Chattanooga Tennessee Travel Information
Chattanooga, Tennessee’s fourth largest city, is located on the
Tennessee River. Situated on and across the southeastern state line
with Georgia, this revitalized city has appeared on lists of great
places to live. The wealth of history, outdoor recreation and fun
activities Chattanooga offers might qualify the town for a spot on a
best place to visit list. Chattanooga was established after the
defeat of the Chickamauga tribe. The town grew steadily as many
railroad tracks converged here. Due to its strategic position, the
town became a coveted prize during the Civil War. Iron and steel
mills once dotted the landscape but when the railroad declined and its
downtown deteriorated, Chattanooga worked to turn things around and
change its image. The revitalized downtown district of
Chattanooga has clusters of attractions within walking distance or
trolley ride. Ross’s Landing Park and Plaza, reveals the city’s
history through a series of landscaped bands with art and plantings.
Board the 500-passenger Southern Belle at the landing for a river
cruise. The visitors’ center is located here as is Tennessee
Aquarium. Devoted to freshwater aquatic life, the popular aquarium
displays 7,000 species from around the world and around the
area. Nearby, see local history at Chattanooga Regional History
Museum and learn about the life of blues singer and Chattanooga native
Bessie Smith at the Chattanooga African-American
Museum. Visitors can stay in railroad coaches at Chattanooga
Choo-Choo, a 30 acre downtown complex with restaurants, shops, a
Holiday Inn and a 1930s trolley to tour the grounds. Upscale outlet
shopping is just a few blocks away. Take a three-block hike to
reach Bluff View Art District, a cliff-side community overlooking the
Tennessee River with art galleries, restaurants and museums. Or try a
walk across Walnut Street Bridge. Built over the river in 1891, the
bridge is now used by runners, cyclists and in-line skaters and
overlooks Coolidge Park with its carousel, restaurants and
shops. Head south to visit Lookout Mountain and its legendary
attractions. Rock City and its gardens lead visitors over rocks and
stone passes to a view of seven states. Ruby Falls features a cave
with 145-foot high waterfall. Incline Railway, built in the 1890s,
provides an outstanding view along some of the steepest tracks in the
world. Hang-gliders will enjoy the mountain’s Flight
Park. Civil War history is on display in Chattanooga.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the nation’s
first, was dedicated here in 1895. The visitors’ center has a
collection of weapons and other artifacts. Open daily dawn to dusk,
visitors can drive the seven-mile battlefield tour. Point Park,
at the end of Lookout Mountain, offers Civil War walking tours by park
rangers. Other Civil War sites in the area include Craven House (once
Confederate headquarters) and National Cemetery where over 12,000
Union troops are buried. Outdoor recreation includes the
Chattanooga Zoo, Booker T. Washington State Park for fishing and
boating and the Riverpark, stretching 20 miles from Chickamauga Dam.
Enjoy nature at Audubon Acres, a 130-acre sanctuary or Reflection
Ridging Arboretum & Botanical Garden, with 12 miles of trails and
1,000 plant species. Next door, Chattanooga Nature Center presents
native Tennessee animals. Harrison Bay State Park, northeast of town,
has 39 miles of shoreline on a TVA lake. Nightlife includes a
varied club scene as well as traditional country music. Dining
options range from 212 Market Restaurant, a favorite with locals, and
St. John’s Restaurant, where you can dine on creative dishes including
antelope. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK-
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