Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
The one mile incline railway track up Lookout Mountain is dubbed Americas Most Amazing Mile. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway has been taking folks up to Lookout Mountain since 1895.
Take in the panoramic views from the observation deck. You can walk to Point Park from the upper incline railway station.
Head To The Chattanooga Zoo
Source: flickr
Great for travelers with kids , the Chattanooga Zoo is known as the Best Little Zoo, because it makes a real attempt to allow visitors to connect with the animals and the wildlife that theyre seeing, rather than just peering at animals behind plate glass before being hustled along by the crowd.
There are more than 300 animals living there, with more than 200 species, with a fair share of endangered species as well.
However, whats really going to shock you is the price.
Adults are just $10 a ticket, and kids are just $7, making it by far one of the cheapest zoos in the entire country.
Free Things To Do In Chattanooga Tn
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Categories North America, Tennessee, USA
Looking for free things to do in Chattanooga? Then look no further! Chattanooga has fun things to do for people of all ages.
I visited Chattanooga in Tennessee when I was travelling from the south to the north of the US, over three months. It was a random stop for me, but also one Im glad I made after I went to the fat camp. I hadnt heard of Chattanooga before I visited, but I actually happened to go at the anniversary of the Chattanooga Choo Choo which is the song the city is most well known for. Big celebrations all round!
Im revisiting my trip across the US, and so I thought Id sift through my pics, and let you know all the great things to do in Chattanooga to get you inspired to visit. Its a great spot to visit after or before youve been to Memphis for the weekend.
This list contains all you need to know about things to do for free in Chattanooga, budget or cheap things to do in Chattanooga, and things to do in Chattanooga with kids.
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The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway played an important role in the American Civil War. After the war, tourists began to visit the area at the top of the mountain to see the sites of the famous battles as well as the Natural Bridge, Lula Lake, Whiteside Park, and other places of natural beauty in the area.
A luxury hotel was built at the summit of the mountain and a railroad was built to reach the hotel. After 100 years of operation, the railway ride up to the top of the mountain is still a popular attraction in the area.
827 East Brow Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, 423-821-4224
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Take A Swirl On A Circa 1894 Carousel
Coolidge Park is a stretch of green space overlooking the Tennessee River on Chattanooga’s north side. Take a swirl on the park’s crown jewel, a circa-1894 carousel featuring 52 hand-carved animals and a calliope band organ. Kids will also enjoy making a splash in the park’s interactive water play fountain.
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Take A Tour Of All The Best Instagram Locations
Chalk Alley is a popular city spot where you can bring out a creative side as long as you remember to bring some sidewalk chalk. Read House has classy vintage decor all year long, but Christmas always sparkles especially bright, Umbrellas in the West Village Alley bring whimsical feelings of happiness Bridges that cross the graceful flowing TN River will make any photo incredible.
Hunter Museum Of American Art
Explore art and history through this collection of American Art from the 1700s to present day. There are three buildings: The Mansion, East Wing, and the newest addition the Waterfront West Wing building.
The museum is also a popular wedding venue in Chattanooga.
You can get a good view of the Hunter Museum from the Walnut Street Bridge the museum sits atop a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River.
Tues/Wed closed
Hunter Museum of American Art sits atop a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River
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Ride America’s Most Amazing Mile Aboard The Incline Railway
The single-track Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, set off on its first one-mile run up Lookout Mountain in November 1895. Today the funicular railway is both a National Historic Site and Mechanical Engineering Landmark, offering the unique opportunity to climb the ridge at a 72.7% grade. Your railway journey along “America’s Most Amazing Mile” begins at St. Elmo’s Station at the base of Lookout Mountain, and ends at Point Park, a ten-acre memorial park, part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where stunning views of Chattanooga Valley from 2100ft above await.
Top 17 Things To Do In Chattanooga
Top 17 things to do in Chattanooga
Straddling the Tennessee River and framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is easy on the eyes. Thanks to those rolling green hills and the rivers serpentine course, this southern Tennessee town has been dubbed the Scenic City.
But it also offers a rich history: the city was a Civil War battleground, and its Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the largest and oldest military park in the nation. Elsewhere, year-round opportunities for incredible outdoor adventures abound, thanks to its abundance of green space, including the 13-mile-long Tennessee Riverwalk, and natural wonders, like Ruby Falls, one of the world’s largest underground waterfalls.
If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga, here are some great things to add to your must-do list.
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Go Underground At Ruby Falls
Did you know that some waterfalls run underground? One of them is in Chattanooga! Located near the Lookout Mountain station, Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest waterfall open in the United States.
The goal of your journey is to see the awe-inspiring Ruby Falls that thunder and crash inside the mountain, but getting to the waterfall is also an adventure. To access the falls, you must descend a 260 ft by glass elevator into the ancient rock formations and tunnels of Lookout Mountain. Visitors have the option of a lantern tour, where you receive a personal tour of the falls by lantern light, or you can reserve a gentle walking tour with in-depth historical content.
After visiting the caves and roaring waterfall, stop by the Ruby Falls Plaza. There, you can get a stunning view of the Cumberland Plateau from the Lookout Mountain Tower or the Heron Overlook. The plaza is also home to the Ruby Falls Castle, where a gift shop, cafe, and restaurant offer refreshments to visitors.
Details: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Website
Learn More About Civil War History At The Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park
Lookout Mountain is home to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the oldest and largest military park in the nation. Tour the park either on your own with your smartphone as your guide or with a park ranger. The Visitor Center is home to exhibits on the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga, a series of pivotal Civil War battles, the Fuller Gun Collection, one of the most comprehensive displays of small military arms in the United States, and a small theater that screens a short orientation film, The Campaign for Chattanooga: Death Knell of the Confederacy, every 30 minutes during park hours.
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Totally Free Outdoor Places To Visit In Chattanooga Tennessee
Totally free outdoor attractions for families and couples make Tennessee a favorite travel destination. Chattanoogas proximity to beautiful mountains, perfect for hiking, and plenty of parks for recreational activities make Nooga one of the best southern cities. Get ready to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air with friends completely free.
Remember The Fallen At The Chattanooga National Cemetery
After the Civil War ended, Major General George Henry Thomas established what became Chattanooga National Cemetery as the final resting place for many of the fallen. In 1867, the cemetery became an official National Cemetery.
Visitors to Chattanooga National Cemetery find themselves in a soothing, calm space in the heart of the city. Monuments dot the peaceful green lawns. Statues, tombstones, and plaques commemorate soldiers from the Civil War to the present day. Notable monuments include the 1868 memorial archway and the Civil War Medal of Honor.
Details: 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 | Website
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Best Things To Do In Chattanooga
Chattanooga has been named one of the top places to visit in the United States, and for a great reason.
The southern city in Tennessee mixes outdoor adventure with laid-back charm, so you can enjoy a mixture of the two, and so that all of your traveling companions can find something that perfectly suits their tastes. The riverfront, the mountains, the history, the restaurants, the artsits all right there for you to explore.
Lets have a look at the best things to do in Chattanooga:
Things To Do For Couples In Chattanooga
Planning a trip to Chattanooga with your other half soon? Then we have got you covered with the best recommendations and attractions thatll make an unforgettable time in Chattanooga. So keep reading to find out all the best places you need to check out
We hope you found our guide to Chattanoogas Best Experiences for Couples The Top 10 useful. Dont forget you can find tickets to the top attractions, activities, experiences and tours in Chattanooga here.
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Shop At Chattanooga Market
Source: flickr
Visiting farmers markets in various destinations can teach you a lot about the city youre visiting.
Stop by the Chattanooga Market, an open-air pavilion filled with vendors selling not only farmers market-type items, but also arts and crafts.
There are 300 vendors, and thousands of people visit each weekend.
You can be assured that each and every item sold there is created, grown or hand-made by the person selling it, per the market rules.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Referred to as The Bessie the cultural center is an African American Museum and events center, celebrating Black history and culture in Chattanooga.
Hours: 10 am 5 pm Tuesday to Friday
For more information on upcoming events and exhibits visit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center website.
African American Museum and events center at Bessie Smith Cultural Center
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Amazing Things To Do In Chattanooga Tennessee
On the banks of the Tennessee River lies the historic city of Chattanooga. This Appalachian city grew out of a small settlement called Rosss Landing, and the name Chattanooga did not exist until 1839, when the town was incorporated into Tennessee. Over time, Chattanoogas small-town burst into a robust metropolitan city.
Chattanooga is vibrant and wonderfully diverse. Its history is a fascinating web of historical and cultural events built on innovation. Between the dynamic energy of downtown Chattanooga, the rich history and culture displayed in the citys museums and galleries, and the countless natural sites and scenes, youll never run out of things to do in Chattanooga.
Things To Do At Night In Chattanooga Click Here
Chattanooga is a 24-hour city. No matter what time it is, theres always something exciting to keep you entertained and out of trouble. Looking for the best things to do in Chattanooga at night? Dont miss this insiders guide to exploring the city after dark.
It surprises us that not many people view Chattanooga as a nighttime city. At first glance, it can seem as if all the fun things to do in the city happen during daylight hours but that would be completely wrong.
Below is our list of the top 10 things to do at night in Chattanooga. There are so much more than just 10, of course, so we also include links to our pages within our blog as well as external resources.
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Holiday Lights At Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is always a fun place to take kids.
Its small enough to tour even with the littlest of kids. Its also really affordable!
For Christmas, the zoo goes all out by decorating with Christmas lights and by providing family-friendly activities.
When you spend time at the zoo during their Holiday Lights at the Zoo event, you will be able to take part in activities such as crafts, games, Santa meet and greets, and animal exhibits.
Book A Cave Tour With Raccoon Mountain Caverns
The area around Chattanooga conceals many underground wonders. At Raccoon Mountain Caverns, you can experience one of these hidden wonders yourself with a guided tour.
There are two types of tours at Raccoon Mountain Caverns. For thrill-seekers, the Wild Cave Expedition Tour offers a down and dirty exploration of the lesser-known areas of the caves. The Crystal Palace Walking Tour provides a leisurely, well-lit trail through glittering stalagmites for a family-friendly tour.
You dont have to stop the fun at Raccoon Mountain after your walking tour. Visitors can stay at nearby cabins or campgrounds, pan for gold, and swing by the gift shop to complete their trip.
Details: 319 W Hills dr., Chattanooga, TN 37419 | Website
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See The Waterfall At Rock City
I mentioned Rock City previously as an attraction near the Lookout Mountain Railway. Well, its impressive enough to merit its own stop on this list. Rock City sits 1700 feet above sea level the craggy rock formations of Rock City are a dazzling sight.
There are many sights youll want to take in when you reach Rock City. From its rocky walls falls a 100 ft waterfall that cascades down the mountainside. On the Swing-a-Long bridge, you can snap pictures of Chattanooga Valley from 180ft in the air. At Lovers Leap lookout, local legend states that you can see seven states.
For families with kids, youll definitely want to take time to visit the Fairyland Caverns. Along the paths of the Fairyland Caverns, youll find scenes from your favorite fairy tales immortalized in stone. Inside the caverns, youll also visit Mother Gooses village, where the Three Little Pigs, Little Boy Blue, and other nursery rhyme characters greet you.
Details: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 | Website
Best Restaurant In Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a food-lovers dream! Discover the best restaurants in Chattanooga, from quirky eateries and romantic hideaways to Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chef venues. Chattanooga restaurants cater to every taste, budget and dietary need and can be found everywhere from swanky settings to shipping containers. Seek out street food in trendy markets, dine on world flavours at top Chattanooga restaurants, or find some of the best halal, vegetarian and vegan restaurants around.
Some of my favorite things to do in Chattanooga have to do with food, and I always advocate adding foodie things to do to your itinerary, in order to learn a bit about the food culture and have fun while eating.
Clear your schedule, were going to show you how to have a good time!
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Low Season: December To May
Best for seasonal, outdoor events and museum visits
The winter weather calls for chilly temperatures and rain in Chattanooga, though the temps rarely reach below zero and the city averages a mere two inches of snow per year. Annual holiday events, such as the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s North Pole Limited and the Holiday Trail Of Lights, when Chattanooga drapes its boats, bridges, cliffs and more in millions of twinkling lights, celebrate the spirit of the season. Warm up with locally-distilled whiskey at the Chattanooga Whiskey Co., a micro-distillery and tasting room.
Spring is another attractive season, with temperatures becoming more moderate and wildflowers bursting into bloom. Explore five miles of walking and hiking trails nestled along both sides of the South Chickamauga Creek at the Audubon Acres Nature Sanctuary, one of the best places to find colorful wildflowers and song birds, or explore both 10,000 acres of preserved and uninhabited landscape and Civil War-era history at the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.
Bluff View Art District
The Bluff View Art District is a historic area in Downtown Chattanooga that has become a quaint neighborhood full of artistic expression. The Art District was constructed beside the citys enchanting river, adding to its appeal.
There are various art exhibitions, restaurants, and craft shops within the Bluff View Art District. You can take a quiet walk around the sculpture garden in between sampling homemade bread, and handcrafted chocolates. Breathe in the smell of freshly roasted coffee and have lunch at one of the Art Districts high-quality restaurants.
Cute and charming, you may even want to stay within the Art District at the Bluff View Inn, thedistricts delightful Bed and Breakfast.
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