When you think “aquarium”, you may think of ocean-based animals – which would make Chattanooga an unlikely location for a major aquarium. But there’s plenty of aquatic life in America’s rivers, which makes a spot on the Tennessee River a perfect place for the Tennessee Aquarium. And they’ve made the most of it: it’s considered one of the country’s most impressive aquariums.
The main attractions are the 10,000 (!) animals, separated into two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. It’s more than just fish, with everything from amphibians to birds (penguins!) to reptiles to butterflies residing in reasonable facsimiles of their natural habitats. One of the major exhibits is “River Giants”, a 90,000 gallon tank filled with freshwater “megafishes”.
If you want a more hands-on experience, the Tennessee Aquarium offers VIP “Backstage Pass” tours a couple of times a day (additional fee required). A morning tour takes groups through the River Journey, while the afternoon version goes on an in-depth Ocean Journey. It’s an opportunity to go behind the scenes to see what’s involved in maintaining such a large aquatic operation – and a chance to see some animals that aren’t quite ready for public display.
The River Gorge Explorer is a jet-powered catamaran that takes two-hour trips on the Tennessee River. You’ll be taken a few miles downriver to see the gorges that are known as “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon”. The tree-lined gorge is particularly scenic when the leaves change color in autumn.
The aquarium’s downtown, riverfront location means there are plenty of places to stay nearby. And it also means you’re within walking distance of many of Chattanooga’s other attractions.
Chattanooga is just one of many U.S. cities that have opened aquariums in recent years. TheRealPlaces.com can help you find hotels near over 40 major aquariums, from The Long Island Aquarium in New York to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
