- Attraction: Tennessee Aquarium
- Location: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
- Industry: Aquarium
- Website: https://tnaqua.org/
Right on the banks of the Tennessee River sits an attraction that transforms an ordinary afternoon into an underwater odyssey spanning two massive buildings and featuring more than 10,000 animals.
Since opening its doors in 1992, the Tennessee Aquarium has carved out its reputation as one of the finest aquariums in the country, consistently ranked number one for overall guest satisfaction.
What started as a bold vision to revitalize downtown Chattanooga has blossomed into an experience that traces the journey of a single raindrop from mountain streams all the way to the ocean depths.
The uniqueness lies in how this aquarium splits its experience between two distinct buildings. River Journey focuses on freshwater habitats, while Ocean Journey plunges you into saltwater environments.
Both buildings connect through the plaza, allowing you to explore at your own pace while experiencing everything from Appalachian forests under glass to vibrant coral reefs teeming with life.
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Freshwater Marvels In River Journey
The Otter Exhibit: Your heart will melt watching the playful river otters tumble through cascading waterfalls in their naturalistic habitat.
These charismatic animals are most active in the morning hours, diving and splashing with boundless energy that captivates visitors of all ages. The viewing areas let you see them both above and below the water surface.
Sturgeon Touch Tank: Run your fingers along the armored bodies of these living fossils in the expanded Sturgeon Bend exhibit.
The leathery-skinned lake sturgeon can live up to 150 years, and this hands-on experience connects you directly with conservation efforts to restore these once-extinct fish to the Tennessee River.
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Discover MoreThe cool water and the surprising smoothness of their ancient skin makes this tactile encounter unforgettable.
River Giants Gallery: Prepare to be awestruck by massive freshwater fish from around the globe. The enormous arapaima, giant catfish, and alligator gar glide through spacious tanks that showcase just how impressively large freshwater species can grow.
These prehistoric-looking creatures command attention and spark wonder about the diversity hiding beneath river surfaces worldwide.
Appalachian Cove Forest: Step into a living forest complete with chirping birds flying freely overhead and meandering streams.
This multi-story habitat recreates the mountain ecosystems where Tennessee waters begin their journey, featuring native trout in crystal-clear pools and lush vegetation that transports you straight into the Smokies.
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American alligators bask near the water’s edge, snapping turtles lurk in murky shallows, and water birds perch among cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss. The immersive environment feels authentically wild.
Tennessee River Exhibit: The centerpiece Nickajack Lake tank holds 145,000 gallons and showcases species native to your local waterways.
Watch divers interact with American paddlefish and channel catfish during scheduled feeding times. These presentations add fascinating context about the ecology right outside the building.
Ocean Wonders Await In Ocean Journey
Secret Reef: This jaw-dropping 618,000-gallon tank is the crown jewel of Ocean Journey. Multiple viewing levels let you experience the Gulf of Mexico habitat from every angle, including the Undersea Cavern walkthrough tunnel where sharks, rays, and sea turtles swim overhead.
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Discover MoreSand tiger sharks patrol with their toothy grins while bonnethead sharks dart through coral formations. Keep an eye out for Oscar, the green sea turtle who’s missing part of his flippers but moves gracefully through the water.
Penguin Paradise: Macaroni and gentoo penguins waddle, dive, and play in a 16,000-gallon habitat that captures the hearts of every guest.
The crystal-clear viewing windows provide unobstructed views of these tuxedoed birds both on land and zipping through the water with surprising speed. Feeding times draw huge crowds as the penguins eagerly gobble up fish with adorable enthusiasm.
Jellyfish Galleries: Mesmerizing displays feature graceful jellyfish drifting through backlit tanks like living art pieces.
The collaboration with the nearby Hunter Museum brings rotating art glass exhibits alongside these ethereal creatures, creating a stunning fusion of natural and human-made beauty.
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Keep Exploring →The variety of species showcased means every visit reveals different colors and forms.
Touch Tanks: Get hands-on with marine life in the stingray and shark touch pool at Tropical Cove.
Cownose rays glide past your fingertips with velvety smoothness, while a friendly bonnethead shark makes regular appearances, popping his head above water to bob at delighted guests before cruising away.
The shallow pool design makes interaction comfortable for even nervous first-timers.
Butterfly Garden: Enter a warm, humid tropical paradise where more than 1,000 butterflies from two dozen species flutter freely among aromatic blooms and cascading waterfalls.
Blue morphos flash their iridescent wings, monarch butterflies rest on tropical plants, and if you stand still long enough, these jewel-like insects may land on your shoulder or head.
Viewing windows let you peek at chrysalises at various stages before the butterflies emerge. The garden stays toasty year-round, making it a welcome escape during chilly Tennessee winters.
Boneless Beauties Gallery: Giant Pacific octopuses, Japanese spider crabs, and captivating cuttlefish demonstrate that you don’t need a backbone to be absolutely fascinating.
These invertebrates showcase remarkable intelligence and alien beauty that feels like encountering creatures from another planet.
The Aquarium Experience
Two Building Layout: The split design between River Journey and Ocean Journey works beautifully, though it does require a brief outdoor walk between structures.
Both buildings use a descending pathway design where you take escalators or elevators to the top floors and gently walk down through exhibits.
This layout prevents backtracking confusion and ensures you see everything in a logical flow. There’s no wrong building to start with, so just dive into whichever entrance calls to you first.
Educational Focus: Information placards throughout both buildings provide fascinating details without overwhelming you with text.
The aquarium emphasizes conservation and ecosystem connections, helping you understand how watersheds function and why protecting aquatic habitats matters. This educational approach feels enlightening rather than preachy.
Interactive Programming: Daily scheduled presentations include diver chats in the large tanks, penguin feeding times, butterfly keeper talks, and animal encounters.
Checking the schedule when you arrive lets you plan around these engaging programs that add depth to your visit. Divers often interact with guests during underwater maintenance, answering questions through communication systems.
IMAX Theater: A short walk from the main buildings, the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX features the only IMAX with Laser projection system in the state. Nature documentaries shown in stunning 3D complement your aquarium experience, though tickets are purchased separately.
Planning Your Visit
Admission Pricing: Adult tickets cost $39.95 while youth ages 5-17 pay $29.95. Children four and under enter free. These prices grant full access to both buildings for the entire day.
While pricing sits on the higher end compared to some regional attractions, the quality and breadth of exhibits justify the cost. Discounts are available for active military, veterans, first responders, and educators with proper identification.
Timed Entry System: The aquarium operates on timed entry to manage capacity, especially on weekends and holidays.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended since time slots can sell out. Once inside, you can explore at your leisure without time restrictions. Members enjoy the perk of skipping reservations entirely.
Duration: Budget a minimum of two to three hours, though animal lovers and photography enthusiasts could easily spend four or five hours soaking in every detail. The relaxed pace enhances the experience, letting you linger at favorite exhibits or catch multiple feeding presentations.
Parking Situation: Several paid lots surround the aquarium, with rates ranging from $1 to $6 depending on duration at the Riverfront lots.
The CARTA North Garage offers another option at $2 to $8. A free downtown shuttle stops near the aquarium if you prefer avoiding parking fees. Street parking exists but fills quickly during peak times.
Best Times To Visit: Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience with smaller crowds and more active animals. Weekends draw significantly larger groups, particularly families with young children.
Winter visits provide a comfortable indoor activity when outdoor exploration isn’t appealing, plus the warm butterfly garden feels especially luxurious on cold days.
Accessibility Features: Both buildings include elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout. The aquarium partners with Kulture City to provide sensory bags for guests on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.
Service animals are welcome except in the Butterfly Garden where free-flying birds and reptiles require extra caution.
Food And Amenities: Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted inside, but the surrounding downtown area offers numerous dining options within easy walking distance.
Quick snack food trucks often park on the plaza between buildings. Restrooms are conveniently located on multiple levels in both structures.
Tennessee Aquarium
📍 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
