Erected in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge was the first to connect Chattanooga's downtown with the North Shore. Structural modifications have been made to turn the bridge into what is now a pedestrian walkway. The 1/2-mile span is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and very popular among local residents. Providing spectacular views of Coolidge Park, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Riverfront, the bridge is available for weddings and special events.
Just west of Chattanooga is a high ridge known as Raccoon Mountain and Raccoon Mountain Cave. For adventurous people this area offers camping, but there is a lot more to do than simply pitch a tent. Drive like the Andrettis on the go-kart course or go exploring in the caverns in and around the area you can pan for gold and gemstones in the creeks that run along the base of the mountains.
Pamper your child with a fun-and-learn experience by visiting Creative Discovery Museum. This museum is a popular landmark in Chattanooga and sees more than 209000 visitors every year. Its interactive exhibits like RiverPlay, Rooftop Fun Factory, Arts Alley, Inventors' Clubhouse, The Little Yellow House, Lookout Tower, Excavation Center and make learning fun. Children of all ages, right from four-months babies, are sure to find something according to their liking. Besides the exhibits, the museum hosts several fun activities for families visiting together. All in all, you are sure to enjoy a visit here.
A perfect blend of old and new, this museum, housed in a renovated antebellum mansion and surrounded by modern abstract sculpture, is a study in comparison and contrast. The museum is devoted to the American masters, ranging from the Colonial era to the modern-day. The museum has hosted exhibits that vary from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol and American Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism. With such programs as Toddler Tuesdays, Kinder Adventures, ArtCamp, ArtScene, the lecture series Art After Work and the Docent Program, this museum strives to make art accessible to all ages and walks of life.
Once an abandoned shipping yard, Coolidge Park has carried the spirit of revitalization from downtown to the North Shore. The park features a century-old, hand-carved carousel. A large fountain with stone horses, lions, and sea turtles sprays water to cool youngsters on hot summer afternoons. A large common area along the riverfront allows for games, picnics and relaxing afternoons. Two stages and a pavilion area offer space for weddings and other special events.
There's nothing like a trip to the zoo. Children love to watch animals in their natural environment. At Warner Park, you won't find a giant panda or a pride of lions, but you will find jaguars, monkeys, birds, small mammals and reptiles. The small size makes it ideal for bringing young children without fear of losing them in the crowd. Small selections of barnyard animals live in the petting zoo, providing city folk with a glimpse of the country.
Just south of Chattanooga is the site of the area's longest and bloodiest battle of the United States Civil War. The U.S. War Department (now the Department of the Interior) declared this battlefield a National Military Park in the 1890s. It has attracted millions of visitors over the years. Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park, Missionary Ridge and Moccasin Bend are the highlights of this attraction. A visitor's center provides detailed information about the history of the battlefield and the battles fought here. The self-guided tour takes you through several battle sites, the Wilder Tower Monument, and a common area for picnics and recreation.
Erected in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge was the first to connect Chattanooga's downtown with the North Shore. Structural modifications have been made to turn the bridge into what is now a pedestrian walkway. The 1/2-mile span is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and very popular among local residents. Providing spectacular views of Coolidge Park, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Riverfront, the bridge is available for weddings and special events.
One of Georgia's most scenic parks, the Cloudland Canyon State Park offers visitors plenty of recreational activities amidst the rugged geology. The park straddles a deep gorge cut through the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek. The picnic area offers spectacular views of the canyon, while the park offers exceptional hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the spacious walk-in cottages and yurts near the canyon's edge. At the bottom of the gorge, two waterfalls surge over layers of sandstone and shale forming small pools. The local guide service provides hikes and family-friendly cave tours that educate visitors about cave formations and geology. You can also enjoy other activities such as golfing and fishing.
Clarence T. Jones Observatory is managed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It was opened in 1938, and the observatory allows free entry and conducts special tours and programs for the general public.
Take a break from your regular city life and enjoy some time surrounded by lush greenery as you visit the Tennessee River Park. This spacious park is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular outing spot for the locals as well as the tourists. Situated by the riverside, the park features a water front trail which is just ideal for a romantic walk with someone special. Besides, the park has picnic facilities, drinking fountains and public art throughout and is a great spot for spending some quality time with your loved ones. You can also fish or enjoy boating when here.
The Chattanooga Heritage Park is a great spot for a family day out and is popular with the locals. The park features a long winding walking trail that's great for casual strolls, jogging, or biking, a large children's play area, a grassy field for recreational sports, and a large dog park. Don't be surprised to find the little ones splashing around in the slowly-flowing creek and laughing with glee. The park also has plenty of picnic tables, and benches all around.