Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers an immersive journey through diverse aquatic ecosystems, showcasing a vast array of freshwater and marine life. Established in 1992, it has grown into a premier destination for both education and conservation.

Exhibits and Attractions

The aquarium is divided into two main buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey.

• River Journey: This exhibit follows the path of a raindrop from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, featuring over 400,000 gallons of freshwater habitats. Highlights include the Appalachian Cove Forest, home to North American river otters and native fish species, and the Delta Country exhibit, which showcases the Mississippi River Delta with American alligators and alligator snapping turtles.
• Ocean Journey: This exhibit replicates the environment of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico, housing sand tiger sharks, bonnethead sharks, and green sea turtles. Other attractions include the Boneless Beauties and Jellies: Living Art gallery, featuring jellyfish and a giant Pacific octopus, and Penguins' Rock, where macaroni and gentoo penguins frolic onshore and swim in a 16,000-gallon tank.

Ridges to Rivers Gallery

In March 2023, the aquarium unveiled the Ridges to Rivers gallery, focusing on the aquatic life of Southern Appalachia. This exhibit features two stream tanks replicating the upper Tennessee River and the Conasauga River drainage systems.

It showcases species such as chubs, darters, sunfish, and turtles. A multisensory storm feature simulates thunder, lightning, wind, and rain every 15 minutes, enhancing the immersive experience.

Conservation and Education

The Tennessee Aquarium is dedicated to conservation efforts, including breeding and releasing lake sturgeon and Southern Appalachian brook trout to restore their populations.

The aquarium also operates the IMAX 3D Theater, offering nature documentaries related to marine life and conservation.

Visitor Information

The Tennessee Aquarium is located at One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Operating hours are Sunday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Location

• Chattanooga, TN, USA