What To Do in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is primarily known to the rest of the country from Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and then...., that's about it. But there is considerably more to Chattanooga, TN. In addition to its place as a railroad hub to the south that saw the city become famous for its choo choo, Chattanooga played a large role in the Civil War decades prior. The flooding of Chattanooga was largely responsible for Franklin D. Roosevelt's Tennessee Valley Authority that ultimately became a cornerstone of the New Deal which shaped the nation.
Chattanooga saw wild swings of fortune during the 20th Century, but presently is firmly on the rise with Volkswagen opening its first North American plant in decades and a thriving art community has risen along with this economic uptick. Chattanooga offers a fantastic indoor/outdoor experience for those that visit this southeastern Tennessee city and are often surprised to find all that the city has to offer.
01Â The Chattanooga Choo Choo
It's not just a song, but a functioning hotel and piece of Americana. There is a no small amount of irony present in the story of the railroad and Chattanooga. Before becoming the Chattanooga train station, the building was a hotel. The train station closed in 1970 and thanks to a group of local businessmen the building was spared when they returned it to its original function as a hotel. The hotel still has tracks from the railroad running through the property as well as the original Chattanooga Choo Choo Train. While you can explore the hotel to your heart's content the audio guided trolley will cost you a few bucks to learn the history of this hotel/station/hotel which has repurposed train cars as sleeping options for its guests.
02Â Bike Chattanooga
Thanks to the Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System you have the option of checking out this lovely city by bicycle. There are over 300 bikes available, located at 41 stations throughout the city. A single day pass costs $8, and a three-day pass runs $15. Once you pay this at any of the stations, you can grab a bike as you please and return it to any station. The pass allows for unlimited trips under 60 minutes. Grab one and return it to any of the 40 other stations and grab another when you need it. It's a great way to leisurely explore the city at your own pace rather than having an Uber pass something possibly interesting at 30 MPH.
03Â Whiskey Tasting at Jack Daniels
Roughly 90 miles from Chattanooga, you can relive the history of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey and explore what makes it so intriguing. The distinctive mellow and sweet flavor is a sensory overload that you'll love. As the oldest registered distillery in the US, it makes, ages, and bottles the whiskey in Lynchburg. You can reach the distillery by driving yourself or hire a minibus for a guided tour to the historic Barrelhouse 1-14 to sip a flight of five flavors.
04Â Bluff View Art District
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, The River Gallery and the Hunter Museum of American Art all call this scenic bluff with Tennessee River, and downtown views home. The River Gallery has a brilliant sculpture garden that can only be called a great job of yard work, while the Hunter Museum displays work in tune with the architecture of the three buildings, with one of the buildings hosting the work of Andy Warhol. There are also a number of quaint coffee shops and restaurants to be found in this neighborhood.
05Â The Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is two buildings; one freshwater and the other saltwater. The aquarium tries to follow the journey of a raindrop on land to the ocean, and it does it with spectacular effect. The freshwater journey will give you the birds, river otters, turtles, and alligators that populate the rivers in Tennessee and elsewhere. This trip continues to the other building and its saltwater denizens like penguins, sharks, reef fish, and a fantastic mirrored jellyfish habitat that seems to stretch forever.
06Â The Chattanooga Zoo
Imagine a zoo where you can view animal behaviors up close in an immersive environment. That's Chattanooga Zoo that exhibits more than 500 animals from 200 species, including some rare and endangered ones. With an entry fee of $10.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids, the zoo offers various activities, various events, and tours to the exquisite wildlife enclosures. Just take a ride to the zoo located a little over a mile away from downtown and immerse in the wild experience of a lifetime.
07Â Rock City Gardens
Chattanooga's proximity to the Georgia border makes this a lot closer than it reads. This 4,100-foot walking trail on the far side of Lookout Mountain offers bouldering for the adventurous or a simple, lazy hike through this border state splendor. It provides the kids something while also providing space for your romantic side if you and your partner stop to admire the 90-foot waterfall at Lover's Leap.
08Â Raccoon Mountain Caverns
The Raccoon Mountain Caverns measure over five miles on its well-lighted walking trail. Opened in 1931, the caves have remained a popular tourist destination for those traveling through the south given their proximity to the highway. Despite all the foot traffic, there remains an active and very much alive ecosystem comprised of spiders, bats, and salamanders. There is an excellent campground available outside the entrance if you wish to make a weekend out of your visit.
09Â Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Chattanooga hosted Confederate and Union victories and defeats during the Civil War. The park itself is located in Chickamauga, Georgia less than 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga. However, even if you were to stay on the Tennessee side, you will still have an opportunity to visit Chattanooga National Cemetery, Signal Point, Lookout Mountain and parts of Missionary Ridge. In the summer, take a guided tour with a park ranger free of charge to have the battles put in perspective by someone who has done their homework.
10Â Check Out The Walnut Street Bridge
What do you do with a bridge scheduled for demolition? Use one of the many others spanning the Tennessee River? No, you turn it into the world's longest pedestrian bridge and host concerts and an annual wine tasting to complement the grand river views. The Walnut Street Bridge connects the north and south sides of Chattanooga which was quite significant when it was turned into a pedestrian bridge given the racially segregating nature of the river running through town.
11Â Ruby Falls
This accidental discovery along the Tennesse River Gorge is one of Chattanooga's most visited tourist attractions. The Lookout Mountain Cave was closed in 1905, for railroad construction. A local cave explorer, Leo Lambert, led a team to build an elevator from the surface so the cave could be reopened to the public. As it happens, a newly found 18-inch crack in the rocks turned out to be the entrance to Ruby Falls. It's the United States' largest underground waterfall now and includes zip lines and various other activities on top of the majesty of this discovery.
12Â Audubon Acres
If hiking in natural environments fascinates you, don't miss a tour to Audubon Acres in East Brainerd. It offers five acres of hiking trails on either side of Chickamauga Creek in a sanctuary spread over 132 acres. You can tour the small visitor's center, explore the forested portions, or visit the Spring Frog Cabin built in the 1700s and Little Owl Village dating back to the 1400s.
13Â Take the Kids to the Creative Discovery Museum
Rainy day in Chattanooga with the kids? Look no farther than the Creative Discovery Museum, one of the nation's most exceptional children's museums. This interactive museum appeals to kids of all ages while their parent's remark on the intelligence put into this museum by its curators. This hands-on-family experience is open 10 AM-6 PM daily.
14Â Chattanooga National Cemetery
Embark on a historical journey marked by courage, sacrifice, and valor at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The area sprawled over 120 acres is the largest national cemetery in the state and one of the oldest military cemeteries in the country, established in 1863. More than 44000 veterans are interred at this site that offers spectacular views of the three Civil War battle sites.
15Â Chattanooga Market
Plan a shopping excursion and buy fresh farm produce and local handicrafts at the Chattanooga Market. This producer-only market features farm-fresh goods, arts, and crafts from over 50 farms and 130 artisans coming here every week. If you want some entertainment on the side, the market offers live music from regional musicians for two free shows every Sunday and Wednesday. Food trucks serving local delicacies are another attraction, especially when you get starving after shopping.
16Â Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
All aboard for a journey back in time at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This living museum offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to ride on vintage railway cars and explore the rich history of the railroad. The museum's collection includes a variety of locomotives and rolling stock, each with its own story to tell. Whether you're a history buff or a train enthusiast, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination.
17Â Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Celebrating the rich African American history and culture in Chattanooga, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a beacon of knowledge and understanding. The center offers a variety of exhibits and events that highlight the contributions and achievements of African Americans. From art exhibits to musical performances, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a vibrant and vital part of Chattanooga's cultural landscape.
18Â Chattanooga Riverboat Cruise
Set sail on the Tennessee River with a Chattanooga Riverboat Cruise. These sightseeing cruises offer a unique perspective on the city and its surrounding natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset cruise or a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, Chattanooga Riverboat Cruises has something for everyone.
19Â Chickamauga Lake
Nestled along the Tennessee River, Chickamauga Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's calm waters are perfect for canoeing and kayaking, while its shores offer plenty of opportunities for picnicking and bird-watching. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an active adventure, Chickamauga Lake is the perfect destination.
20Â Greenway Farm and Dog Park
Explore the great outdoors at Greenway Farm and Dog Park. This park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as an off-leash dog park for your furry friends. With canoe and kayak rentals available, you can also take to the waters of the North Chickamauga Creek for a fun-filled adventure.
21Â Montague Park Sculpture Field
Art and nature come together at the Montague Park Sculpture Field. This unique park features over 40 sculptures scattered across its landscape, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, the Montague Park Sculpture Field is a must-visit destination.
22Â Chattanooga Whiskey
Experience the rich flavors and history of Tennessee whiskey at Chattanooga Whiskey. This distillery offers guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the whiskey-making process and sample a variety of their offerings. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or a novice, Chattanooga Whiskey is sure to provide a memorable experience.
23Â The Bitter Alibi
Step into a world of craft beer and cozy ambiance at The Bitter Alibi. This dimly lit bar offers a relaxing environment perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day. With a variety of quality draft beers and a friendly staff, The Bitter Alibi is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
24Â Warehouse Row
Discover a unique shopping experience at Warehouse Row. Established in 1904, this shopping area has been revitalized and now features a variety of local boutiques and popular stores. Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends or unique home decor, Warehouse Row has something for everyone.
25Â National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Pay tribute to the nation's bravest at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. This museum is dedicated to the Medal of Honor and its recipients, offering a variety of exhibits and events that honor their courage and sacrifice. From personal belongings to diaries and uniforms, the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center provides a poignant and inspiring look at our nation's heroes.
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