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.
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.
This downtown museum features a collection of 247 artifacts from the personal collection of Mose and Garrison Siskin. The Siskins founded a physical rehabilitation hospital, preschool and steel company here in Chattanooga. Among the artifacts are Christian and Judaic pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries, made of stone, wood, fine art, ivory, porcelain and silver. In addition to western religions, Buddhism, Hindu and Confucianism are also represented.
Admission is free.
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.