Aerial view of the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga along the banks of the Tennessee River
photo by Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is known for leading guests on a journey that follows the path of water from the mountains to the sea. Along the way, people discover the incredible aquatic species that thrive in freshwater yet remain hidden below the surface. Guests make lifelong memories while getting up close to romping otters, touching Lake Sturgeon, and marveling at river giants and a richly diverse gathering of turtles. They also discover the vital link between rivers and the ocean while encountering gentle stingrays, playful penguins, sharks and unusual sea creatures like frogfish and lumpsuckers.

Serving locals and visitors from around the world, the two Aquarium buildings – River Journey and Ocean Journey – the IMAX 3D Theater, S.T.R.E.A.M. Learning Center and outdoor space on the Aquarium Plaza create an all-encompassing aquarium experience that is unlike any other in the nation. Plus, the dedicated scientists at the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute work tirelessly to study and restore threatened and endangered southeastern freshwater species, including caring for an ark population of the critically endangered Laurel Dace.