Do you hear the whistle a-blowin’? It’s the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. This song was made famous years ago and brings to mind romantic railways. Not only has Chattanooga been a transportation hub, but much history has been made in this Tennessee town as well. Originally named Ross’s Landing, the current name is derived from the Muskogean word for “rock rising to a point” which describes Lookout Mountain, seen from afar. Attractions include everything from fun to historical, and sometimes even a combination of the two in the Chattanooga region.

The Archaic peoples thrived in the region since the Upper Paleolithic period. Muskogean and Cherokee would later arrive in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area surrounding Chattanooga is one containing history, culture, adventures and romance. Mountains, forests, waterfalls and rivers abound to give the visitor much to choose from in activities ranging from amusement parks to camping to Civil War reenactments.

Lookout Mountain has the world’s steepest Incline Railway to the 2215-foot peak that offers spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. In 1863 the Battle of Lookout Mountain was fought during the Civil War. On the other side of the mountain from the Railway Station you will find the 145-foot Ruby Falls complete with a cave and Rock City Gardens.

Rock City Gardens has its ancient rock formations that inspire beauty and the imagination. Caves can be found in and out of the area, making the explorer in all of us happy. This geological wonder was first visited upon by the Native Americans and in the 1800s missionaries made their way into the area. It is they who noticed that the natural trails and rocks formed what seemed to be avenues and citadels. Hence, the nickname came into being. Enchanted Garden of Lights is an annual display at Christmastime. This is a terrific stop for the geologist, naturalist, archaeologist or romanticist.

Peruse on down to the riverfront for a nice stroll along the Riverwalk. Cruises are a fun way to spend time on the river in a riverboat or the Tennessee Valley Railroad will take you for a trip across the river on a steam train.

Art lovers will enjoy outings to the Hunter Museum of American Art or Bluff View Art District. Another museum of great interest is the African American Museum. The African Americans have made many contributions in the course of history in the region and this museum showcases their offerings to the development of Chattanooga. Education for the African American community is also one of the benefits of this museum.

A fantastic family stop is the Chattanooga Tennessee Aquarium. The complex includes the River Journey, and Ocean Adventure. The River Journey focuses on live of the Tennessee River with its lakes and tributaries while the Ocean Adventure focuses on the life of the ocean. The latter includes a shark and stingray petting exhibit, coral reef tank and a walk through and underwater cave.

Civil War history is extremely prominent in Chattanooga with the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, The Battle for Chattanooga Museum, along with several battlefields and parks throughout the area. Living history demonstrates and reenacts battles in the Military Park. A bloody battle was forged there in September 1863 wherein 36,000 men out of 120,000 lost lives or limbs over the event.

Other attractions you or your family may not want to miss include: Chattanooga Ghost Tours, the Chattanooga National Cemetery (dating back to the 19th century) or Insane Paintball. Chattanooga truly has something for everyone!

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