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.
Start at the top of a raging river and then delve beneath the surface to discover all the life that teems within. It is all a part of the experience of the world's largest freshwater aquarium. Within the 12-story structure, you will see birds, snakes, river otters and turtles in their natural habitats, as well as fish indigenous to the Tennessee River.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization that came into being with the goal of bringing back the steam engines and locomotives which have become a thing of the past. Today everyone can actually experience the nostalgic feeling by walking past the working repair shops. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a great venue for holding a birthday party or picnics for your kid. It offers great variety like the Christmas Special, the Autumn Leaf Special, the Valentine Dinner Train and the Halloween Eerie Express. Also, it has been one of the prime locations for shooting movies, including October Sky, Heaven's Sky and Fool's Parade.
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.
In the United States, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the military is the Medal of Honor. It is often presented to the family of the one who gave his life in battle. This museum honors the recipients of this prestigious medal, including those who are buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. In addition, exhibits chronicle the history of the award and lives of those who have received it. The museum is located inside the Northgate Mall, and admission is free.
Coal extraction was undertaken atop the Fredonia Mountain of Sequatchie Valley during the end of the 18th Century. Neighboring steel foundries and a railroad encouraged the mining activity thus creating the need for ovens to satiate demand for coke, a fuel used in iron and steel making. The mine started out with 40 ovens, but growing demand coaxed the holding company to add many more taking the number of ovens at this mine to a staggering 268. But, the Great Depression led the company into bankruptcy leaving the ovens and the mines in ruins. Today, the mine is converted into a park and the ovens are preserved to their historic condition. They can be visited free of cost.
Sail along the Lake Chickamauga by hiring a yacht at the Blue Heaven River Tours. Specializing in organising private water tours on their boats and ships that can comfortably accommodate 2-6 people. Set sail with that special someone on a private sunset cruise or spend the evening swimming, snorkeling and fishing. You can also bring in your own food to enjoy while you sail or stop at one of the many restaurants by the water to eat to your heart’s content. Party boats are also available for group sizer larger than 6. If you are looking for a memorable day on the water, then Blue Heaven River Tours certainly won’t disappoint. Also, since all tours are private, you are free to share this unforgettable experience with no one other than family and friends.
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.
The Chattanooga Riverfront is a picturesque stretch in the heart of downtown. Nestled on the edge of the Tennessee River, it is a great place for family recreation. It is located within short distance of several city attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, Walnut Street Bridge and Market Street Bridge, and lined by hotels and restaurants. Explore the riverside path for its public art exhibitions, occasional concerts, river tours and local eateries, as well as breathtaking views of the city.
Saints Peter and Paul Basilica is a quaint church nestled in Chattanooga. The histpry of this structure can be traced back to the 19th Century when it was built. The Roman Catholic Church boasts of Gothic designs along with Tudor Revival architectural elements. The interiors of the church are beautiful with the stained-glass windows by the famed American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Registered as a National Historic Place since 1979, this church invites history and architectural enthusiasts for tours.