Things to Do in Chattanooga

Tennessee Riverpark is one of the most popular Chattanooga parks, especially during the long hot summers. It starts at the Chickamauga Dam and winds for the next ten miles along the mighty Tennessee River until it reaches downtown Chattanooga.

It is narrow and linear, between eight and ten feet wide, and has a well-lit trail and lovely landscaped grounds. Tennessee Riverpark offers endless opportunities for a number of activities, or for simply enjoying the view of the river. The park has six fishing piers for avid fishermen and a boat ramp from which to launch your boat or dip your canoe into the water.

An important part of the park is a marsh with a number of water birds and other types birds. A number of public art pieces are situated all along the path in the park.

Lookout Mountain is a mountain ridge located along the southern border of Tennessee and one of the best things to do in Chattanooga. It offers a number of attractions that show the magnificent natural beauty of the mountain as well as spectacular views of the Chattanooga Valley.

One of the most popular attractions is Ruby Falls, one of the world’s most fascinating cave waterfalls. Ruby Falls are the deepest commercial caves in the country and the largest American underground waterfall. A guided tour takes visitors through the cavern’s amazing rock formations and to the spectacular 145-foot tall underground waterfall.

Outside the cavern, visitors can enjoy the sweeping panoramic view from the Lookout Mountain Tower. Before visiting Ruby Falls, check the schedule of their special events; there is always something fun going on. Keep reading for more Chattanooga, TN points of interest.

1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-821-2544

From Volkswagen-size catfish, giant freshwater stingrays, the powerful Arapaima, and bizarre-looking Wallago Catfish to the electrifying jellyfish and playful, frolicking otters, the Tennessee Aquarium is home to creatures that delight visitors of all ages, and one of the top Chattanooga attractions.

The main focus of the aquarium is above and underwater life in Tennessee, which has some of the richest freshwater fauna in the country with more than 320 fish species. The aquarium exhibits are housed in two buildings where the visitors can follow the path of water from its mountain source to the sea. They can visit native animals from their backyards as well as some amazing and strange creatures from remote parts of the Earth.

The exhibits are extremely realistic and show animals in their native habitats, some thriving and some facing the danger of extinction.

One Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 800-262-0695

The Walnut Street Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, connects the north shore of Tennessee River to downtown Chattanooga. It is a favorite weekend destination of Chattanooga residents and visitors alike. Walnut Street Bridge, erected in 1890 and standing 2,376 feet high, was the first non-military bridge across the Tennessee River.

The bridge was called the "county bridge," and at the time it was built it connected the mostly white south side city with the mostly black north side Hill City population. In 1978, the Walnut Street Bridge was closed to all motor vehicles and today it hosts a range of events such as Wine over Water wine tasting and the Riverbend country music festival.

Just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Raccoon Mountain Caverns are a fascinating destination for the curious and adventurous. You can explore the mysterious cave system with more than 5 1/2 miles of mapped and explored passageways.

New discoveries are being made all the time. You can choose a 45-minute Crystal Palace Tour or go for one of the popular and thrilling cave expeditions.

A visit to the Raccoon Mountain Caverns includes a number of popular activities such as panning for gemstones, taking an exciting ride in a go-kart, relaxing by the campfire, or enjoying the awe-inspiring views of Lookout and Raccoon Mountains.

319 West Hills Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-821-9403

The Creative Discovery Museum is the place to explore, create, learn, and innovate through play. It is designed for children of all ages and their families, teachers, parents, caregivers, primary and secondary schools, and all organizations that work with children.

If you are wondering what to do in Chattanooga TN with kids, the Creative Discovery Museum is a great place to visit.

The museum offers a range of programs such as art lessons, story times, science demonstrations, and what is called "spur of the moment" activities such as bringing a snake to the auditorium for kids to meet, touch, and learn about. Kids and their parents can go digging for dinosaur bones in the sand, come to the RiverPlay for some splashing, or get creative and noisy in the music studio.

The museum also has programs for children with special needs and works closely with Chattanooga schools.

321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-756-2738

Located on River Street on Chattanooga’s North Shore, Coolidge Park is a popular waterfront park with open spaces, pleasant views of the Tennessee River, and the largest pedestrian bridge in the world: the Walnut Street Bridge.

The park is part of the Tennessee Riverwalk: this is a 15 mile long greenway that runs along the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to the Southern Belle Riverboat.

One of the most well-known features of the park is the historic carousel, a 100 year old carousel that has been restored. Children enjoy riding on the tigers, horses, and other animals. There is also an interactive water fountain and a rock climbing area.

150 River Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-425-6311, website

Located on Bluff View Avenue in the Bluff View Art District, the Hunter Museum of American Art is a fine arts museum sitting on an 80 foot (24 meter) bluff with views of downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River.

Since 1952, the collection has been housed in a 1904 classical revival mansion designed by the son of President James A. Garfield, Abram Garfield; the building was expanded in 1975 and in 2005.

Many of the works in the museum’s collection come from the Hudson River School. Other genres include American impressionism, modernism, and much more. The museum offers a variety of education programs for children and for adults.

10 Bluff View Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-267-0968

Located on East Second Street, the Bluff View Art District is a historic neighborhood in downtown Chattanooga. Stretching for one and a half city blocks, the art district is set high above stone cliffs that afford spectacular views of the Tennessee River, the Walnut Street Bridge, and downtown Chattanooga.

It is a vibrant area full of art galleries, bed and breakfasts, coffee shops, courtyards, gardens, restaurants, and much more. The first business in the district opened in 1992 and many other businesses soon began to add to the charm and popularity of the area.

411 East Second Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-265-5033

Ruby Falls is a 145 foot high underground waterfall located on Scenic Highway at Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. The popular waterfalls are in the Ruby Falls Cave, a limestone cave that is a part of the Lookout Mountain Caverns. Inside Ruby Falls Cave there are well-known cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites.

The falls are at the end of the main corridor of the cave. The stream is found 1,120 feet below the earth’s surface: the water comes from natural springs and is supplemented by rain water. The falls welcome groups including school tours, Boy Scouts and Girl Scout tours, and other groups.

1720 Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Phone: 423-821-2544