Tennessee Aquarium

Visiting the Tennessee Aquarium

During your visit to this Chattanooga aquarium, the story of the river will unfold as you explore the aquarium’s River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. From a raindrop from the streams of an Appalachian Forest to the Gulf of Mexico, you will discover information about underwater life you never knew existed. In the Tennessee Aquarium Gift Shop, treasures unique to the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga and Tennessee are available to purchase.

Living Collection Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is home to a rich and diverse collection of over 12,000 of the world’s most fascinating animals. Stand in awe of amphibians incredibly diverse in shape, size and color from hellbender salamanders to brightly colored tropical frogs. Watch for birds rocketing out of the water, soaring overhead and perched in trees. From prehistoric-looking arapaima to seahorses, the aquarium is home to a richly diverse collection of the world’s most fascinating aquatic species. Giant Pacific octopus, coral, cuttlefish and nautilus make up the aquarium’s collection of invertebrates. Meet mammals such as North American River otters and furry faced woodchucks. Aquarium reptiles include American alligators, slithering snakes and lengthy lizards. In the Aquarium’s Butterfly Garden hundreds of fluttering butterflies will surround you. In addition, the Tennessee Aquarium’s living collection includes three indoor forests that will transport you to an Appalachian cove forest, the Mississippi Delta and a tropical rainforest.

River Journey

Start your time at the Tennessee Aquarium in the River Journey for a look around the rivers of the southeast and the world. As you follow the path of a raindrop from high in the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll encounter exhibits that teem with life above and below the water’s surface: playful otters in a forest cove, trout springing from the water and free-flying song birds overhead. Other freshwater wonders that live in the habitat include paddlefish, catfish, alligators and turtles. While much of the facility follows the River Journey theme, the rest is devoted to smaller aquatic exhibits that host organisms from around the world.

Ocean Journey

The journey continues in the aquariums second building, Ocean Journey, where you will experience tropical and marine habitats. Stroll through a lush, tropical cove where touch tanks let you to pet baby stingrays and bamboo sharks. Enter into a garden where fanciful butterflies feast on pieces of fruit and flutter around you. Get up-close to jellyfish, octopuses and a variety of fish. If you dare, you can enter into the undersea cavern where 10-foot sharks hide in the shadows.

Shopping in the Tennessee Aquarium Gift Shop

Remember to stop by the Tennessee Aquarium Gift Shop for gifts and keepsakes. Stuffed and collectible animals, apparel, Go Green merchandise, jewellery, multimedia, puzzles and games are all available to purchase.

Travel Tips

- Meet more of the world’s coolest critters up close. The aquarium’s special Animal Encounters programs are offered every hour.

- In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Tennessee Aquarium features temporary exhibits.

- Tennessee Aquarium employees can guide you to nearby Chattanooga restaurants.