Parks and the outdoors in Chattanooga

Parks and the outdoors in Chattanooga

1. See

   Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park

   Also referred to as the "Warner Park Zoo", it is on 6 acres in the middle of Warner Park. March – October the park is open 9AM–5PM, everyday, November – February 10AM–5PM, everyday, and closed New Years Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Cheaper prices online.

   $14.95 - $16.95 for adults, $12.95 - $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 - $13.95 for children age 3 - 12

2. See

   Creative Discovery Museum

   Corner of Chestnut and 4th. Search for Lost Dinosaur Bones! Build Slot Cars! Create Your Own Music! Walk Through A Picture! Captain a ship in RiverPlay! Creative Discovery Museum isn't just for children, although it was designed for them in mind. There are lots of interactive exhibits here, enough to keep even the most hyperactive of kids entertained. Revolving exhibits, such as "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" and "Curious George" keep the Museum fresh for multiple visits. Creative Discovery Museum was voted as one of the top 20 children's museums in the nation by Child magazine. Plan on spending approximately 2 hours in the Museum. Value-pack tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are also available. Visit the website for current hours.

   Daily 10AM-1PM, 2-5PM·Adult or child $16, senior 14, military or first responder $10

3. See

   Hunter Museum of American Art

   Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. This panorama is equaled only by the exceptional collection of American art inside recognized as one of the country's finest.

   Open Mon Tue Fri Sat 10AM-5PM; Wed noon-5PM, Thu 10AM-9PM, closed Wednesdays Labor Day through Memorial Day·$7 for adults, $3.50 children 3 - 12

4. See

   Incline Railway

   The Steepest Passenger Railway in the World

   In November of 1895, the Incline in its second incarnation made its first ascent up Lookout Mountain on what is the steepest passenger incline in the world. Renovation in that was completed in 1986 has brought the station back to its original splendor. Traveling at a 72.7% grade, the trolley-styled cars pass at the midpoint of the 10 minute one-way trip. After arriving at the upper station, a short walk will take you to Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park where a spectacular view of Mocassin Bend and the Tennessee River await you; the ride itself is interesting even if the view at the top is obscured by fog, but that does mean a 20-minute wait in the gift shop for the next train. A popular attraction; some cars may fill up on weekends. Good for kids, but most passengers are adults.

   Every half hour. Between Memorial Day-Labor Day from 8:30AM-9:30PM, during April, May, September, and October from 9AM-6PM; November-March, from 10AM-6PM.·Adult round trip USD 15, children ages 3–12 USD 7

5. See

   Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

   Chattanooga Nature Center

   Established in 1979, the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center includes a 1400 foot boardwalk meandering through seasonal wetland and lowland forest. The RRANC sponsors summer camps each year and space is always limited.

   Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM·Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children (4-11) and seniors (65+)

6. See

   Ruby Falls

   This thundering 145-foot waterfall inside Lookout Mountain has been a popular attraction since 1929. Named after the founder's wife, Ruby Falls was found by Leo Lambert in 1923 as he and his corporation were drilling a shaft to open the historic Lookout Mountain Cave to the public. During the drilling, a small opening was located and after a 17-hour trip, Leo emerged with tales of beautiful rock formations and a spectacular waterfall. Parking is on-site, attended and free. Allow approximately two hours for your visit. Those with claustrophobia may be a little unnerved by the elevator ride into the caverns. No strollers are permitted, and the cave tour is not wheelchair accessible. Ruby Falls is weatherproof and 60 degrees year round. Combination tickets covering Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline are available at any of the three attractions.

   8AM–8PM (except Christmas Day)·Adult $28.95, children ages 3 – 12 $18.95, 2 years and under are free

7. See

   Tennessee Aquarium

   The Tennessee Aquarium features two buildings, "Ocean Journey" and "River Journey." The River Journey focuses on freshwater environments, carrying you through mountains forests, swamps, valley and lakes, both in the Tennessee Valley and throughout the world. Some of the special attractions are the seahorses and otters. The Ocean Journey building offers opportunity to touch stingrays, visit a butterfly garden and see sharks. Both buildings stand out in the skyline with their pitched glass roofs and have become a popular landmark for photographers. Expect to tour for at least two and a half hours, more during the summer. During the summer, hours are extended and tickets are time-stamped. Purchasing tickets in advance during the summer months (or even all year) is an extremely good idea. Not only are they cheaper, you can also plan on an entry time. Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available. First admittance at 10AM and last at 6PM, outside of summer months.

8. Eat

   Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria

   Located in the carriage house of Bluff View Inn's Thompson House, with a classic Italian menu featuring fresh, house-made pastas, sauces, and breads. Outdoor deck views of the Tennessee River. Average main course price is $11. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

9. Do Not mapped

   Climb the Walnut Street Bridge Climbing Wall

   The Adventure Guild

   Inside Coolidge Park, (The Adventure Guild). From April through November, the wall is open F 6PM-9PM, Sa 1-9PM, and Su 1-5PM. Climb on one of the limestone towers that supports the Walnut Street Bridge. Located within Coolidge Park, the wall is open seasonally to the general public and for groups on a reservation basis. There are as many as 30 distinct climbing routes perfect for novices to experienced climbers. All equipment is provided! The price for open climbing $5 per-hour-per-person with a three climb minimum or $15 for the entire day, with the capability to come and go as you'd like.

10. Do Not mapped

    Enjoy Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park

    Lakeview Drive, Rossville, Georgia. (Just over the state line). Lake Winnie, as it's referred to amongst the locals, has been putting smiles on faces for over 80 years. With rides for the whole family and concerts featuring famous country artists, Lake Winnie is open Thursday through Sunday from late April through early August. They are also open on weekends in the beginning of April and after the end of the summer season into September. An unlimited ride pass, with admission to Lake Soakya, is $35 ($25 for seniors 60+ and children 1-2). Other packages available. All guests under 21 must accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone - it seems that too many people were just dropping their kids off.

11. See Not mapped

    Heritage park

    A 22-acre park featuring a walking track, picnic tables with grills, and a bocce ball court.

12. See Not mapped

    Maclellan Island

    Located under Veteran's Bridge in the middle of the Tennessee River. An 18-acre island that was granted by Robert J. Maclellan to the Chattanooga Audubon Society in with to intent for it to be used as a wildlife sanctuary. Tours of the island are available through the Chattanooga Ducks.

13. See Not mapped

    Miller Park

    The park, one-acre in the middle of downtown, is very popular with the downtown lunch crowd. It has an outdoor amphitheater, a large fountain and beautiful grassy areas. Homeless people are known to relax in the shade here and a number of mission organizations stop here to offer free lunches to them. Some residents have complained that these free lunches bring more homeless to the park area, but the ones that do frequent the area tend to leave well enough alone. Panhandling or begging is rare.

14. Eat Not mapped

    Pickle Barrel

    Housed in the historic Park Plaza building, a unique triangular building with traditional Victorian architecture. Serves a wide range of pub foods to a wide range of customers. Casual environment with some outdoor seating.

15. Do Not mapped

    Play in the fountain at Coolidge Park

    If you've got kids, be sure to bring them either a change of clothes or a swimsuit as the fountain is nearly irresistible. If they are still in diapers, swim diapers are required. Water spouting animals ring the fountain area and are fair game for climbing. Adults have been known to thoroughly enjoy playing in the water as well.

16. Do Not mapped

    Ride the Carousel in Coolidge Park

    All of the various animals represented on the carousel were hand carved in St. Elmo, a historic neighborhood in Chattanooga. The carousel is 50 cents for children 12 or under and Seniors 55 or over. There are no wet clothes allowed on the carousel since it is all hand carved wood.

17. See Not mapped

    River Gallery Sculpture Garden

    Located in the Bluff View Art district, this piece of greenspace on the bluff near the Veteran's Bridge offer a little peace and a lot of beautiful art.

18. Eat Not mapped

    River Street Deli

    A New York deli sitting in Coolidge Park. These fantastic deli sandwiches from an actual New Yorker are perfect fare for a day lounging in the park. Open for lunch M-Sa, but if you can squeeze a reservation, you may be lucky enough to attend one of the famous themed dinners on a Friday night! Casual, family dining.

19. See Not mapped

    Rock City

    Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City has been an attraction in some form or another since 1823. However, when Garnet Carter, inventor of Miniature Golf, and his wife opened Rock City Gardens in 1932 it became a huge draw. Carter hired Clark Byers to travel the nation's highways, offering to paint farmer's barns in exchange for letting them paint "See Rock City" on them. Rock City Gardens features a 4100 ft walking trail, a 90-foot waterfall, a 180-foot-long suspension bridge, and Lover's Leap where you can "see seven states." Open year round, except Christmas Day, at 8:30AM. From the middle of November until the end of the year, they have the "Enchanted Garden of Lights" from 6PM-9PM which features local school/church groups performing and the entire gardens decorated in holiday lights. Adult admission is $45, children ages 3 – 12 are $35.

20. Buy Not mapped

    Rock Creek Outfitters

    (Other locations at 1530 Riverside Dr, 2200 Hamilton Place Blvd, and in Ocoee, TN. The River Street location, 2 minutes from the main store, specializes in kayaks and canoes.). Founded in 1987, this is one of Chattanooga's best and well-known outdoor supply stores. With a large list of top quality brand names and highly knowledgeable staff, Rock Creek can get you into the best stuff out of doors in the Chattanooga Area.

    Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM and Sun 1-5PM

21. Eat Not mapped

    Sushi Nabe of Kyoto

    Open 7 days. Some of the best Sushi in Chattanooga. Located inside Coolidge Park, this restaurant is extremely convenient and serves fantastic food. Not only is traditional sushi available, but also simpler fare such as Chicken Teriyaki. If you're eating sushi, keep in mind that rolls are 6 pieces and Nigiri are 2. The bill at the end of the meal depends on how much and what you ate! Casual, family dining.

22. Do Not mapped

    Take a ride on the Southern Belle Riverboat

    Pier 2. The Southern Belle is a lovely paddlewheel boat that cruises the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Lunch, dinner or just sightseeing cruises are available. The "Dixeland Dinner Cruise" features delicious slow-cooked prime rib, shrimp creole and live music. Starting in mid-October, the Fall Leaf Cruises begin allowing you to take a ride up the river and marvel at the changing colors of the trees. The Riverboat is also available for private parties, including the opportunity to be wed on the promenade deck. Sightseeing cruises are $12 for adults, and $5.25 for children ages 3 - 12. Lunch cruises, $17 for adults and $8 for children, and the dinner cruise is $31 for adults, $17 for children. Expect to spend between 1 hour and 2½ hours on the river, depending on your cruise type.

23. Do Not mapped

    Take a ride with the Chattanooga Ducks

    Climb aboard a World War II-era amphibious vehicle for a tour of downtown Chattanooga before it glides into the water for a tour of the Tennessee River. Tours run from 10AM to around dusk and last approximately 1 hour.

24. Do Not mapped

    Walk the Riverwalk

    Enjoy the natural beautiful of Chattanooga's riverfront by taking a walk down its linear greenspace. This project has drawn and inspired civic leaders from around the country. Take a picnic lunch and slip under the shade to watch time pass you by in any one of a number of picnic areas along the way.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Chattanooga (CC BY-SA 4.0).