Chattanooga Attractions
Tennessee Aquarium
423-785-3019
Discover a secret reef with huge sharks and colorful fish, stroll through a butterfly garden, get hands-on with stingrays and bamboo sharks and explore and undersea cavern. The Aquariums newest gallery features seahorses from all over the world from the large lined seahorses to tiny dwarf seahorses. Check out the odd-looking pipefish that swim upside down and the mysterious leafy and weedy sea-dragons that float on gossamer wings. Children will enjoy the interactive wall in the gallery and can pretend to swim with the seahorses in our pop-up tank.
Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater
423-785-3019
With a 12,000-watt sound system and a projector the size of a small car, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater has the technology to make you feel like you’re in the movie, not just watching it. For current film listings and show times, please call.
Creative Discovery Museum
423-756-2738
A hands-on museum that makes learning about science, music, and history a blast! Children can pilot a riverboat, create dams and channels for floating boats, dig for dinosaurs or even explore child-size versions of a cozy home and sports car.
Chattanooga Riverboat Co. Southern Belle
423-266-4488
Enjoy a variety of cruises on the 500 passenger climate controlled Southern Belle departing from Rosss Landing at the foot of Chestnut Street in downtown Chattanooga. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner cruises. Located at Ross’s Landing across from the Tennessee Aquarium.
Chattanooga Ducks
423-756-DUCK
See Chattanooga by land and water. Not just a tour, its a 60-minute adventure. You will board an authentic renovated World War II Amphibious Landing Vehicle for a narrated tour of downtown Chattanooga. Just when you think youve seen it all, you will splash into the Tennessee River at Historic Rosss Landing for an unforgettable trip around Maclellan Island, A Chattanooga Wildlife Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chattanooga Lookouts
423-267-4849
Double A Professional Team, Cincinnati Reds Affiliate since 1988. For schedule and ticket information call.
Hunter Museum of American Art
423-267-0968
The museum has just completed a $19.95 million expansion and renovation that boasts and additional 27,000 square feet, a new entrance, caf, auditorium, gift shop, and the Souths largest collection of American art. Open Daily.
You’ve never had an art experience like this. Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. This panorama is equaled only by the exceptional collection of American art inside recognized as one of the country’s finest. Once inside, the inspiration continues, because it’s not just about the art; it’s all about you, the visitor. The Hunter is for the entire family to enjoy. Together, you will see art with new eyes as a way to better understand American history and to learn more about what makes us Americans today.
Bluff View Arts District
Stroll through the sculpture garden, shops, restaurants, art gallery, and Hunter Museum of American Art. Restaurants include: Rembrandts Coffee House, Back Inn Caf, Renaissance Commons, Tonys Pasta Shop and Trattoria.
Walnut St. Bridge
The world’s longest pedestrian bridge takes you across the Tennessee River from the Tennessee Riverpark to Coolidge Park.
The renovation of this 113-year old historic bridge as a linear pedestrian park was completed in May 1993. It is the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South and was the first multi-use structure to span the 652-mile Tennessee River The Walnut Street Bridge was condemned and slated for demolition when local citizens, lead by Chattanooga Venture, convinced the City of Chattanooga to commit the funds earmarked for the bridges demolition to its restoration, providing the balance of the renovation cost could be raised. The Walnut Street Bridge continues to be one of Chattanoogas most visited attractions, and provides a gathering place for residents and visitors to enjoy events, entertainment and recreation. It serves as the pedestrian link between downtown Chattanooga and the now thriving Northshore District. The restored Walnut Street Bridge now serves as an icon for a community undergoing a renaissance along its river.
Coolidge Park Interactive Fountain and Carousel
Coolidge Park is Chattanooga’s most popular park. Situated on the city’s north shore, this exciting 7-acre park offers a rare opportunity to relax, play, and socialize year-round. Named in honor of Charles Coolidge, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Coolidge Park features a beautifully restored hand-carved carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, an open-air performance venue, and lots of open space. Restaurants, shops, and several popular attractions such as the Walnut Street Bridge and the Walnut Wall Climbing Facility surround the park. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. The carousel at Coolidge Park remains open to the public Mondays – Saturdays, Noon – 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Chattanooga Zoo
423-697-1319
Red pandas in the Himalayan Passage, chimps in the Gombe Forest, animals in the Warner Park Ranch Exhibit. Open daily 9am – 5pm.
Welcome to Chattanoogas hidden jewel, the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park! This attraction is drawing more attention with locals and tourists alike. The Chattanooga Zoo sits on 6 acres in the middle of Warner Park, just 2-miles from downtown Chattanooga. It features animals and information from all over the world, including Latin America, North America, Africa, and Asia.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
The thrill of riding Americas Most Amazing Mile has delighted guests for more than a century. The 72.7 percent grade offers a breathtaking view as your trolley-style railcar climbs the steepest railway in the world. Open Daily.
The thrill of riding “America’s Most Amazing Mile” has delighted guests for more than a century. As the Incline climbs historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga’s surrounding mountains and valleys come alive as the trolley-style railcars carry you cloud high. The breathtaking 72.7% grade of the track near the top gives the Incline the unique distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world.
Ruby Falls
Located on scenic Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is home to the world’s highest underground waterfall. Take a guided tour of the caves and the spectacular 145-foot waterfall.
Anticipation builds, the temperature drops, a cool fresh breeze surrounds you as you are immersed in darkness. There is the thunderous sound of water splashing directly in front of you, and you feel an invigorating mist. Suddenly, there is light, your attention is drawn immediately upward. You are now staring at one of the worlds most amazing phenomenon.
The story of Ruby Falls begins with the original Lookout Mountain Cave whose natural entrance is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain on the banks of the Tennessee River. Tales of this caves huge chambers and winding passages have long been passed down from one generation to the next, and the caves whereabouts have been known by Chattanooga inhabitants for centuries. The rich history of this cave includes Native Americans, cave explorers, notorious outlaws, civil war soldiers, and even a president of the United States. There were many reports of explorers traveling deep into this cave, as far as 12 miles without reaching the end.
See Rock City
Rock City: Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience fairytale magic at Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Gift shops and restaurant on site. Splendid year-round!
Rock City will amaze you … it’s in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill or in the brand new Rock City Pavilion. Rock City is splendid year-round; Each season there’s a new reason to visit! Be sure to visit SeeRockCity.com again in the near future for updates on special events and promotions as we prepare to celebrate our 75th anniversary, or sign up for our monthly newsletter to get up to date information.
The Chattanooga Nature Center & Botanical Garden
423-821-1160
This 300-acre arboretum, botanical garden, landscape park, nature preserve and historic site remains one of Chattanoogas best kept secrets. Maintained in the style of an English natural landscape, The Riding is billed with an impressive variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Drive, walk, or bike the 3-mile loop, or find a quiet spot to sit and reflect on the beauty of nature. Over fourteen miles of hiking trails wind their way up the base of Lookout Mountain to join those of the National Park Service.
a 1400′ Boardwalk that meanders through a seasonal wetland and lowland forest the Wildlife Wanderland home to our native Animal Ambassadors the George S. Bryan Tree House, one of the largest Tree Houses in the country, built in the branches of a hundred year old Overcup Oak several Native Gardens including a Fragrance Garden, an Organic Community Garden, a Bird and Butterfly Cafe, Woodland Gardens along the Boardwalk and beside the front ramp to the visitor center, a Winter Garden, the Butterfly Creek Garden, the Morning Sun Garden, the Spring Courtyard Garden, a Rhododendron Garden, the Constructed Wetland Garden and the Gardens in the Wanderland. (Note: The plant species in our gardens are mostly natives but not exclusively indigenous to this area. Some are cultivars or hybrids of native species and a few are noninvasive exotics that have been planted for specific reasons over the years.) an ecologically engineered Constructed Wetland, treating all of the wastes from the Visitor’s Center perfect views of the spectacular Lookout Creek (members may take a boat ride in one of our canoes!) miles of Hiking Trails at adjacent Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Come and take part in one of our many public programs, participate in a guided hike, sign up for a school program, join a discussion group, or just enjoy the calm serenity of the forest. Please feel free to use this site for updated information on the many activities going on at the Chattanooga Nature Center and check back often.
Chickamauga National Military Park
Nestled between mountains and ridges, Chattanooga railroads and strategic location were sought by both the North and the South during the Civil War. The bloodiest two-day battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, had brought victory to the Confederates and successfully pushed the Union forces out of North Georgia. Two months later, the fate of the confederacy was sealed with the Battles for Chattanooga. In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation declaring it the nations first military park. Includes a visitor center, audio-visual programs, exhibits, The Fuller Gun Museum.
The Battle for Chattanooga In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga, the gateway to the deep south. The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September, but renewed fighting in Chattanooga in November gave Union troops final control. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the nations first, was created in 1890 to preserve and commemorate these battlefields.
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
Dare to ride the breathtaking Cannon Ball roller coaster, tour the park on the C.P. Huntington train or make a splash on the paddleboats, or the Pipeline Plunge. Over 30 ridges plus games, arcade, gift shops, picnic areas, and more. Open mid-April through Labor Day.
The Lost Sea
(located in Sweetwater,TN) A unique natural wonder that is listed as Americas Largest Underwater Lake in the Guinness Book of World Records. Cavern tours include a glass-bottom boat ride across the incredible lake where giant rainbow trout surface to greet each tour group. Open Daily 9am – 6pm.
