THE EARNEST TRAVELER
The Tennessee Aquarium is the anchor of downtown Chattanooga's riverfront and the city's single most popular attraction. Opened in 1992, its River Journey building was the largest freshwater aquarium in the world at the time.
Two Buildings, One Ticket
The aquarium spans two buildings on the river. River Journey (opened May 1, 1992) follows a Tennessee River drop of water from the mountains to the Gulf, heavy on freshwater life. Ocean Journey (added in 2005) covers saltwater and tropical environments. Together they hold roughly 12,000 animals across about 800 species.
The IMAX 3D Theater
Next door, the aquarium's IMAX 3D theater plays large-format nature and educational films — an easy add to an aquarium visit and a good rainy-day option. Combination tickets bundle the aquarium and a film.
What to Know
Budget about a half-day for both buildings. It's the top family attraction in the city and busiest on summer and holiday weekends and rainy days — buy timed tickets online ahead to skip the line. It sits right on the riverfront, so it pairs naturally with a Riverwalk stroll and the Walnut Street Bridge.
The aquarium is steps from the free riverfront. Do the aquarium in the morning, then walk out to the Tennessee Riverwalk, Coolidge Park, and the Walnut Street Bridge (when open) to round out the day.
Buy timed tickets direct; bundle the IMAX film.