Do you know the dixie dynamo city where cotton meets corn that’s the birthplace of tow trucks? It’s none other than Chattanooga Tennessee. Situated on the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the gateways to the mountains for much of the Southeast. It’s officially called “The Scenic City” because of proximity to the mountains, but the locals use other names. River City, because of the Tennessee River cutting through the Cumberland Plateau is obvious.
Not so obvious is Gig City for the claim of the fastest internet in America (sorry San Jose). Chat-town has more than enough mountain and modern fun to shake a stick at! If you don’t know ‘Nooga, perhaps it’s time to learn more with our guide to the best things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee!
Points of Interest Chattanooga
Photo Credit: Kelly Lacy via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is home to a diverse array of points of interest that reflect its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore stunning landscapes such as Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, delve into the city’s storied past at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Hunter Museum of American Art, and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and the Bluff View Art District. These varied sites make Chattanooga a compelling destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Coolidge Park
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Coolidge Park sits on the North Shore of the Tennessee River. It’s home to a play fountain and a working, century old, carousel. Renaissance park is adjacent to Coolidge park to form one massive park complex.
Tennessee Riverwalk
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
On either side of the river runs the fifteen-mile green way of the Tennessee Riverwalk. It’s a perfect place to try out the Chattanooga Bike Share.
Hunter Museum of Art
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The Hunter offers the largest collection of American art in the Southeast set amongst a century of architectural marvels.
Bluff View Art District
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The art museum anchors the Bluff View Art District which is Chattanooga’s first and finest art district. The district is filled with galleries, boutique stores, and gourmet eateries. Make sure you make time for the many outdoor sculptures around the outdoor sculpture garden.
Tennessee Aquarium
Photo Credit: Tennessee Aquarium.
Recognized as one of the best public aquariums of America, the Tennessee Aquarium tells the story of Appalachia from the perspective of a raindrop. The journey begins high in a mountain rainstorm and flows down the Mississippi delta to the Gulf of Mexico, introducing you to the life and ecosystems along the way.
Creative Discovery Museum
Photo Credit: Creative Discovery Museum.
Situated in downtown Chattanooga, this children’s museum uses art, science, music and even a water-themed area called “River Play” to ignite creativity.
Walnut Street Bridge
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
How long is the Walnut Street Bridge? 2376 feet and it’s only usable by pedestrians. It connects Coolidge Park on North Shore with the Bluff View Art District and Tennessee Aquarium on the South Shore. This bridge is a favorite among the locals and helps form one continuous entertainment district along the riverfront.
Ross Landing
Photo Credit: J. Adams via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
A waterfront park in downtown that commemorates the Union liberation of Chattanooga and the beginning of the Trail of Tears. Also hosts some killer events!
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
“Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?” Chattanooga has always been an important rail center due to its geographic location. The TVRM is dedicated to preserving the legacy of steam locomotives and the golden age of railroads. They even offer several steam-powered excursion trains for the true enthusiasts.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Photo credit: Kelly Lacy via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Visiting the Chattanooga Choo Choo offers a glimpse into the city’s rich railroad history with a unique experience. This former terminal station is now a vibrant complex featuring historic train cars, a hotel, restaurants, and gardens. Guests can explore the restored terminal, view vintage locomotives, and even stay overnight in a converted Pullman train car, making it a must-see destination in Chattanooga.
International Towing and Recovery Museum
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The first tow truck was made by Ernest Holmes Company right in the heart of Chattanooga. The International Towing and Recovery Museum is a celebration of the wreckers. Imagine the joy on your boy’s face when he can see a Saturn V rocket, ride a steam train and meet Tow Mater.
Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Zoo.
This is one of the smallest AZA accredited zoos at 13 acres but it still boasts some unique attractions like the world’s largest indoor Red Panda exhibit. They also have a multi million dollar chimpanzee exhibit.
Southern Belle Riverboat
Photo Credit: Southern Belle Riverboat.
A fun way to explore the Tennessee River in antebellum style. They offer sightseeing tours, sunset tours, and even a dinner cruise.
Chattanooga Ghost Tours
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Would you believe that one of the most fought over towns in the Civil War and the start of the Trail of Tears would have a haunted place or two? These guys do. In fact, USA Today says it’s one of America’s top ten ghost tours.
Chattanooga Ducks Tour
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Ducks.
Want a different way to tour downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River at the same time? How about a duck tour. Part boat. Part truck. All Duck this amphibious vehicle offers a combo land and sea combo tour you don’t need to leave your seat for.
Moon Pie General Store
Photo Credit: Flickr (Photo by David Hitt).
Nothing says deep south like an RC Cola and a Moon Pie but did you know that Chattanooga is the home for these sweets? Our hotel had moon pies as part of their turn-down service. The general store offers moon pies and memorabilia. When in Rome…
Chattanooga Bike Share
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Visitors and locals alike can use bikes from any bike share station 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s simple. Signup at the station kiosks with a credit card and take a bike. Your 24 hour membership covers all the one hour rides you want to take. Simply return the bike within the hour to any bike share station in the city.
When you are ready to ride again, you can check out another bike. Repeat this as much as you want during your 24 hour membership. You only pay extra if you keep the bike longer than an hour. Note, you must be 16 years old to use a bike share bike.
Free Electric Shuttle
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The city offers a free shuttle service from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium and from the Aquarium to the North Shore. Shuttles run every 5 minutes with plenty of stops in between.
Lake Winnepesaukah
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
A local favorite amusement park with 38 rides including a five acre water park.
Things to Explore Outside Chattanooga
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Just outside of Chattanooga, visitors can explore a variety of attractions that highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the region. Nearby destinations include the breathtaking Ruby Falls, a stunning underground waterfall within Lookout Mountain; Rock City, known for its panoramic views and unique rock formations; and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which offers a glimpse into Civil War history. Additionally, the scenic trails of the Cloudland Canyon and the serene landscapes of Lula Lake Land Trust provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure.
Ruby Falls
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Imagine a 145’ waterfall that sits in a cave 1120’ beneath Lookout Mountain. Leo Lambert discovered this cave in 1928 when his company was trying to dig a shaft down to Lookout Mountain Cave. It’s named after his wife, Ruby, who was the third person in the world to ever see the falls. You must visit to discover the secrets of Ruby Falls.
Rock City
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Rock City features a well-manicured trail through botanical gardens, boulder fields, the Lover’s Leap view of seven states, Fairyland Cavern, Mother Goose Village and the picturesque High Falls. There were over 900 See Rock City barns painted to advertise the roadside attraction in nineteen states.
Cloudland Canyon
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
On the western edge of Lookout Mountain sits one of Georgia’s most rugged and scenic parks. Cloudland Canyon straddles Sitton’s Gulch, a deep ravine dug by Sitton Creek. The West Rim Trail offers a magnificent view while the Waterfalls Trail and Sitton Gulch Trail let you explore the dark hemlock groves and rumbling falls valley. Disc Golf, cabins and over twenty miles of single track mountain biking are available too.
Lula Lake Land Trust
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
10 minutes away from Rock City, Lula Lake Land Trust offers hikers rarely visited trails on Lookout Mountain. They are only open the first and last weekend of the month with hikes to towering waterfalls, stunning blue lakes, and sweeping lookouts over the Chattanooga Valley.
Incline Railway
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
This is the world’s steepest passenger railway. Dubbed the World’s Most Amazing Mile, it climbs from the base of Lookout Mountain to Point Park offering phenomenal views along the way.
Raccoon Mountain Cave
Photo Credit: Flickr (Photo by Jeff Gunn).
They offer cabins, campgrounds and cave tours. Raccoon Mountain Cave is over 5.5 miles long and there are two tours available. The 45 minute Crystal Palace Tour through the walking highlights of the cave or the Wild Cave Expedition where you can get down and dirty on a wild cave tour.
Ruby Falls Zip Line
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Does 700’ of zip line, a climbing tower and high elements built into the trees sound like your idea of fun? Then Ruby Falls High Point Adventure might be for you.
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
Photo Credit: Reflection Riding.
Whether you are hiking or riding in a horse carriage, there are 15 miles of trails for you to explore. The arboretum includes butterfly gardens and hundreds of scientifically labeled plans.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co.
One of the first four military parks established after the Civil War. There is also a castle monument built by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Chattanooga National Cemetery
Photo Credit: Flickr (Photo by Robert Lz).
Chattanooga has always been a strategic military town. This cemetery was established after the Battles for Chattanooga in 1863. By the end of the Civil War nearly 12000 souls had been entombed on the grounds. Other notable graves were for German POWs who died in captivity in the area.
Battles for Chattanooga
Photo Credit: RV There Yet? TV Show
In thick fog, the Union troops fought their way up Lookout Mountain in what was to be known as The Battle in the Clouds. The Chattanooga campaign was one of the most decisive victories in the Civil War and opened the way for Sherman’s March to Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea.
This museum is located near Point Park on Lookout Mountain and, both literally and figuratively, offers an overview of the historic Civil War battles that took place in the region. To save money, bundle a ticket with Ruby Falls, Rock City or the Incline Railway.
Why Should You Visit Chattanooga?
Photo Credit: Gnagel via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga is about a two hour drive from Atlanta Georgia, Nashville Tennessee or Birmingham Alabama. It’s a place where you can discover the past or look forward to the future. Where else can you surf the fastest internet on a steam train? If the traditional roadside attractions don’t woo you, perhaps the hip riverfront or plethora of outdoor adventures will!