Chattanooga Tourist Attractions

The Tennessee Aquarium displays the freshwater fishes of the southern United States. 6 mi. west of the city, in the Raccoon Mountain recreation area, is one of the largest of the Tennessee Valley Authority's dams.Over 9,000 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish live in recreated native environments. Visitors view the ecosystems of the Tennessee River and five major rivers from the around the world.The Aquarium's newest addition, Ocean Journey, takes guests into the open ocean where sharks, stingrays and colorful reef fish glide through coral formations. Visitors can also experience a shark and ray touch pool and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. The weird and animals in Ocean Journey's "Boneless Beauties" gallery include graceful jellyfish, a giant octopus and cuttlefish. The original River Journey building takes guests on a freshwater adventure, with exhibits that showcase the Appalachian Cove Forest, a steamy Delta swamp and rivers of the world.

Rock City is located atop Lookout Mountain just outside downtown Chattanooga. It features ancient rock formations and gardens with more than 400 plants. Visitors can visit the Enchanted Trail, a scenic woodland path with rock formations and gardens.

At the Battles for Chattanooga Museum on Lookout Mountain, the city's Civil War history is displayed through 5,000 miniature soldiers, 650 lights, sound effects and details of the major battles which were fought in Chattanooga in November of 1863.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo train was a major link between the North and the South - the first run was March 5, 1880. The wood-burning "Choo Choo" was the first to provide non-stop service. A car and engine are on display in the restored terminal which houses shops and restaurants.

The Chattanooga Regional History Museum is located in a 1910 school building. The museum features collections of artifacts of prehistoric Chattanooga, the Civil War, nineteenth and early twentieth century business and industry, and the history of tourism in the region.

The Dragon Dreams Museum in Chattanooga features a collection more than 2,000 dragons. The eight display rooms feature one-of-a-kind antiques, porcelains, hand-crafted figurines, and furniture. There are dragons made of wood, silver, jade, ivory, pewter, porcelain, and fabric.

The Houston Museum in Chattanooga is housed in an 18th C Victorian house. It features collections of antique glass and ceramics, antique furniture, music boxes, and coverlets from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston, a famous antiques dealer.

The Hunter Museum in Chattanooga features American art from the Colonial period to the present day. Exhibits include paintings, works on paper, sculpture, furniture and contemporary studio glass. The museum is housed in a 1904 Classic Revival mansion.

The National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History in Chattanooga honors Americans who served their country with valor as members of the military. Items from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as Desert Storm are on display.

The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are located just to the west of Chattanooga. The caverns were carved from pure limestone by the forces of nature. They contain formations and fossils in their natural state in more than five and a half miles of explored and mapped passageways.

The Tennessee Civil War Museum in Chattanooga is a hands-on museum that features uniforms, weapons, equipment, and other battlefield relics. Live demonstrations portray Confederate and Union soldiers using authentic equipment to demonstrate battle tactics as well as the daily struggles of the common soldier.

The Tennessee Wildlife Center in Chattanooga is a 17-acre nature sanctuary that lets visitors experience local flora and fauna. The bobcat, red fox, and great horned owl are a few animals that can be seen up close. The Arboretum and Botanical Garden are filled with a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

The Chattanooga African-American Museum tour begins in east Africa in the 12th century and travels through time to the history of how the African people were enslaved and brought to America.

The Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga provides interactive, hands-on activities for children from two to twelve years old. Exhibits include the Field Scientist's Laboratory and the Inventor's Workshop.

The International Towing and Recovery Museum in Chattanooga features antique wreckers and equipment, towing industry displays of collectible toys, tools, unique equipment, and histories of towing manufacturers.

Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall located on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. The caves are reached by an elevator and feature a number of geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drapes, and flowstone.

The Siskin Museum of Religious Artifacts in downtown Chattanooga is home to Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Confucian items dating from the 16th to the 20th century.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga offers passenger train travel of the early 20th century on a historic railroad. The 1930's steam-powered train travels six miles over three bridges and a Civil War Railroad tunnel.

In north-western Georgia are the Civil War battlefields of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, where 34,000 Union and Confederate troops fell.

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway has trolley-style railcars that climb Lookout Mountain. Passengers view Chattanooga's surrounding mountains and valleys.

The National Knife Museum in Chattanooga features more than 12,000 knives, swords, razors and cutlery items.