Sights and landmarks in Chattanooga

Sights and landmarks in Chattanooga

1. See

   Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel

   Erected in 1908 with an 85-foot cast-iron dome rising majestically over the lobby, the Terminal Station served thousands of passengers until 1970, when the trains stopped running. In 1973, after a 4 million dollar renovation, it was reopened to the public as a hotel. Authentic private rail cars were furnished as unique sleeping quarters. The dome is decorated with magnificent colors and it is stunning when lit up at night, and the Choo Choo Holiday Inn is preparing to enter its second century as a premier hotel and convention center. The private rail car rooms are still available, and there are a variety of shops and dining options on the 35-acre complex. While there, see the world's largest model railroad setup showing a scale version of the Chattanooga Valley, an authentic 1880s steam engine (the only one of its type in the area), and the beautifully restored Terminal Station.

2. See

   Chattanooga National Cemetery

   It was designated as a national cemetery "in commemoration of the Battles of Chattanooga, Nov. 23 - 27, 1863" by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas on Christmas Day of 1863. In addition to Civil War veterans, there are 78 German prisoners of war from the First World War and a number of prisoners of war from Germany and other Axis countries dating from the Second World War, the largest number of German (and other Axis) POWs interred in the United States. The 120-acre cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and it features one of five memorial entrance archways built in national cemeteries. The archway approaches 40 feet in height. A number of other monuments have been erected throughout the cemetery.

3. 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

4. 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

5. See

   Houston Museum of Decorative Arts

   Located in a century-old Victorian house in the Bluff View Art District. It is home to antique glass and ceramics, as well as antique furniture, music boxes, coverlets and other rare pieces from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston. It boasts the world's largest collection of pitchers.

   Open Mon-Fri 9:30AM-4PM. Open seasonally on Sat and Sun. Closed major holidays·Adults $7, children (4-12) $3.50. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more

6. 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

7. 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

8. See

   International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum

   The museum can be found on the right in a blue and white building as you drive toward the mountain, a short drive from downtown. Chattanooga was chosen as the site of the museum because the first wrecker was built here at the Ernest Holmes Company. You'll find dozens of antique tow trucks and pictures of Hall of Famers.

   $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, $4 for children 6 - 18, and free for children 5 and under

9. See

   Memorial Auditorium

   Home to dozens of events, from graduations to live music, throughout the year.

10. See

    Miller Plaza Pavilion

    Containing an outdoor stage and public fountain, this is the site of a regular, free concert series called "Nightfall." The Nightfall series, held each Friday evening from May through September, is extremely popular, especially with area bikers, but it is still a very friendly crowd. Also offers a WiFi hotspot sponsored by the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group.

11. 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+)

12. 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

13. 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.

14. See

    Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

    Ride the 50 minute Missionary Ridge Local for a guided tour of their restoration shop or grab the 4 hour roundtrip ride into Chickamauga, Georgia. Special tours like the Autumn Leaf special or the Steam All the Way, North Pole Limited, Valentines (sometimes dinner) available seasonally.

    Tickets $25 - 125

15. See

    Tivoli Theater

    Known as the "Jewel of the South," the Tivoli has entertained Chattanoogans, offering everything from silent movies to Broadway blockbusters, for over 75 years. One nugget of its history: in 1926 the Tivoli became one of the first public buildings in the country to be air-conditioned. The Tivoli was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and received a $7-million renovation that was revealed to an excited audience in 1989. The Tivoli is the home of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association. It also offers a venue to other music artists, Broadway shows and dance troupes. The Tivoli has installed a movie projector, calling back to its early days a first-class movie house.

16. See Not mapped

    Chattanooga Theatre Center

    It was founded in 1924 as the "Little Theatre", but this community theater has grown up: it has a modern facility and grown up name. Classes, as well as auditions for the more than 15 productions are held year round.

17. See Not mapped

    Heritage park

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

18. See Not mapped

    IMAX 3D Theater

    This six-story-high IMAX 3D Theater features two 3D films that change regularly, often themed closely to the latest special attraction at the Aquarium, and feature films. Tickets purchased at the box office may not be for an immediate showing, so advance purchases are best for planning purposes. Single movie tickets are $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 3-12 (or higher for feature films). Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. See Not mapped

    Walnut Street Bridge

    Built in 1890, it is the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South. The Walnut Street Bridge was condemned and slated for demolition when local citizens convinced the City of Chattanooga to commit the funds earmarked for the bridge's demolition to its restoration, providing the balance of the renovation cost could be raised. As the world's longest pedestrian bridge it serves as the link between downtown Chattanooga and the now thriving Northshore District.

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