Tennessee Aquarium: Chattanooga's Premier Destination for Marine Wonders
Located on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Aquarium houses over 10,000 animals. As Chattanooga's most popular attraction, it consistently earns top rankings for visitor satisfaction nationwide. Journey through freshwater exhibits in the River Journey building and dive into ocean depths in the Ocean Journey building, encountering bonnethead sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, alligator snapping turtles, macaroni penguins, and the hellbender—the largest salamander species in the eastern U.S.
History
The Tennessee Aquarium occupies the historic site where Chattanooga was founded in 1816. Cherokee Chief John Ross established a trading post and swing ferry here, drawing travelers due to ideal flatboat crossing conditions on the Tennessee River.
In 1984, locals united to revitalize the downtown riverfront. University of Tennessee architecture students proposed an aquarium, which was incorporated into the 1985 Tennessee Riverpark Master Plan—a $750 million initiative to develop and preserve the waterfront. Designed by Cambridge Seven Associates (creators of Baltimore's National Aquarium), it opened in 1992 and was an instant success, welcoming over 1.5 million visitors by May 1993. Today, it remains one of America's premier public aquariums.
Exhibits
Housed in the original River Journey and adjacent Ocean Journey buildings, the aquarium features cutting-edge exhibits. Its state-of-the-art IMAX 3D theater showcases documentaries on marine life and conservation.
River Journey
This exhibit traces a raindrop's journey from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Boasting over 400,000 U.S. gallons of freshwater habitats—one of the world's largest—it highlights Appalachian Cove Forest with River Otter Falls, a 30,000-gallon sink teeming with songbirds, hog suckers, and trout. Delta Country features Alligator Bayou with American alligators and snapping turtles. River Giants displays massive species like giant pangasius and freshwater stingrays. The Tennessee River gallery mirrors local waters with paddlefish and channel catfish. Visit Rivers of the World to see Miguel Wattson, the electric eel who tweets when generating power.
Ocean Journey
Continuing to the Gulf of Mexico, the Secret Reef—the largest tank—replicates the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, home to sand tiger sharks, bonnethead sharks, and green sea turtles. Boneless Beauties and Jellies: Living Art showcase jellyfish and a giant Pacific octopus. Penguins' Rock features macaroni and gentoo penguins in a 16,000-gallon habitat.
Tickets
Daily capacity is limited; tickets are sold in 30-minute entry blocks. Arrive within your slot for admission. General admission grants access to both buildings and main exhibits. IMAX tickets are separate. Allow 2–2.5 hours for a full visit.
Nearby Restaurants
A refreshment kiosk near the River Journey Gift Shop sells screw-cap beverages allowed inside. Free water refill stations are available throughout. IMAX concessions offer snacks.
Offsite options include:
Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria
In Bluff View Inn's historic T.C. Thompson House, enjoy casual Italian classics. Create-your-own pasta uses hand-cut noodles and fresh, garden-grown sauces.
Back Inn Café
In Martin House, savor upscale American cuisine with an extensive wine list in a Colonial Revival mansion. Dine in the library, sunrooms, or riverside terrace.
The Blue Plate
Waterfront diner with shrimp mac 'n' cheese, fried chicken, all-day breakfast, and cocktails—perfect for brunch.
