Welcome to City Harbor: The Heart of Lake Guntersville’s Waterfront
Nestled along the scenic Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium stands as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks and a must-see attraction for visitors from near and far. This world-class facility draws more than 700,000 guests each year, offering an immersive experience that traces the journey of water from the misty peaks of the Appalachians to the open sea.
The Tennessee Aquarium first opened its doors in 1992 and quickly became known as the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Today, it spans two remarkable buildings, the River Journey and Ocean Journey, housing more than 10,000 animals and representing hundreds of species. From playful penguins to majestic stingrays, the aquarium offers a breathtaking mix of education, conservation, and entertainment.
Located at 1 Broad Street, just steps from Chattanooga’s waterfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is a centerpiece of the downtown experience. Visitors often pair their visit with riverfront dining, local parks, or a scenic stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge. With its family-friendly layout, accessible facilities, and inspiring exhibits, it remains one of the top attractions in the Southeast.
The River Journey: Where Freshwater Life Comes Alive
The Tennessee Aquarium’s River Journey building celebrates freshwater ecosystems, particularly those found throughout the Tennessee River and the Southern Appalachians. Visitors begin their exploration here, where a towering glass atrium and cascading waterfalls set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Among the most popular exhibits is Ridges to Rivers, which highlights the delicate balance of Appalachian streams and the wildlife that depends on them. Guests can even touch a living lake sturgeon, gaining a hands-on appreciation for conservation. Moving deeper into the exhibit, the Tennessee River gallery showcases the impressive biodiversity of the region, featuring native species like paddlefish, catfish, and snapping turtles.
One of the aquarium’s most dramatic experiences is the River Giants exhibit, a collaboration with National Geographic that brings together some of the world’s largest freshwater fish, including arapaima, giant freshwater stingrays, and enormous redtail catfish. This exhibit captures both the awe and vulnerability of these global species, emphasizing the importance of habitat protection and sustainable practices.
The River Journey also includes Rivers of the World and Turtles of the World, two exhibits that broaden the visitor’s understanding of freshwater systems beyond the Southeast. The journey culminates in the Appalachian Cove Forest, a lush, immersive space complete with river otters playfully diving through waterfalls. This building beautifully embodies the heart of the Tennessee Aquarium’s mission, to connect people with the natural world and inspire stewardship of aquatic life.
The Ocean Journey: A Gateway to Marine Wonders
After exploring the freshwater habitats, visitors step outside across the connecting plaza to the Ocean Journey building, a bright, tropical counterpart that celebrates saltwater life and exotic environments. The Tennessee Aquarium has created an extraordinary array of exhibits here, each more engaging than the last.
At the heart of this building is The Secret Reef, the aquarium’s largest habitat with more than 618,000 gallons of water. Modeled after the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico, this exhibit features sharks, rays, reef fish, and a rescued green sea turtle named Oscar. Watching divers feed the animals or perform underwater maintenance is a highlight of any visit. Nearby, Penguins’ Rock steals the show for many families. Home to lively Gentoo and Macaroni penguins, this exhibit provides up-close views of the birds’ social interactions, seasonal nesting, and chick rearing. The staff’s engaging keeper gives fascinating insight into their behavior and care.
Guests can also wander through the Butterfly Garden, where more than 1,000 tropical butterflies flutter freely in a sunlit glasshouse filled with colorful flowers. The Tropical Cove offers opportunities to touch stingrays and small sharks, while the Island Life exhibit immerses visitors in the vibrant ecosystems of tropical islands under a soaring glass roof. Together, these experiences make the Ocean Journey a celebration of life under the sea and a cornerstone of the Tennessee Aquarium’s appeal.
Programs, IMAX, and Conservation: Extending the Tennessee Aquarium Experience
Beyond the awe-inspiring exhibits, the Tennessee Aquarium offers a robust lineup of daily programs and interactive experiences that make each visit unique. Guests can plan their trip around feeding times, diver talks, and animal encounters. Popular sessions include the Penguin feedings, Butterfly Keeper Chats, and Diver Chats at The Secret Reef. Seasonal programs like Sleep in the Deep overnight stays, Sea Sprouts preschool classes, and summer camps create opportunities for deeper engagement and lifelong learning.
Adjacent to the main complex, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater enhances the visit with 3D and 4K-laser nature films that take audiences around the globe, or deep beneath the ocean’s surface. Each feature complements the aquarium’s mission of education and exploration.
Speaking of mission, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) plays a vital role in protecting aquatic biodiversity throughout the Southeast. Located just downstream on the riverfront, TNACI leads research and restoration projects, including its flagship Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction Program, which has released more than 425,000 young sturgeon back into regional waterways over the past 25 years. The institute also supports genetics studies, fieldwork, and public education initiatives that reflect the aquarium’s long-term commitment to conservation.
Accessibility, Membership, and Visitor Information
Every aspect of the Tennessee Aquarium is designed to ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for all guests. Both buildings are fully wheelchair-accessible, and complimentary manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis. The aquarium’s partnership with KultureCity makes it a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, offering sensory bags, weighted lap pads, and designated quiet spaces to assist guests with sensory needs.
Visitors can also enjoy modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a convenient refreshment center, and nearby dining options along Chattanooga’s vibrant riverfront. The aquarium’s proximity to popular destinations like the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park makes it easy to plan a full day downtown.
For frequent visitors, a Tennessee Aquarium Membership provides excellent value. Membership tiers can include unlimited annual visits, discounts at gift shops and concessions, and optional IMAX add-ons. Deluxe levels even include unlimited IMAX documentaries, perfect for locals or repeat guests who want to enjoy the aquarium throughout the year. Ample paid parking is available near the entrance, and booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. A typical visit lasts two to three hours, making it an ideal centerpiece for a Chattanooga getaway.
Why the Tennessee Aquarium Belongs on Your Chattanooga Itinerary
Whether you’re exploring Chattanooga for the first time or returning for another riverside retreat, the Tennessee Aquarium deserves a top spot on your list. It represents the perfect balance of entertainment, education, and conservation; a place where visitors of all ages can connect with the beauty of the natural world.
The aquarium’s “mountains-to-sea” journey captures the imagination, leading guests from the cool, shaded streams of the Appalachians to the colorful coral reefs of the tropics. Families love its hands-on experiences, from stingray touches to penguin encounters, while marine enthusiasts appreciate its focus on sustainability and research. As one of the premier attractions in the Southeast, the Tennessee Aquarium stands as a proud symbol of Chattanooga’s revival and a testament to the region’s connection with water. It’s more than an aquarium, it’s a living story of life in motion, from river to ocean, inspiring visitors to care for the waterways that connect us all.