Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga

About Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga features two main buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. Visitors explore exhibits displaying freshwater and saltwater animals across multiple levels. The Butterfly Garden, a warm gallery filled with aromatic blooms and a cascading waterfall, showcases more than 1,000 butterflies from over two dozen species, sustainably raised on Costa Rican farms, which occasionally alight on visitors. A viewing window displays chrysalises and recently emerged butterflies. The aquarium offers Deeper Dives in-depth tours, including Penguins Rock, Butterfly Keeper Chat, Diver Chats in the Secret Reef, and Secrets of the Swamp. Visitors can watch Exhibit Feeding Dives at River Giants or the Tennessee River exhibit. An IMAX 4K with Laser theater presents large-format films. Preschool classes called Sea Sprouts introduce young guests to aquatic life. The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute conducts scientific studies and ecosystem restoration, including programs for endangered species like Lake Sturgeon, Laurel Dace, and Barrens Topminnow. Tickets are sold online through the venue's website.