Part of our Tennessee guide.
5 places and guides from our Chattanooga coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Chattanooga's Must-See Towing And Recovery Museum, Secrets Of Tennessee's Appalachian Moonshine History, and Hidden War Sites Of Lookout Mountain In Tennessee.
8 Unique Museums To Explore In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga offers eight unique museums spanning Civil War history, art, and science. The city sits in the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley. Its museums range from the Chattanooga History Center to the Creative Discovery Museum for children. The Hunter Museum of American Art overlooks the river, while the International Towing & Recovery Museum highlights a local industry. The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum each focus on different threads of the region’s story. The Chattanooga Zoo also functions as a living museum of wildlife conservation.
10 Outdoor Markets To Shop In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ten outdoor markets in Chattanooga sell artisanal crafts, farm-fresh produce, vintage goods, and eclectic finds. The Chattanooga Market, held at the First Tennessee Pavilion, is the region’s largest weekly market. The Main Street Farmers Market operates on Wednesday afternoons, and the Ooltewah Farmers Market serves the eastern suburbs. The Northshore Farmers Market and the St. Elmo Farmers Market offer seasonal produce and prepared foods. The Sunday Flea Market at the Chattanooga Flea Market, the Eastgate Flea Market, and the Rossville Flea Market provide vintage and secondhand goods. The Chattanooga Artisan Market and the Riverbend Festival Marketplace round out the list.
Ride The Thrilling Incline Railway In Chattanooga
The Incline Railway is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, climbing Lookout Mountain at a grade of 72.7 percent. The historic cars ascend the mountain in about ten minutes, offering views of the Tennessee River and the city below. At the top, passengers can visit Point Park and the Battles for Chattanooga Museum. The railway has operated since 1895 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A round-trip ticket costs $16.50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 3–12, with discounts for seniors and military personnel.
10 Breathtaking Road Trips In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ten road trips from Chattanooga take in the surrounding mountains, rivers, and small towns. The Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway runs through Cloudland Canyon State Park and into Alabama. The Cherokee Scenic Parkway follows the Tennessee River toward Nickajack Lake. The Sequatchie Valley Scenic Drive passes through Dunlap and Pikeville, while the Ocoee River Loop follows the river past the Ocoee Whitewater Center. The Cumberland Plateau Drive reaches Fall Creek Falls State Park, and the Smoky Mountains Loop heads east toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Natchez Trace Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Highway, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail are the remaining routes.
5 Best Spots For Photography In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Five locations in Chattanooga provide prime photography opportunities. Point Park on Lookout Mountain offers panoramic views of the city and the Tennessee River Gorge. The Walnut Street Bridge, a pedestrian bridge built in 1890, frames the skyline and the river. The Bluff View Art District features historic homes and sculpture gardens. Coolidge Park, with its carousel and fountain, works well for family and candid shots. The Tennessee Riverwalk runs 13 miles along the river, with access to wetlands, wildlife, and city views. Sunrise and sunset at these spots produce the best light for landscape and urban photography.
