Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee might be a landlocked state, but that won’t keep you from finding one of the South’s best aquariums right in here in Chattanooga. From sea to shining sea, you won’t believe what can be found in the hills of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Aquarium has been an integral part of the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga since its opening in 1992.

Situated perfectly along the banks of the Tennessee River in Ross’ Landing, the aquarium is a city highlight — both architecturally and as a must-see attraction. Its two stunning glass-peaked buildings, home to River Journey and Ocean Journey respectively, measure 190,000 square feet and hold 1.1 million gallons of water, combined. The highest glass peak is equivalent to a 12-story building.

But as impressive as the buildings exteriors are, the exhibits inside exceed them.

Two main galleries explore the wonders of both freshwater and saltwater life, including plants and animals. The aquarium is designed to take visitors on an aquatic journey beginning in the “Appalachian Cove Forest” exhibit, which is inspired by where the Tennessee River originates in the mountains.

Follow it as it flows into the “Tennessee River Gallery” where comparisons between the wild river and man-made dams are studied. Move onto the “Discovery Hall” exhibit where the Tennessee meets the might Mississippi River. In the “Mississippi Delta” exhibit, visitors walk a boardwalk through the swampy “river of trees.” A transition of wildlife and aquatic environment can be seen in the “Gulf of Mexico” exhibit.

Still, the journey is not over. A “Secret Reef” exhibit is made to replicate the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 115 miles south of Texas. And in the “Undersea Cavern” you’ll take in amazing views of the secret reef exhibit.

But the Tennessee Aquarium’s exhibits are not limited to just the journey of the Tennessee River and its final destination into the Gulf. There are several other exhibits which explore the “Rivers of the World,” a “Tropical Cove,” “Boneless Beauties” (featuring invertebrates such as the Pacific octopus and Japanese spider crab), “Seahorses: Beyond Imagination,” “Penguins’ Rock” and the “Butterfly Garden,” which is filled with flowers, a waterfall and, of course, butterflies. 

Check out the IMAX 3-D theater during your visit for an additional fee ($8.95). Or take a ride on the River Gorge Explorer, a high-speed catamaran that takes you into the natural habitat of the wildlife you've only heard about.

 

- by Christine Foster, Chattanooga Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.