Best Attractions in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is known as “the land between two rivers” because it sits on either side with beautiful views from every direction. This bustling metropolis has been an essential headquarters for TVA power systems since the 1930s, which helped contribute to its economic growth during this period! Many tourists flock to this city to enjoy the great outdoors and its beautiful skyline, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Chattanooga is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee, just behind Memphis and Nashville. It has a population of 181,099 people (as of 2020). Chattanooga’s economy was once dominated by heavy industry, but today it is known for its family-friendly attractions enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

History

The first European settlers established a trading post on the river about 1815 when John Ross, who became one of Cherokee Nation’s most renowned leaders, and eventually Chiefdom was born. Eventually renamed Chattanooga from a Creek word for nearby Lookout Mountain which means “rock rising to point,” this settlement developed initially as just another riverside town. Still, after receiving railroads in the 1840s/50s, many things began changing here!

The 1867 flood in Chattanooga crested at 58 feet and completely inundated the city. Since then, we have seen nearly 50 more large floods that ranged from 1ft up to 16m! The highest this had happened during 1973 when waters reached around 52 feet. 

In December 1906, Ed Johnson was lynched by an angry mob on the Walnut Street Bridge. This event became known as “The Trial of The Century” when it came before America’s highest court, and they ruled that Sheriff Joseph H Shipp had violated his civil rights in allowing this to happen! The 1970s were difficult for Chattanooga, with job cuts and a falling population. However, despite these challenges, the city found success when it entered an era of economic growth that would last decades!

Modern Chattanooga has overcome many of its problems. Although racial divisions still exist, the community now boasts an expanding black middle class and a growing appreciation for African American heritage from this formerly disadvantaged area in Tennessee, where much progress can be attributed to one organization -The Lyndhurst Foundation.

Top Attractions in Chattanooga, Tennessee

There are plenty of things to do in Chattanooga, TN! Some of the best attractions include:

• The Tennessee Aquarium 

This Tennessee Aquarium is one of Chattanooga’s most popular tourist destinations and is home to more than 12,000 animals from 650 species. It offers a variety of exhibits, including River Journey (a walk-through aquarium), Ocean Journey (a large ocean tank with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and fiddler crabs), Amazon Journey (a rainforest habitat for sloths, poison dart frogs, tree frogs, macaws) and more.

• Lookout Mountain Flight Park 

This thrilling attraction, Lookout Mountain Flight Park gives visitors the chance to ride in an open-cockpit plane or helicopter. They offer a variety of tours, including the Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga Valley Tour, the Incline Railway and Point Park Tour, the Tennessee River Gorge Tour, and more.

• Rock City 

This popular attraction is a geological wonder located atop Lookout Mountain. It is known for its “seven natural wonders,” including massive rock formations, a waterfall, a grotto, and more. From here, one can also see seven states from one spot! Rock City is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Chattanooga, TN.

• The Hunter Museum of American Art

The Hunter Museum of American Art is dedicated to exhibiting and preserving American art from the 18th century to today. It features major American artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Norman Rockwell.

• Raccoon Mountain Caverns

The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are a must-see for anyone looking to take an adventure into the unknown. The five and a half miles of mapped passageways contain formations in their natural state, as well as fossilized animal bones that date back millions upon billions of years! And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also ghost tours available. We recommend it because our guides have been known to report voices echoing throughout these deep caves while everyone else was sound asleep.

Food & Beverage

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a lot of great food and drink options for you to enjoy. There are a variety of restaurants that serve up a variety of cuisine, from Indian food to BBQ. And if you want something to drink, Chattanooga has you covered there, too, with breweries, wineries, and distilleries all located within city limits.

• Whitebird

Whitebird is a restaurant in Appalachia that strives to elevate the local cuisine from its often misunderstood “podunk” status. Think of venison with rosemary, labneh, and green tomato chow-chow or buttermilk fried quail served overlooking one of America’s beautiful rivers – Tennessee!

•  Easy Bistro & Bar

Chef Erik Niel has made it his mission to elevate the charcuterie board in every city across America. The Main Street Meat pâté is always on point, but when you add some manchego cheese from Spain and oysters that would put any raw bar out there into shame–well, then everything becomes perfect!

• Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy

Lil Mama’s is the perfect place to escape into your childhood memories. The restaurant has gold thrones and loud pink graffiti, just like it did when you were younger! You might not expect this area of town (Chattanooga) have some delicious food, but I guarantee that if they serve anything other than Chicago-style hoagies here — 423 will be an enjoyable experience all around

• Memo’s Grill

Memo’s Grill has been a popular destination for locals and visitors since it first opened its doors in 1966. The chopped Weiner plate is highly recommended, but those looking to indulge even more should try the chicken wings “fried hard.” 

• Sugar’s Ribs

Nobody does pleasing dining better than Sugar’s Ribs when it comes to barbecue. The slabs of ribs are wood-fired on a grill invented by the owner — and these result in mouthwatering tenderness with just enough crunch for purists who go gaga over their food! There are also six different sauces available, so you can choose whichever suits your fancy best; we recommend sticking around after dinner because there’ll be ice cream too.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination with many things to do. The attractions range from parks and outdoor activities to historic buildings and museums. If you want a fun-filled day trip or a long weekend getaway, Chattanooga is the place to be!