inches need an adult, plus Bikes and Buggies for children 32–54 inches tall. Miners Mountain includes Mini Swing for children age 4 and older who are 32–59 inches tall, the restriction-free Mouse Mine Train, Tweetsie Twister for riders under 42 inches with an adult, F-80 Jet Planes for children under 54 inches and Boats for children under 45 inches.

HOURS AND OPERATING SEASON

Regular daytime operations run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tweetsie Railroad is open Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 through May 31, plus Memorial Day Monday; five days a week from June 1 through August 8, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 through November 1, plus Labor Day Monday.

Ghost Train operates Friday and Saturday nights from September 25 through October 31, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tweetsie Christmas runs on select evenings from November 27 through December 30, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Miners Mountain and several daytime attractions are not open during the nighttime events.

ADMISSION AND PARKING

Regular daytime admission is $65 for ages 13 and older, $45 for children ages 3–12, and free for children age 2 and younger. Taxes and fees are included. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Golden Rail season passes are $150 for adults and $110 for children and include unlimited regular daytime admission plus pass benefits.

HEIGHT, AGE AND HEALTH RULES

Restrictions are enforced at each ride. Measure children before choosing a line and read the posted sign at the entrance. Several spinning and motion rides are not recommended for pregnant guests or people with heart, back or neck conditions. Riders must be able to sit upright independently and control the upper torso, head and neck during the ride.

ACCESSIBILITY

Ride loading requirements vary. The Mouse Mine Train is accessible for standard-size wheelchairs, while other rides may require a transfer and the ability to maintain an upright riding position. Accessible restrooms are available at the Depot, Hacienda, Miners Mountain and Upper Country Fair.

WEATHER AND WAIT TIMES

Outdoor rides may pause during lightning, heavy rain, high wind or required maintenance. Lines are generally shortest soon after opening and during major showtimes. Country Fair can become busiest in the middle of the afternoon.

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

• Start with rides that have the strictest height limits before children become tired.
• Photograph the park map or use the map to group rides by area.
• Use the Miners Mountain bus when a chairlift ride or uphill walk is not practical.
• Keep loose items secured and follow each operator’s instructions.

WHO THIS ACTIVITY IS BEST FOR

The ride collection is designed especially for families with children age 12 and younger, but the carousel, Ferris wheel, classic midway rides and scenic attractions also appeal to multi-generational groups.