Chattanooga has it all; natural attractions, museums, aquariums, and adventure activities. It is easy to see why the South loves visiting this scenic city. Below is a list of some of Chattanooga's top attractions
Ruby Falls
Located on Lookout Mountain, and just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is a Chattanooga must see. The guided tour through the caverns begins with a 260 elevator descent and is highlighted with a thundering waterfall that is over 1120 feet underground. Food and Gifts are available onsite as well as a spectacular view from the Lookout Mountain Tower. more info |
Rock City
See Seven States from Lookout Mountain at Rock City. This all natural trail located at the top of Lookout Mountain offer visitors some of the best views in the Southeast. Dubbed the enchanted trail, the Rock City path is carved along the mountain side and is home to thousands of flower and plant varieties, as well as several notable rock formations. Suck it in for Fat Man's Squeeze, recall childhood memories at Mother Goose Village, and marvel at all the tremendous wonders at Rock City. more info |
Incline Railway
An engineering marvel, the Incline Railway is the world's steepest passenger train. Sit back and take a ride on "America's Most Amazing Mile" as you are taken up the face of Lookout Mountain. Each glass enclosed Incline train cars gives visitors an amazing view and experience on the way up and down. While at the top be sure to visit the observations platform which is the highest point on Lookout Mountain or stroll a short distance to several Civil War points of interest. more info |
Tennessee Aquarium
Dive into two worlds of wonder and excitement. Begin with the freshwater exhibits housed in the River Journey building. Watch river otters playing in a cove forest. An alligator and giant snapping turtle will thrill in a delta swamp. Gaze in awe at fantastic seahorses and seadragons. The adventure continues in the Ocean Journey building. Explore the chilly world of “Penguins’ Rock” the home of amazing gentoo and macaroni penguins. Big toothy sharks and thousands of colorful reef fish swirl all around an impressive reef. Delight as a multitude of beautiful butterflies flutter throughout a tropical garden. Reach out and touch a shark or ray. Get up close to wonders of nature above and below the water. Experience two aquariums in one great city - Chattanooga. more info |
Battles for Chattanooga
Due to it's location and rail access Chattanooga was a pivotal location during the American Civil War. During those bloody days the area played host to many monumental battles such as The Battle Above the Clouds, The Battle of Chickamauga, and the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
Battles for Chattanooga narrates those bloody day thorough the use of it's large map which is adorned with hand crafted figures and lighting effects. Also on display are weapons, equipment and other Civil War artifacts. more info
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Chattanooga Nature Center
Come nose-to-nose with red wolves, the most endangered mammal in the United States. Get eye-to eye with a bald eagle, hawks, vultures, and a variety of owls. Marvel at one of the largest timber rattlesnake in captivity. Explore the Discovery Forest Treehouse located off the Blue Heron Boardwalk in the heart of the wetlands along Lookout Creek. Relax and enjoy wildlife- friendly gardens and spectacular views of the bluffs of historic Lookout Mountain. Walk, drive or bike along miles of trails at adjoining Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden where you’ll see wildlife at its best - in the wild! more info
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Creative Discovery Museum
The Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on children's museum with concentration on the arts and sciences. Watch the joy in your children's eyes as they; pilot a riverboat, dig for dinosaur bones, make sculptures and build robots. The Artist's Studio challenges kids to become more artistic, the Musician's Workshop builds a love for music. Also, throughout the year, there are ever-changing displays and exhibits that help develop interest and skill in scientific invention & exploration.
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Hunter Museum
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. more info
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Southern Belle Riverboat
Whether one of their fabulous dinner cruises, our daily lunch cruise or daytime sightseeing cruise, you'll love the scenic Tennessee River in the climate controlled Southern Belle! more info |
IMAX 3D Theatre
Practically next door to the Tennessee Aquarium, the massive six-story-high Imax 3D Theatre combines breathtaking crystal clear 3D images with state-of-the-art six channel IMAX digital sound. You’ll feel like you’re diving deep within the ocean or exploring the outer reaches of the solar system. more info
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International Towing and Recovery Museum
Come walk among early towing and recovery history in the International Towing & Recovery Hall Of Fame and Museum. Enjoy restored antique wreckers and equipment, industry related displays of collectible toys, tools, unique equipment, and pictorial histories of manufacturers who pioneered worldwide industry. more info |
Lookout Mountain
Flight Park

Soar like an eagle in this the purest form of flight! No experience necessary. Fly with a certified instructor pilot by your side for a birds eye view of beautiful Lookout Mountain. All tandem flights are towed to altitude by a special ultra-light aircraft. In-flight photos available. Fly to 2,000 feet for 12 to 20 minutes of flying time. more info
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