Located 2 hours south of Nashville in Chattanooga the Tennessee Aquarium has been named the state’s best attraction in numerous public polls. Drawing over 1 million visitors each year the Tennessee Aquarium first opened its doors in 1992 and is the first and largest freshwater aquarium in the world holding 400,000 gallons of water in a 12 story facility.
If you’ve ever watched a film at an IMAX theater you’ll know just what all the hype is about. Adjacent to the Tennessee Aquarium is the huge 6 level IMAX 3D theater which has a combination of crystal-clear 3D images and extremely modern and incredible 6-channel IMAX digital sound. When watching a film or documentary at this IMAX you’ll feel more like you’re a part of it than just watching it! “Deep Sea 3D” is one of the featured documentaries at the aquarium’s IMAX and transform viewers into daring underwater explorers from the moment the initial wave washes over!. Dinosaurs Alive 3D is also featured at the IMAX and brings to life these ancient and mysterious beasts. Check the featured IMAX films before visiting as they do change.
In the aquarium Tennessee is proudly home to, the newest
exhibit is called “Penguins Rock!” Filled
with gentoo and macaroni penguins these two cold-climate
species will amaze visitors with their agility and playfulness.
The exhibit brings visitors as close as possible to all
the penguin action so people can get to know these incredible
creatures up close and personal. When visiting the aquarium
the best times to go are earlier in the morning or later
in the afternoon when crowds subside and you can get a
better look at many of the more active creatures.
While at the aquarium Tennessee Aquarium guides will
show you the way to all the fun and exciting exhibits
the facility has to offer. There are lots of fun special
events happening each year on the aquarium’s roster
such as sunset kayak trips, aquarium scrap-booking and
teemed dinner but don’t worry, they don’t
include any aquarium animals! While at the aquarium Tennessee
Aquarium staff do their best to help educate visitors
about the different animals throughout the aquarium as
well as conservation efforts the aquarium participates
in to set an example as to the importance of conserving
ocean life and other animals which depend on the ocean.
Finding hotels near Tennessee Aquarium is not too difficult
depending on your preferences. Just 1 mile from the aquarium
is the Courtyard by Marriot Downtown Chattanooga. Located
nearby other Chattanooga attractions as well as great
dining and shopping the Marriot's
rooms include complimentary high speed internet access
with wireless service throughout the hotel. Other amenities
include laundry and valet services, pool, on-site restaurant
and fitness center and spa. Rates start at $150.00 but
be sure to check before you book.
Other hotels near Tennessee Aquarium include the Sheraton Read House Hotel and the Holiday Inn Chattanooga Choo Choo which was first opened in 1909. The Sheraton is a historic land mark building from civil war era and less then 4 miles from the aquarium. Amenities include 24-hour valet parking, indoor heated pool, wireless internet I public areas, whirlpool, 24-hour fitness facility and a large sun deck. Rates begin at $89.00 but be sure to confirm before reserving.
There are several very affordable hotels near Tennessee Aquarium offering less specialized services but clean and comfortable room with standard amenities. You’ll find the variety includes The Days Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn Lookout Mountain, Econo Lodge Lookout Mountain, Best Western and Ramada hotel. These hotels are all conveniently located within 5 miles of the aquarium. Make sure to confirm rates before booking and also take time to make a reservation if possible as the rooms can fill up in busier seasons.
