A Guide to Summerville City Centre

Summerville’s railroad landmarks and public parks give you a straightforward way to get oriented in the city centre. The Historic Summerville Depot stands at 119 E. Washington St., next to Dowdy Park, and is available for outdoor viewing year-round.

The depot is associated with one of the few operating railroad turntables in the United States. You can see the turntable at the site; train arrivals offer a chance to watch it in action. Passenger trains from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum arrive monthly from March through September and weekly in fall.

Dowdy Park sits at the intersection of Highway 27 and University Street. Its facilities include a walking track, gazebos, a playground, the railroad turntable and the historic Couey House. The park also hosts events and programs through the year, including Railroad Days, arts and music festivals, and a Pickin’ in the Park chapter.

Dowdy Park and Willow Spring Park are connected by Town Creek Trail, which follows Town Creek. The route has picnic tables and grills, so you can combine a walk along the creek with time in either park.

For a railroad-focused visit, begin at the depot and turntable, then continue into Dowdy Park. If you have more time, follow the trail toward Willow Spring Park. The county places Dowdy Park at the junction of Highway 27 and University Street, a useful address for navigation.

Summerville’s historic depot, turntable and park landmarks are the central stops to look for. The depot listing describes the turntable as one of the only working examples in the Southeast, and train arrivals provide opportunities to see it operating.

The depot’s visitor amenities include public restrooms, maps and brochures, along with free admission and free on-site parking. For a different local attraction, Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is at 200 North Lewis St. in Summerville. The annual Finster Fest celebrates folk art, Finster’s art and Paradise Garden on Memorial Day weekend.

Railroad Days is another recurring event: Steam Into Summerville begins in October, with festivals each weekend through mid-November. The Summerville Santa Special boards at the depot on weekends in December. The ride lasts 75 minutes, and a Mistletoe Market is located at the depot during the rides.

A short visit can focus on the outdoor depot viewing and Dowdy Park, with the trail as an extra stop if you have time. For a longer outing, you can pair the railroad landmarks with a visit to Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden.

The depot is viewable outdoors year-round, but train arrivals and seasonal events follow specific patterns. Check the official site before you go for current visitor details. Chattooga County lists Dowdy Park facilities and events, while the depot information covers railroad arrivals and depot amenities.

Summerville city centre is about a 9-minute walk from Coach Inn - Summerville, or about 2 minutes by car. That makes the depot and parks a practical local outing to add around a stay in town.

If you are planning a wider day out, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is another Chattooga County-area destination.

The visitor listing gives weekday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and does not list weekend hours.

If you are arriving by air, the route from Richard B. Russell Airport to Summerville is another part of planning your visit.

Can you see the Summerville railroad turntable?

Yes. The turntable is at Dowdy Park beside the Historic Summerville Depot, and it can be viewed outdoors. Train arrivals provide opportunities to see it in action.

Is there a trail connecting Summerville parks?

Yes. Town Creek Trail runs along Town Creek between Dowdy Park and Willow Spring Park, with picnic tables and grills along the way.

When does Finster Fest take place?

Finster Fest is held each year on Memorial Day weekend and celebrates folk art, Howard Finster’s art and Paradise Garden.