The Tennessee Aquarium: an exploration of life
Published: Jul 8, 2009
If you find yourself in Chattanooga, a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium should be an item on your list of things to do and see.
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium has drawn, on average, one million visitors each year to experience its journey to the deep unknown of oceans, rivers and streams. But not limited to an underwater adventure, the aquarium explores land creatures and various habitats that populate the Earth’s surface.
The aquarium is divided into two buildings—River Journey and Ocean Journey. Between the two, the aquarium showcases a diverse collection of thousands of living specimens. Both fresh and saltwater fish are found in the exhibits in addition to native songbirds, river otters, turtles, snakes, newts and more.
River Journey takes visitors on a trek through the Appalachian Cove Forest, an exhibit that features free-flying songbirds, boisterous otters live at play, native scuttling fish and slithering reptiles that call this place home.
Along the way, tromp around the Mississippi Delta exhibit and you’ll find yourself in the center of a cypress swamp, teeming with life. The exhibit puts visitors in the path of American alligators, snapping turtles, songbirds, fish and ducks.
Take a global tour of freshwater ecosystems and see piranhas, peacock bass and unusual pig-nosed turtles at the Rivers of the World exhibit.
Ocean Journey transports visitors into an oasis-like rainforest at the Tropical Cove exhibit. Once the mist clears, one will see the rainforest is filled with exotic, vibrant plants, colorful hyacinth macaws and freshwater rays and fish. Those feeling daring are encouraged to touch the rays and sharks at the aquarium’s largest touch station.
The Butterfly Garden is alive with the fluttering wings of jewel-hued, free-flying butterflies (and if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself a landing spot for one of them). The exhibit is also home to exotic flowers and cascading water.
Penguins’ Rock, perhaps one of the most popular spots in the aquarium, gives visitors a face-to-face introduction with the charismatic cold-weather birds. The exhibit features gentoo and macaroni penguins waddling swimming and diving happily together.
The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater helps continue the experience. The 6-story IMAX screen takes seated guests on a plunge into an underwater journey, traipsing around distant land or traveling to outer space in this cinematic adventure.
Just can’t bear to leave? The aquarium offers “Sleep in the Deep," a sleepover for groups and families right inside the aquarium. The evening of aquatic dreaming costs $40 per person Sunday-Thursday; $45 per person Friday or Saturday. Additional fees are added for dinner and admission to an IMAX film.
First admittance to the aquarium is at 10 a.m. with the last admittance at 6 p.m. The aquarium closes at 8 p.m. Both the aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The aquarium ticketing center opens at 9:30 a.m. daily. Tickets for the aquarium start at $21.95 for adults, $14.95 for children.
- by Leah Caudle , Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro
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