Chattanooga

Chattanooga offers attendees the natural splendor of mountains and hills, the beautiful Tennessee River, and a progressive and exciting downtown. The Tennessee Aquarium, 3D IMAX Theatre, Southern Belle Riverboat, shopping, dining, museums and art centers have   made the city “One of the 6 cities World-Wide that Work to Create Great Urban Experiences” U.S News and World Reports.

The extraordinary transformation of Chattanooga’s riverfront has enriched the community and enticed new visitors from across the country.  This renovation showcases, among other things, the Tennessee Aquarium’s new $30 million expansion, Ocean’s Journey.  The spectacular saltwater exhibit features a coral reef teaming with sharks, barracuda and stingrays.  A lush tropical cove offers a touch pool for hands-on encounters with bamboo sharks and stingrays, and a serene rainforest flutters with hundreds of jewel-colored butterflies. Other exhibits highlight amazing creatures like octopus, jellyfish and giant crabs. Just down the street, children can enjoy, the Creative Discovery Museum where children play and learn at the same time on many fun-filled exhibits.

Another facet of the renovation is the $19.5 million addition to the Hunter Museum of American Art, where attendees can enjoy the country's finest collection of American Art, stroll through an outdoor sculpture garden, create a masterpiece in a studio class or sip a cappuccino in the museum’s café, where glass walls offer magnificent views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.  Walk across the street and enjoy a taste of European culture that includes fine dining or tempting pastries at one of the Bluff View Art District’s three restaurants, all with outdoor seating overlooking the Tennessee River. Shop at the one of kind River Gallery and see some of the world’s finest decorative glass at the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts.

The project also includes enhancements to public spaces, such as a pedestrian pier and bridge, boat slips, vast green spaces, a wetlands park, and unique retail shops and restaurants. 

A dramatic underground passageway leads to the river and celebrates Native American culture, and a new glass-bottom bridge links the art district to downtown. 

Just six miles from downtown and high atop Lookout Mountain, find a few of the timeless attractions that have been exciting visitors for more than 70 years. Rock City Gardens is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 different native plant species, and panoramic views 1,700 feet above sea level. Get a sneak peak at the geological wonders that happen inside the earth at Ruby Falls, the largest underground commercial cavern in the world, known for its magnificent 145 foot waterfall located deep within the heart of Lookout Mountain.

The term “hands on” will take on an adventurous new meaning after riding The Tennessee Valley Railroad, located in “Choo-Choo City” where the largest operating historic railroad in the South will take you on an exhilarating ride aboard a faithfully restored, authentic steam or diesel passenger train.  You will believe you have been transported back in time to Railroading’s Golden Age.

Chattanooga’s unparalleled scenic beauty provides a wonderful natural background. There’s no better way to enjoy Chattanooga than walking the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, strolling through the new wetlands park or enjoying the interactive fountain at Coolidge Park and soon to be Renaissance Park.  Your children will enjoy an ice cream from “Clumpies” and a ride on our authentic carousel where wooden caricatures were hand-crafted from local artist.