Immerse yourself in a world of water, wildlife, and wonder at the Tennessee Aquarium, one of Chattanooga’s crown jewels. To me, the Tennessee Aquarium means wide-eyed wonder and hands-on discovery. I like to visit in the morning when it’s less crowded and the fish are most active.

Nestled along the scenic Tennessee River, this two-building aquarium leads visitors on a spectacular journey from the Appalachian Mountains to the depths of the ocean, featuring the nation’s largest collection of freshwater animals and countless opportunities for interaction, learning, and exploration.

I Found This Great For

Families: Enjoy a full day of fun with otters, penguins, sharks, and butterfly gardens—all in one place.

Animal Lovers: Experience up-close encounters, interactive exhibits, and educational programs about aquatic life.

Nature & Conservation Enthusiasts: Learn about freshwater habitats and the Aquarium’s real-world conservation efforts through TACI and AZA-SAFE.

Couples & Groups: Make it a unique date or group outing with IMAX screenings, river cruises, and behind-the-scenes tours.

What to Expect

  • Two Expansive Buildings: Explore the River Journey and Ocean Journey, each with immersive habitats and hundreds of species.
  • Interactive Programs: Touch stingrays, release butterflies, and watch SCUBA divers feeding reef creatures in real-time.
  • Accessible and Family-Friendly: All galleries are ADA-accessible. Recommended visit time: at least 2 hours to explore both buildings.
  • Convenient Access: Easily reachable via freeways, shuttles, or nearby parking garages in downtown Chattanooga.

River Journey Highlights

  • Appalachian Cove Forest & Discovery Hall: Begin at the river’s source with lush mountain scenery and swamp habitats teeming with fish, salamanders, and alligators.
  • River Otter Falls: Watch playful otters swim and dive, and catch Otter Enrichment activities or Keeper Talks throughout the day.
  • Mississippi Delta: Encounter reptiles, birds, and turtles while engaging in educational mini-programs like "Swamped with Turtles."
  • River Giants & Rivers of the World: Marvel at massive stingrays and Amazonian giants, then meet piranhas, anacondas, and exotic species from global waterways.
  • Tennessee River Gallery: Discover the ecological and man-made history of the Tennessee River—home to turtles and topminnows.
  • Seahorses: Beyond Imagination: A mesmerizing exhibit of reef-edge creatures including sea dragons, pipefish, and starfish.

Ocean Journey Highlights

  • Tropical Cove: Stroll through a rainforest filled with exotic birds like the hyacinth macaw and interactive bird programs.
  • Stingray Bay: Touch stingrays along the aquarium’s longest shoreline while learning from staff educators.
  • Butterfly Garden: Witness butterflies from around the world and join daily butterfly releases.
  • Penguins’ Rock: Observe Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins together in one of the only exhibits of its kind, with daily keeper talks.
  • Secret Reef & Undersea Cavern: Watch sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish glide by in this massive reef habitat with dive shows held four times daily.
  • Boneless Beauties & Jellies: Living Art: Discover invertebrates from octopi to jellyfish in exhibits designed to blend science and art.

Programs & Experiences

  • IMAX 3D Theater: Catch stunning films like A Beautiful Planet on a six-story screen for a completely immersive experience.
  • Backstage Pass: Go behind the scenes to animal nurseries and touch tanks on a guided, small-group tour (advanced booking recommended).
  • Sleep in the Deep: Join a family or group sleepover beside a panoramic tank—wake up to breakfast surrounded by sea life.
  • River Gorge Explorer Cruise: Take a 2-hour river cruise to explore the wildlife, history, and scenic cliffs along the Tennessee River.

Conservation & Education

  • Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TACI): Dedicated to freshwater species preservation, education, and research in the Southeast U.S.
  • AZA-SAFE Member: Actively working to save endangered species like lake sturgeon and native trout through global collaboration and public engagement.
  • Student Opportunities: Offers fellowships, summer programs, and volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in conservation.

Visitor Info

  • Location: One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
  • Phone: 800-262-0695
  • Website: tnaqua.org
  • Accessibility: All exhibits and facilities are ADA-compliant.
  • Suggested Visit Time: 2–3 hours minimum to explore both buildings and optional IMAX or river cruise experiences.

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