7 Excellent Things to do in Chattanooga, TN: the Ultimate Guide

Consistently voted one of the top 50 places to visit in the USA, Chattanooga is an excellent destination for a relaxing and fun holiday. Whether travelling solo, planning a romantic getaway, on a road trip, or taking a family vacation, there are limitless fun things to do in Chattanooga.

The city has a fascinating history, and there are many stunning natural vistas and unique tourist attractions to explore. To help kickstart your itinerary, we’ve made a list of 7 of the best things to do in Chattanooga.

The History of Chattanooga

The Chattanooga area was inhabited before 10,000 BC. The first people to live in the area were Native American tribes. In 1776, the Cherokee tribe resisted new American settlers when they tried to take the land. 

In 1838, the United States government forced the Cherokee and other native tribes out of their homelands. They were moved to the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. This forceful relocation is known as the Trail of Tears due to the hardship and fatalities the tribes faced.

One year later, the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was founded. Thanks to its location along the Tennessee River, the city had access to trade routes. By the 1850s, Chattanooga’s population and economy boomed with the railroad’s arrival.

In the 1860s, the city of Chattanooga played a significant role in the American Civil War. The city was a hub for the Confederacy, and its railroads helped them to transport supplies across state lines. 

In November 1863, Union armed forces arrived in Chattanooga and attacked the Confederate army. The battle lasted 3 days and ended with the Union defeating the Confederacy and taking the city. The Battles for Chattanooga are widely considered one of the 3 most important battles that helped the Union win the war.

Throughout the early 20th century, Chattanooga saw its population grow. During World War I, many army recruits moved to the area to be closer to training camps. It was also the first city in Tennessee to have a completed interstate highway system, which drew in tourists and new residents.

Today, Chattanooga is a tourist hotspot in Tennessee. The city’s laid-back attitude and friendly culture make it a great place to visit. In addition, recent efforts to revitalize the downtown areas have made the city more attractive to tourists.

1: Creative Discovery Museum

One of the best things for families in Chattanooga is to visit the Creative Discovery Museum. The museum opened in 1995 and exhibits science, art, and music exhibits. Most exhibits are interactive, and children are encouraged to explore.

The museum has various areas, including Treehouse Adventure, Unearthed, STEM Zone, Tennessee Riverboat, and more. Each area promotes a sense of adventure in a fun, educational way.

2: Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground

Discovered in 1929 by Leo Lambert, Racoon Mountain Caverns have been explored by tourists for nearly 100 years. Exploring the nearly 5.5-mile caves is one of the most exciting things in Chattanooga.

Raccoon Mountain also serves as a campground. RVs are welcome on-site, and cabins are available to rent. Authentic panning experiences at the cavern allow visitors to find arrowheads, fossils, and gems.

3: The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park

One of the smallest accredited zoos in America, the Chattanooga Zoo covers 13 acres and is home to over 500 animals. The zoo’s mission is to educate the community about the importance of wildlife conservation.

The most popular exhibit at the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is the Himalayan Passage, the largest indoor red panda exhibit in the world. This area also features snow leopards and Hanuman langurs.

Visit the zoo for a fun and relaxing day out with the family. It is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga.

4: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum opened its doors in 1960. It was founded by the National Railway Historical Society and Chattanooga locals who wanted to preserve the area’s trains and railroads.

Today, visitors can see the steam locomotives at the museum and experience taking a train ride. The railway leads guests on an hour-long ride pulled by a refurbished steam locomotive. These rides are one of the best historical things to do in Chattanooga.

5: Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is a cave system of waterfalls inside the Lookout Mountain ridge. It was discovered in 1928 and has no natural openings to the surface. 

The entire cave system in Lookout Mountain extends over 340 metres underground. However, the lower portion of the cave is no longer toured due to the higher popularity of the Ruby Falls section.

Today, visitors can tour the Ruby Falls cave system and see the stunning waterfall that cascades through the rock. Lights have been fitted throughout the cave to make the path more accessible and easier to navigate.

6: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

After exploring the caves in Lookout Mountain, why not also visit the ridge’s summit? The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world and takes riders to the top of Lookout Mountain.

The railway opened in 1895 and is still one of the most famous things to do in Chattanooga today. Over 100,000 people take the mile-long railway to the top of the mountain each year. The station at Lookout Mountain’s peak features an observation deck overlooking the city, a confectionery,  and a gift shop.

7: Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

Although Chattanooga is no stranger to whiskey distilleries, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery has been the first place to craft whiskey in the city for over 100 years. 

Chattanooga was a distilling hub in the USA in the late 1800s until Tennessee’s alcohol prohibition began in 1909. National Prohibition ended in 1933, but distilling whiskey remained illegal in Chattanooga until May 2013.

The distillery opened in 2015 and offers tours seven days a week. Its cellar contains over 100 different barrels, offering many options for tastings. Guided tours provide visitors with an insight into the distillery’s history and unique craft process.

Touring the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga for a fun adult experience or date night.

There are Many Fun Things to do in Chattanooga

From historic train rides to exploring underground caves, there are endless things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The city’s fascinating history and friendly culture make Chattanooga a popular destination for tourists worldwide.

If you want to visit the United States, check out these USA Travel Statistics before you go.