The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, opened in 1992 as the world's first major aquarium dedicated primarily to freshwater ecosystems, and has since expanded to encompass ocean habitats as well. Occupying two adjacent buildings on the Tennessee Riverfront at Ross's Landing, the complex presents 130,000 square feet of exhibition space divided between the River Journey building and the Ocean Journey building. The River Journey building traces the path of water from an Appalachian mountain cove stream to the Gulf of Mexico, with habitats replicating Tennessee river systems, cypress swamps, and delta environments. Large tanks display paddlefish, freshwater stingrays, and alligator gar, with more than 12,000 animals across 800 species represented in the collection. The most popular individual exhibit is a 60-foot-tall indoor canyon tank stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and massive lake sturgeon. The fourth-floor Cove Forest exhibit recreates an old-growth Appalachian cove with live plantings and resident river otters. The Ocean Journey building, added in 2005, introduces saltwater habitats including a seahorse gallery, butterfly pavilion, penguin exhibit, and a coral reef tank with tropical fish. The centerpiece of Ocean Journey is the Secret Reef, a 618,000-gallon tank featuring sharks, sawfish, and green sea turtles viewed through 60-foot-wide windows. Combo tickets covering both buildings are the standard offering and provide the most complete experience. A 3D theater and IMAX screenings run alongside the exhibits on the main levels. The aquarium sits at the base of the free CARTA Electric Shuttle circuit that connects downtown Chattanooga's major visitor attractions, and the walk from nearby Ross's Landing Park is scenic and flat.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 10 AM–6 PM; summer hours extended to 8 PM Friday–Saturday
- Best time
- Weekday mornings; combo tickets include both River and Ocean Journey buildings
Location
1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
35.0564, -85.3121 View on map
Highlights
- 60-foot indoor canyon tank displaying massive lake sturgeon, catfish, and freshwater species native to Tennessee rivers
- Secret Reef tank (618,000 gallons) with sharks, sawfish, and sea turtles viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows
- River otter habitat within the fourth-floor old-growth Appalachian cove forest exhibit in the River Journey building
- Seahorse gallery, butterfly pavilion, and penguin exhibit in the separate Ocean Journey building
- Accessible location on the Chattanooga Riverfront with free CARTA Electric Shuttle connections from downtown
Tips for visiting
- Buy combo tickets online at tnaqua.org for a slight discount and to avoid the box office queue on busy days
- Allocate at least 3 hours to cover both buildings adequately; families with children often spend 4 hours
- The aquarium is busiest from 10 AM to 2 PM — arrive at opening or after 2 PM for shorter waits at the main tanks
- The IMAX theater requires a separate ticket and has limited showtimes — check and book online when purchasing aquarium tickets
- The free CARTA Electric Shuttle connects Ross's Landing to the Tennessee Aquarium parking area and nearby Chattanooga Choo Choo
When to visit
Weekday mornings from Tuesday through Thursday are the quietest, as school groups tend to visit on Mondays and Fridays. Summer weekends reach peak capacity by midday. The aquarium is open year-round and provides a comfortable indoor experience during winter visits.
Accessibility
The Tennessee Aquarium is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators throughout both buildings. Accessible restrooms are on each floor. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the main entrance. The exterior Riverfront walkway connecting the two buildings is paved and flat.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium take?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours covering both the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. Families with young children who want to revisit favorite tanks may extend their stay to a full day.
Is the Tennessee Aquarium good for young children?
Yes. The aquarium has hands-on touch pools, a butterfly pavilion, and interactive exhibits at child height throughout both buildings. Strollers are welcome and rentable at the main entrance.
Is photography allowed inside the aquarium?
Photography and video are permitted throughout the aquarium for personal use. Flash photography near certain sensitive species may be discouraged by staff at specific tanks.