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Attractions
Museums
Area Parks and Green Spaces
Other Sights

Attractions

 • Rock City, 1400 Patton Road (Located approximately 6 miles from downtown), telephone 1-800-854-0675. Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City has been an attraction in some form or another since 1823. However, not until Garnet Carter, inventor of Miniature Golf, and his wife opened Rock City Gardens in 1932 it was not a huge draw. Carter hired Clark Byers to travel the nation's highways, offering to paint farmer's barns in exchange for letting them paint "See Rock City" on them. Rock City Gardens features a 4100ft walking trail, a 90 foot waterfall, a 180-foot long suspension bridge, and Lover's Leap where you can "see seven states." Open year round, except Christmas Day, at 8:30am. From the middle of November until the end of the year, they have the "Enchanted Garden of Lights" from 6pm - 9pm which features local school/church groups performing and the entire gardens decorated in holiday lights. Adult admission is $12.95, Children ages 3 - 12 are $6.95, 2 and under are free. Combination tickets covering Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline are available at any of the three attractions.

 • Ruby Falls, 1720 South Scenic Highway, telephone 821-2544. This thundering 145 foot waterfall inside Lookout Mountain has been a popular attraction since 1929. Named after the founder's wife, Ruby Falls was found by Leo Lambert in 1923 as he and his corporation were drilling a shaft to open the historic Lookout Mountain Cave to the public. During the drilling, a small opening was located and after a 17 hour trip, Leo emerged with tales of beautiful rock formations and a spectacular waterfall. Parking is on-site, attended and free. Allow approximately two hours for your visit. Those with Closter phobia may be a little unnerved by the elevator ride into the caverns. No strollers are permitted and the cave tour is not wheelchair accessible. Ruby Falls is open from 8am - 8pm (except Christmas Day), the attraction is weatherproof and 60 degrees year round. Adult admission is $12.95, Children ages 3 - 12 are $5.95, 2 years and under are free. Combination tickets covering Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline are available at any of the three attractions.

 • Incline Railway, 3917 St Elmo (Near Interstate 24), telephone 821-4224. In November of 1895, the Incline in its second incarnation made its first ascent up Lookout Mountain on what is the steepest passenger incline in the world. Renovation in that was completed in 1986 has brought the station back to its original splendor. Traveling at a 72.7% grade, the trolley-styled cars pass at the midpoint of the 45 minute one-way trip. After arriving at the upper station, a short walk will take you to Point Park where a spectacular view of Moccasin Bend and the Tennessee River await you. Adult admission, round trip, is $10.00. Children, ages 3 -12, $5.00. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Incline is open from 8:30am to 9:30pm; During April, May, September, and October from 9:00am to 6:00pm; and from November through March, from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

 • Chattanooga Choo Choo, Erected in 1908 with a magnificent dome rising majestically over the concourse, the Terminal Station served thousands of passengers until 1970 when the trains stopped running. In 1973, after a 4 million dollar renovation, it was reopened to the public. The dome room was converted into a huge dining hall, the "Station House", complete with singing waiters and waitresses. Authentic sleeper cars have been furnished as unique sleeping quarters. Holiday Inn welcomed the hotel into its family in 1989 after another 4 million dollars were invested. The dome is decorated with magnificent colors and it stunning when lit up at night.

 • Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad Street, (Which has become the center of tourism in Downtown Chattanooga), telephone 1-800-262-0695. The Tennessee Aquarium features two buildings, "Ocean Journey" and "River Journey." The River Journey focuses on freshwater environments, carrying you through mountains forests, swamps, valley and lakes, both in the Tennessee Valley and throughout the world. Some of the special attractions are the seahorses and otters. The Ocean Journey building, a recent addition to the campus, offers opportunity to touch stingrays, visit a butterfly garden and see sharks. Both buildings stand out in the skyline with their pitched glass roofs and have become a popular landmark for photographers. Expect to tour for at least two and a half hours, more during the summer. During the summer, hours are extended and tickets are time-stamped. Purchasing tickets in advance during the summer months (or even all year) is an extremely good idea. Not only are they cheaper, you can also plan on an entry time. Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available. First admittance at 10am and last at 6pm, outside of summer months.

 • IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut Street, 266-4629 - (Just across the street from the Tennessee Aquarium) This six-story high IMAX 3D Theater features two 3D films that change regularly, often themed closely to the latest special attraction at the Aquarium. Currently showing Sharks 3D and Wild Safari 3D, this IMAX does not show any feature films. Tickets purchased at the box office may not be for an immediate showing, so advance purchases are best for planning purposes. Single movie tickets are $7.95 for Adults, $5.50 for Children 3-12. Double Feature tickets are $11.95 and $8.50. Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available.

 • Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park, 1101 McCallie Avenue, (2 miles from downtown Chattanooga) telephone 697-1322. Also referred to as the "Warner Park Zoo", it is located on 6 acres in the middle of Warner Park. March - October the park is open 9am - 5pm, everyday, November - February 10am- 5pm, everyday, and closed New Years Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Admission is $6 for Adults, $4 for Seniors, $3 for Children Age 3 - 15.

Museums

 • International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, 3315 Broad Street, 267-3132. The museum can be found on the right in a blue and white building as you drive toward the mountain, a short drive from downtown. Chattanooga was chosen as the site of the museum because the first wrecker was built here at the Ernest Holmes Company. You'll find dozens of antique tow trucks and pictures of Hall of Famers. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for Seniors 55 and older, $4 for Children 6 - 18, and free for children 5 and under. Hunter Museum

 • Chattanooga Regional History Museum, 400 Chestnut Street, 265-3247. A museum featuring regularly changing exhibits concerning regional history. Admission is $4 for Adults, $3.50 for Seniors, $3 for Children ages 5 - 18.

 • Hunter Museum of American Art. 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. Open M, Tu, Fr and Sa 10am - 5pm; W 12pm - 5pm; Th 10am - 9pm;Closed Wednesdays Labor Day through Memorial Day. Admission is $7 for Adults, $3.50 Children 3 - 12.

 • Children's Discovery Museum, Corner of Chestnut and 4th, 756-2738. Search for Lost Dinosaur Bones, Take Apart Stuff That Works, Create Your Own Music, Walk Through A Picture, and Play with the Water Works! The Children's Discovery Museum isn't just for children, although it was designed for them in mind. There are lots of interactive exhibits here, enough to keep even the most hyperactive of kids entertained. Revolving exhibits, such as "Richard Scarry's Busytown" and "Good Grief! Charlie Brown" keep the museum fresh for multiple visits. The CDM was voted as one of the top 20 children's museums in the nation by Child magazine. Plan on spending approximately 2 hours in the museum. Admission is $7.95 for adults and $6.95 children ages 2 - 12. tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available.

 • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd, 423 894-8028 - Ride the 50 minute Missionary Ridge Local for a guided tour of their restoration shop or grab the 4 hour roundtrip ride into Chickamauga, Georgia. Special tours like the Autumn Leaf special or the Steam All the Way available seasonally. Tickets $12.50 - $79.

Area Parks and Green spaces

 • Coolidge Park. This park features a beautifully restored carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, and lots of open space where the Navy and Marine Reserve Center once stood. A short walk across the Walnut Street Bridge allows visitors to enjoy Chattanooga's most popular park. It is part of the Tennessee Riverpark, a 22 mile long public park along the Tennessee River. Coolidge park is also a Wi-Fi Hotspot thanks to the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group .
Watch the activity in Coolidge park through an entire day/night cycle of June 9 and 10, 2003. (Requires Windows Media Player)

 • Walnut Street Bridge. 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. The Walnut Street Bridge was condemned and slated for demolition when local citizens convinced the City of Chattanooga to commit the funds earmarked for the bridge's demolition to its restoration, providing the balance of the renovation cost could be raised. As the World's longest pedestrian bridge it serves as the link between downtown Chattanooga and the now thriving Northshore District.

 • Renaissance Park. Another Northshore park. Adjacent to Coolidge Park, this 23 acre urban wetland park is a product of Chattanooga's 21st Century Waterfront project. Plans are underway to create an outdoor center to promote outdoor activities in the Chattanooga area, as well as a nature trail through the park.

 • Tennessee River Walk. A continuous 10 mile path stretching from Ross's Landing in the heart of downtown Chattanooga to the Tennessee Riverpark and the Chickamauga Dam, stopping various times along the way to open up into picnic areas. Start the trail in any number of places along Amnicola Highway, Riverside Drive, or Downtown. This linear greenway continues to grow and expand through several different projects.

 • Ross's Landing. A site of great significance for its relevance in Cherokee Indian and Chattanooga history, Ross's Landing has recently been renovated, adding a large pier, natural amphitheatre and a large green space. Wrapping underneath Riverfront Parkway is a unique water feature for visitors to cool off in. Several mooring posts are available for boaters to make a stop off at this beautiful space.

 • Miller Park, 910 Market Street. The park, one-acre in the middle of downtown, is very popular with the downtown lunch crowd. It has an outdoor amphitheater, a large fountain and beautiful grassy areas. Homeless people are known to relax in the shade here and a number of mission organizations stop here to offer free lunches to them. Some residents have complained that these free lunches bring more homeless to the park area, but the ones that do frequent the area tend to leave well enough alone. Panhandling or begging is rare.

 • Miller Plaza, 850 Market Street. Directly across from Miller Park is a pavilion, outdoor stage and a fountain. This site is used a couple of regular, free concert series: "Nightfall" and "Rhythm & Noon." The Nightfall series, held each Friday evening from May through September, is extremely popular, especially with area bikers, but it is still a very friendly crowd. Rhythm & Noon is held every Friday from May through August. Miller Plaza is also a WiFi hotspot sponsor by the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group .

 • Heritage park, 1428 Jenkins Road. A 22-acre park featuring a walking track, picnic tables with grills, and a bocce ball court.

 • Chattanooga Nature Center, 400 Garden Road, telephone 821-1160. Established in 1979, the Chattanooga Nature Center includes a 1400 foot boardwalk meandering through seasonal wetland and lowland forest. The CNC sponsors summer camps each year and space is always limited. They are open M-S from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 4 - 11 and seniors 65+. The CNC is only minutes from Downtown Chattanooga and it is well worth the trip.

 • Reflection Riding, Located at the Chattanooga Nature Center, 821-9582. This 300-acre arboretum, botanical garden and historic site located on Lookout Mountain. Open M-Sa from 9am to 5pm year round and on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm March through October. The seasons are most evident as your travel through the grounds, with summer's wildflowers and autumn's changing of colors. There are also rental facilities available on the acreage, perfect for parties, weddings or other occasions. Cost of admission is $6 per car, or you can pay per individual for admission to both Reflection Riding and the Chattanooga Nature Center.

Other Sights

 • Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, 855-6590 - Initially designated as a national cemetery "in commemoration of the Battles of Chattanooga, Nov. 23 - 27, 1863" by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas on Christmas Day of 1863. In addition to Civil War veterans, there are 78 German prisoners of war from World War I, the largest number of German POWs interred in the United States. The 120 acre cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and it features one of five memorial entrance archways built in national cemeteries. The archway approaches 40 feet in height. A number of other monuments have been erected throughout the cemetery.

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