Chattanooga was once a little town famous for its railway system. However, it has come a long way since the Civil War and is now a modern town full of new-age wonders!
If you’re ever in Tennessee and looking for something fun and unique to do, then it is well worth taking a trip to Chattanooga, whether you’re traveling by train or otherwise!
Chattanooga is now a lively, bustling place that still maintains all of the little comforts that can only be found in a small town. There’s a wide variety of things to see and do to make your trip one to remember.
So, if you’re interested, read on for our top 10 things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
Top 10 Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Here is our list of the top ten things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
Hidden inside a small hotel you will be able to find one of the finest attractions that Chattanooga has to offer! Beyond the intricate, detailed entrance there is a beautiful ceiling display that could rival the Sistine Chapel.
Once you take in the beautiful ceiling, then you can check out the testament to the train station that was once the highlight of the little town.
Visitors can also walk through a stationary train that once worked hard to transport people throughout Chattanooga and put it on the map.
Once you’re done exploring the fascinating history of Chattanooga, you can satiate your hungry tummy at the restaurant close by!
The Rock City Gardens extends itself into Chattanooga, but there are over 4K ft of trails that will lead you far from the bustling city.
These trails allow you to see some of the most beautiful and well-maintained sights the US has to offer.
Far from the noise of Chattanooga, you can be alone with your thoughts and nature while exploring many of these trails, and spot the many types of wildlife it has to offer!
If you choose to explore the Rock City Gardens, be sure to check out “Needle’s Point”, which is a popular place for both tourists and locals to visit.
Location: 2270 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, 30742
Chattanooga, like one of many cities in the US, was once a battleground for the civil war. So, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga national military park was built in honor of everyone who lost their lives.
It is actually one of the biggest and oldest civil war monument parks in North America, and it is visited by tourists not just from the US, but all over the world.
Visit this park to learn about this important part of history.
Location: 411 E 2nd Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37403
Not many people know this, but Chattanooga is actually a huge hub for artists! It takes influences from both local and faraway places, and they make for some fantastic Tennessee art you simply have to see on your trip!
One of the best places to go to discover this wonderful artwork is the Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga!
This beautiful location boasts many wonderful pieces of art that you can look at while taking a stroll. What’s more, the artwork is located next to the Tennessee river, so you can take in the lovely views along with it!
If you find yourself in Chattanooga on a hot Sunday afternoon, then this is the perfect activity to immerse yourself in!
Location: 827 East Brow Road, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, 37350
If you were to visit Lookout Mountain on its own, then you would have a spectacular time! However, Visiting Lookout Mountain to have some fun at Incline Railway is another experience altogether!
This experience involves riding on one of the steepest railways (for passengers at least!) in the entire world!
Your final stop is at the best vantage point of downtown Chattanooga, where it seems to stretch for miles and miles and miles.
The Incline Railway is also called “America’s Miracle Mile” and it is a characteristic part of Chattanooga. It may not be a ride that lasts for long, but it is certainly worth the little journey.
Did you know that Chattanooga is home to one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world? That’s right, you could spend the whole day at Tennessee Aquarium and never be without something to do.
From walking around the numerous exhibits and meeting the many species of fish, to taking part in the fun events hosted by the aquarium staff, you will never be bored here!
This aquarium is highly regarded as one of the best in the US, and after you won’t be able to disagree!
You will find Ruby Falls nestled underneath Lookout Point. Inside this hidden gem, you will discover some of the most inspiring sights in The Big Bend State.
Ruby Falls is one of the biggest underground waterfalls in all the US. It was discovered by mistake by excavators, but we happen to think it was fate.
Now, tourists and locals alike can marvel at its beauty by descending through the cave in a glass-front elevator.
Not only will you be able to see the aweing waterfall but you will also be able to see the ancient cave formations that trail the walls of the cavern.
Location: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37419
Calling passionate explorers and casual adventurers alike, if you’re in Chattanooga, then you need to visit the Raccoon Mountain Caverns!
These caverns are located just outside of the city, and upon arrival, you will be greeted by a friendly tour guide who will lead you through space and time as you travel through these caverns and learn about their fascinating history.
And, if you want to get deeper into the cave, you can crawl inside some of the parts that are less accessible for an adventure family and friends back home are sure to envy.
Have you really visited anywhere in Tennessee if you haven’t participated in a whiskey tasting? We don’t think so, which is why Chattanooga’s whiskey-tasting experience is on this list!
Chattanooga is famous for being home to some of the most amazing distilleries in the US. Here, you will be able to try a wide range of whiskeys and find new favorites!
Get your party on and check out some of the whiskey-tasting experiences on your trip!
Last but not least, we have the Creative Discovery Museum! This attraction is fun for everyone in the family and provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity and science.
There are many interactive exhibits to choose from here, on top of an abundance of other creative fun. So, why not spend the day in this amazing place and try them all?
Final Thoughts
We believe that Chattanooga is one of the must-see places on your visit to The Big Bend State. Chattanooga, Tennessee, used to be a little town famous for its railway system.
However, these days it has grown into a bustling and lively city with a lot of fun things to try out for visitors and locals alike.
However, it still has those small-town charms that allow for an intimate experience of the city that you won’t be able to forget.
For example, if you’re a fan of all things exploration, adventure, and discovery, then you can check out a vast array of parks and caverns such as the Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, or the Creative Discovery Museum.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn about the history of this fascinating place, then you need to check out the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park or the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
On top of that, if you love art or are in Chattanooga to discover a unique experience, then the Bluff View Art District or the Chattanooga whiskey-tasting experience is the place for you!
If you want it, Chattanooga has it, so be sure to check out this wonderful city on your next excursion to Tennessee!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
