Raccoon Mountain Caverns And Campground
4.5
Entry ticket: Check their website
Address: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419
Why should go: Anyone who appreciates geography and natural geological formations, in general, should include this historical attraction in their list of things to do in Chattanooga.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground was discovered in 1929. It is home to the top-rated cave system in the United States.
It consists of countless caves and natural geological formations.
Its caverns and natural formations are well preserved making it one of the top places to visit in Chattanooga.
Things to do: Explore over 5.5 miles of passageways as you explore the caverns and learn more about their history and how they were formed.
If you enjoy hiking you will have fun exploring the caverns under the guidance of knowledgeable guides.
For camping lovers, there are designated campsites where you can set up your tent, enjoy a bonfire, and the beautiful views of Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Mountain.
- It is 21 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.
Moccasin Bend National Archaeological Site
At Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District ancient artifacts have been found dating as far back as 10,000 B.C.
One of the most popular attractions at this site is Browns Ferry Federal Road Trace, a hiking trail lined with wayside exhibits that provide more in-depth information about historical events in the area, including the Trail of Tears and the Civil War.
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Entry ticket:
Address: 3998 Game Reserve Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Why you should go: Prentice Cooper State Forest is one of the best places for outdoor lovers to go hiking and camping.
It is located in South East Tennessee and covers over 6,000 acres of protected land.
There are over 35 miles of hiking trails that offer scenic lush green views. The Tennessee River runs through it.
Things to do: Explore the hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful outdoor atmosphere in this scenic forest. If you enjoy camping, the forest offers beautiful camping grounds, giving you more time to find out what the forest has to offer.
- It is 41 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.
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Houston Museum Of Decorative Arts
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts features fine collections of antique glass and ceramics, furniture, music boxes, and coverlets. Housed in an 18th-century Victorian home, most of the unique items on display are derived from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston, a famous antiques dealer. Browse the museum shop for gift ideas.
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts sits at the top end of High Street as part of Chattanooga’s creative corridor, the Bluff View Art District. The area features galleries, studios, boutiques, Rembrandt’s Coffee House, and restaurants.
International Towing And Recovery Museum
The International Towing and Recovery Museum is located on Broad Street in Chattanooga. Started about 20 years ago, the museum displays restored antique equipment from the tow truck industry as well as antique wreckers. The museum found a permanent home in 1995 and also features related equipment, tools, toys, and pictorial histories.
The Ernest Homes Company in Chattanooga built the first tow truck several miles from the current museum. The collection includes not just tow trucks, but also miscellaneous antique artifacts, memorabilia, and toys. The Wall of the Fallen memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives during the line of service.
3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-267-3132
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Red Clay State Historic Park
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Janie B
A walk through the natural surroundings. Beautiful historic area. A place where the Cherokee learned of the loss of their lands and the Trail of Tears began. The Red Clay Council grounds and parks was the last seat of the Cherokee government. Lots of history in this area. Log cabin and inn rentals for tourist. Also hiking trails for the more adventurous wanderer. Go check it out and enjoy….
Historic Town Of Chickamauga
Just a short 30 minutes outside of Chattanooga, historic Chickamauga is a photographers dream. From a historic train depot to rustic street art, there are plenty of Insta worthy shots to be had!
The downtown area is also filled with quaint shops and restaurants in case you want to spend a little cash.
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Charles H Coolidge Medal Of Honor Heritage Center
The Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center honors Americans who received the National Medal of Honor for military service. Items from the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Desert Storm are displayed. The first six Medal of Honor recipients were associated with Chattanooga and are interned in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Six values are reflected in the Medal of Honor: Patriotism, courage, citizenship, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment. Come away with appreciation that these values are as important to life in civil society as they are on the battlefield.
In exhibits of more than 6,000 items, the Heritage Center commemorates medal recipients and venerates their service. Learn how everyone can make similar contributions to benefit local communities and humanity.
Address: 2 W. Aquarium Way Suite 104, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Experience Nature At Reflection Riding Arboretum And Nature Center
The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is a 10-minute drive to a public estate of meadows, waterfront trails, and wildwood sanctuaries. Energetic walks and runs take you to Lookout Creek and historically significant lands managed by the National Park Service.
Visitors bring bikes and canoes for adventure and exercise. Families with young children hike in the pasture, where they admire horses in retirement.
Reflection Riding is a preserve of native species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and wildlife. Engage the kids in programmed events about flora and fauna. Be sure to check out the native animal area with critically endangered red wolves.
Address: 400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee
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Stroll Through The Art District
If you want to enjoy a nice little slice of Chattanooga neighborhood, go to the Art District, which is easily accessible from downtown.
Youll not only find what you probably typically think of as art, but also great restaurants and awesome views.
Perched on a hill overlooking the river, youll pass lovely handicrafts at various local stores, plenty of mouthwatering treats and even a cute little bed and breakfast.
A small spot, this area of the city is definitely worth visiting, even if its just for a few hours in the morning, lunch or a nice walk at night, if you want to stroll a bit before grabbing dinner at one of the districts quaint restaurants.
Things To Do In Chattanooga
Chattanooga offers an incredible combination of breathtaking scenic beauty, revitalized riverfront 13-mile paved Riverwalk scattered with attractions, parks, restaurants and riverboats outdoor adventures, rich history, numerous accommodations, restaurants to please every palate, thriving arts scene, shopping and many annual events that provide plenty of year-round fun.
Downtown is just the springboard for things to do in Chattanooga. The Chattanooga downtown attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping venues and convention center are conveniently connected by a FREE, electric shuttle or you can try out our Bike Share program. And then downtown to atop Lookout Mountain its only six miles! Check out What’s going on this time of year.
Because of the diversity and quality of Chattanooga things to do, we’ve been added to the must-see destinations from the New York Times, Outside magazine, Travel+Leisure, Today Show, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, U.S. News & World Report and many others.
Browse the hundreds of things to do in Chattanooga using the search function on this page or check out the Top Attractions for a quick list. Weve also provided some suggested itineraries.
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Best Things To Do In Ooltewah Tennessee
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at Ooltewah.
Ooltewah may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. Ooltewah is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Knoxville or Helen. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Ooltewah.
If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Ooltewah should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Ooltewah and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
4.4
Entry ticket: $15 for adults $7 for children
Address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Why you should go: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is renowned for being the steepest passenger railway in the world.
It takes visitors up the famous Lookout Mountain and has been doing so since the 1800s.
It is a convenient and exciting way to access the mountains top as you enjoy the inclined journey as well as the surrounding scenic landscape.
A breathtaking view and various attractions await you at the top of the mountain.
Things to do: If you would like to explore the attractions on top of Lookout Mountain like Ruby Falls you should take this exciting ride.
The trip to the top is one mile long with a promise of beautiful views along the way and a breathtaking view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River from the mountains summit.
Children and adults will enjoy this famous ride alike.
- It is 19 minutes away from Chattanooga Airport.
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Sculpture Fields At Montague Park
Home to huge sculptures by artists around the world, Montague Park is 33 acres of outdoor space dedicated to open-air art. There are 40 pieces of art here at any given time, sprinkled throughout a large field punctuated by big trees, picnic pavilions, and walking paths.
The Sculpture Fields are dog-friendly and afford panoramic views of Lookout Mountain. Since opening in 2016, it’s become a popular place for joggers, portrait photographers, kite enthusiasts and families strolling over from their condos on the Southside.
The best city parks in Chattanooga
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.
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Ruby Falls On Lookout Mountain
Go to Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain if you love waterfalls and caves. Hidden behind the limestone Cavern Castle that you see from the road, Ruby Falls is the highest and deepest cave waterfall accessible to the general public in the United States. Get here by a 260-foot elevator and short walking trail. Naturally occurring rock formations and a waterfall are creatively lit in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Another elevator goes to the rooftop of the Lookout Mountain Tower at the Ruby Falls entrance. The tower provides views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River to the north, and Appalachian foothills to the east. Buy souvenirs at the gift shop.
From the depths, aim high with a thrill created by High-Point Climbing and Fitness. Experience a supervised climb up a 40-foot wall and enjoy the best views of Chattanooga along 700 feet of ziplines.
Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, Tennessee
High Point Zip Adventure
Ruby Falls
So much can excitement can be had at Ruby Falls.
When youre visiting this place, you should know its an adventurous individuals dream location.
This is shown by the fantastic time that High Point ZIP Adventure.
From the name, you might think that this is a ziplining excursion.
However, High Point ZIP Adventure is about going vertically as well as horizontally.
Youll be navigating through the trees by using a multi-part obstacle course.
This means navigating through bridges and ladders, among other items.
Safety precautions are put in place so you can be sure that youll be in good shape during your Aerial Adventure.
This is also one of the top things to do in Chattanooga for couples.
You can get so much out of exploring the nature of Tennessee.
Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA
Have more time? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Knoxville & some of the fun things to do in Johnson City?
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Find the best travel deals for your next holiday
Ooltewah, located near Chattanooga, is an enclave town of Collegedale. Its name was said to be derived from a Cherokee Native American word for owls nest. According to some speculations, it also means principal ground and water town. The city is home to magnificent waterfalls and surrounded by nature where one can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. For those who like to be adventurous, Ocoee River is available for white river rafting. Ooltewah is an ideal place for couples, friends, and families seeking tranquil accommodation. The options here include pet-friendly houses with modern comforts and camp shelters on a farm. Read below for the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
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Have a new experience during your family vacation and stay in a camping shelter. This accommodation, which is a shelter set in a private location, comes with ample space for hammocks and tents that allow guests to sleep under the stars in their own sleeping bags. Dont forget to bring your own beddings. The shelter also comes with a large fire pit with a cooking grate, potable water, and an outhouse. A wooden table and bench are provided for outdoor dining. This farm is about 500 acres wide. It is a great place where families can join the hosts in doing everyday farm chores such as feeding animals, collecting eggs, and milking cows.
Audubon Acres And Maclellan Island
Audubon Acres and Maclellan Island are Chattanoogas oldest wildlife sanctuaries. The 130 acre Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary at Audubon Acres is the headquarters of the Chattanooga Audubon Society and includes a Visitors Center, the South Chickamauga Creek, the Cherokee Arboretum, and the Spring Frog Cabin.
There are more than four miles of walking and hiking trails and the sanctuary is home to many kinds of plants and animals. Maclellan Island, also known as Maclellan Sanctuary and officially known as Audubon Island, is a wildlife sanctuary made up of 18.8 acres on an island in the middle of the Tennessee River. There are one and a half miles of trails and access to the island is by water only.
900 North Sanctuary Road, Chattanooga, TN, Phone: 423-892-1499
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Hiking To Snooper’s Rock
Snooper’s Rock is another stunning viewpoint that offers high returns for little effort. Head to Prentice Cooper State Forest near Signal Mountain to the north of downtown.
You’ll have a longish winding drive down dusty forest service roads that always feel like you’ve gone a little too far, but the walk from the trailhead to Snoopers Rock itself isn’t long at all, just a little steep.
The end result is a panoramic view of the gorge between Signal and Raccoon Mountains through which the Tennessee River has carved its path. Hawks circle in the updrafts overhead and tiny houses peek out of the dense green foliage coating the mountainsides. It’s one of the best views in Chattanooga that will rarely appear on a tourist brochure.
The Chattanooga Library 4th Floor
Chattanooga got the nickname “Gig City” when the Electric Power Board rolled out one of the country’s first municipal fiber-optic broadband networks. Now Chattanooga has some of the fastest internet in the land, including at its public library.
Right downtown near the city’s designated Innovation District, the library boasts all the usual books and historical archives you’d expect from this kind of institution. But the Chattanooga Library also boasts unique facilities designed to help visitors develop the tech skills they’ll need for tomorrow’s professional and creative opportunities.
The 4th floor has a 3D printer, a button-maker, a zine studio , a laser cutter, vinyl plotter, photography studio, sewing lab, a floor loom, an Arduino and Electronics Project Kit, and even a HTC Vive Virtual Reality Booth.
While some services require the cost of materials or a public library card to use, most are free and it’s a fun way to try equipment for creative projects.
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Go To A Whiskey Tasting
If youre going to be in Tennessee, youre going to need to go to the oldest registered distillery in the United States.
The names Jack Daniels, and they still make the entirety of their Tennessee whiskey right there on site.
There are several different tours you can choose from, but all are led by experts with tons of stories to share, while you enjoy a taste of some of the best Tennessee whiskey in the world.
