Tennessee Aquarium

Type: non-profit public aquarium in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the banks of the Tennessee River. Opened May 1, 1992; second building (Ocean Journey) opened April 29, 2005. AZA-accredited since 1993. Houses more than 12,000 animals representing almost 800 species across roughly 1.1 million gallons of water. Address: One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

The Tennessee Aquarium opened on the Chattanooga riverfront on May 1, 1992, and has grown into a two-building, non-profit institution: River Journey, the original building, and Ocean Journey, added in 2005. Together the two buildings hold roughly 1.1 million gallons of water and more than 12,000 animals across nearly 800 species, with the single largest tank, the Secret Reef exhibit, holding 618,000 gallons on its own. River Journey traces the path of a raindrop from the Appalachian Mountains down to the Gulf of Mexico through a series of freshwater habitats, while Ocean Journey focuses on saltwater environments. The aquarium has been a significant driver of downtown Chattanooga's revitalization and, per a 2014 University of Tennessee study, generates an estimated $101.3 million in annual economic impact and supports more than 1,000 jobs. It surpassed 20 million cumulative visitors in March 2013 and remains one of the city's signature attractions alongside nearby Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls.

The aquarium sits at One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, directly on the banks of the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, within walking distance of the city's riverfront park system and pedestrian bridge.

Chattanooga has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Because the aquarium is an entirely indoor, climate-controlled attraction, weather has little bearing on the visit itself, though it's worth factoring into any walking done along the riverfront before or after.

As an indoor attraction, the Tennessee Aquarium can be visited comfortably in any season; weekdays and non-holiday periods are generally less crowded than weekends, summer break and school holidays.

The Tennessee Aquarium opened its doors on May 1, 1992, as part of a broader effort to revitalize Chattanooga's downtown riverfront. It expanded significantly with the addition of a second building, Ocean Journey, which opened April 29, 2005, giving the institution its current two-building layout covering freshwater (River Journey, 130,000 sq ft) and saltwater (Ocean Journey, 60,000 sq ft) exhibits. The aquarium has held accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1993. It reached its 20-millionth cumulative visitor in March 2013, and a 2014 University of Tennessee study estimated its annual economic impact at $101.3 million and over 1,000 jobs, underscoring its role in the city's tourism economy.

Visitors move between the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings (one ticket covers both) to see exhibits like Ridges to Rivers, sturgeon touch tanks, River Otter Falls, and the newer Scuttlebutt Reef coral exhibit. The aquarium also runs an IMAX theater with 3D films, offers behind-the-scenes "Deeper Dives" tours, and streams live animal webcams for those planning ahead.

River Journey follows a freshwater raindrop's path from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico across multiple gallery habitats. Ocean Journey covers saltwater environments and includes the Secret Reef, the aquarium's largest tank at 618,000 gallons. The Scuttlebutt Reef exhibit is a recent addition highlighting coral reef life, and the on-site IMAX theater adds a big-screen film component to a visit.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is the nearest commercial airport. The aquarium sits in downtown Chattanooga on the riverfront, walkable from most downtown hotels, and is close to the Walnut Street Bridge pedestrian crossing and the city's riverfront park system.

Per the official site, hours were listed as 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Eastern (last entry 5:00 p.m.) Sunday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.) on Saturday, at the time of research; confirm current hours at tnaqua.org since they can shift seasonally or for holidays.

Per the official site, general admission (covering both buildings) was listed at $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for youth ages 4-17, with children 3 and under free; no separate senior rate was listed on the page reviewed. Confirm current pricing at tickets.tnaqua.org, since aquarium ticket prices are subject to change.

Most visitors budget two to three hours to see both River Journey and Ocean Journey at a comfortable pace, with more time needed if adding the IMAX theater or a Deeper Dives behind-the-scenes tour.

Downtown Chattanooga has a wide range of hotels within walking distance of the aquarium, reflecting the riverfront district's role as the city's tourism hub; visitors staying downtown can generally reach the aquarium, the riverfront park system, and the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge on foot.

Downtown Chattanooga's riverfront district around the aquarium has a concentrated mix of casual and sit-down restaurants, reflecting its role as the city's central tourist and dining area; the aquarium itself also has on-site dining options for visitors who prefer not to leave the building between exhibits.

Lookout Mountain, with Point Park, Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway, is a short drive from downtown. The Walnut Street Bridge and Chattanooga's riverfront parks are within walking distance of the aquarium itself.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is the nearest commercial airport. The aquarium's downtown riverfront location is walkable from most downtown hotels and parking facilities, reducing the need for a car once you're in the city center.

As an indoor museum-style attraction, general safety practices apply: keep an eye on children near tank glass and touch-tank areas, and follow posted staff guidance at interactive exhibits. For any emergency, dial 911.

Comfortable walking shoes for moving between two large exhibit buildings, and a light layer if you're sensitive to air-conditioning, are worth packing; a phone or camera is popular for photographing the larger tanks.

Because admission covers both River Journey and Ocean Journey, plan enough time to see both buildings in one visit rather than rushing. Checking current hours and ticket prices at tnaqua.org before you go is worthwhile, since both have changed over the aquarium's history. Combining an aquarium visit with a trip up Lookout Mountain makes for a full day in the Chattanooga area.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The aquarium's general visitor line, per its official site, is 800-262-0695, and general inquiries can be sent to webmaster@tnaqua.org.

Tennessee Aquarium - https://www.tnaqua.org

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.