Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a vibrant city that offers visitors a wide variety of activities. From exploring the city’s natural beauty to experiencing its rich history and culture, this charming southern city has no shortage of things to do. In this blog post, we’ll explore four ‘must-see’ things to do in Chattanooga, TN.
- Explore the Creative Discovery Museum
The Creative Discovery Museum is a children’s museum in downtown Chattanooga that offers interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a water play area, an inventor’s workshop, and an art studio.
The museum’s history dates back to the late 1970s when a group of Chattanooga citizens formed the Chattanooga Children’s Museum with the goal of providing a place where children could learn through play and exploration.
The museum opened in 1995 in a building in the city’s Southside neighborhood. The original museum was housed in a former factory building. It featured a variety of hands-on exhibits, including a mock grocery store, a water play area, and an art studio.
In the years that followed, the museum continued to grow and expand, adding new exhibits and programs to serve the needs of its visitors better. In 2004, the museum moved to its current location in downtown Chattanooga, a newly-constructed building designed to house a children’s museum.
The new museum building is four stories tall and features a variety of exhibits and activities that promote hands-on learning and exploration. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including science, art, music, and culture, and are designed to engage children of all ages and interests.
Today, the Creative Discovery Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Chattanooga, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The museum is also involved in a variety of community outreach and education programs, working to provide access to educational resources and opportunities for children and families throughout the region. Visitors can also enjoy live performances and educational programs throughout the year.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a historic train station in downtown Chattanooga that has been converted into a hotel and entertainment complex.
The station’s history dates back to the early 20th century when the Southern Railway Company decided to build a new terminal in Chattanooga to replace its existing facilities.
Construction on the new terminal began in 1908, and the station officially opened to the public on December 1, 1909. The station was designed by architect Donn Barber, who also designed other notable buildings in Chattanooga, including the Tivoli Theatre and the James Building.
Over the years, the Chattanooga Choo Choo became an important transportation hub, serving as a major transfer point for passengers traveling across the Southeast. During World War II, the station was a vital transportation link for soldiers and supplies moving through the region.
In the 1960s, rail travel’s decline led to the station’s closure, and it remained vacant for several years. In the 1970s, a group of local investors purchased the property to preserve the historic station and transform it into a unique entertainment and hospitality destination.
After a multi-million dollar renovation, the station reopened in 1973 as the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel and Entertainment Complex. The station’s original Victorian-era architecture was preserved, and several of the train cars and locomotives that were once housed there were restored and displayed.
Today, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a popular tourist attraction, featuring restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as a variety of lodging options, including restored train cars that have been converted into hotel rooms. The station remains an important part of Chattanooga’s history and reminds us of the city’s rich railroad heritage.
- America’s Largest Interactive Dinner Show – The Dinner Detective
The Dinner Detective is a unique interactive murder mystery dinner show that occurs most Saturday nights at DoubleTree Chattanooga Hamilton Place. The show’s concept is simple: guests enjoy a four-course meal while attempting to solve a murder mystery that unfolds around them in real time.
Unlike traditional murder mystery shows where actors perform on stage, The Dinner Detective is an immersive experience with hidden actors among the guests, making it more challenging to identify the “suspects” and solve the crime. Guests are encouraged to interact with the actors, ask questions, and gather clues throughout the evening.
The shows are designed to be entertaining for ages 12+ due to mild adult language and innuendo and are suitable for individuals, couples, and groups.
The Dinner Detective experience begins with a cocktail reception, during which guests can mingle with the actors and get to know their characters. Once the show begins, guests are seated at tables and served a four-course meal while the murder mystery unfolds around them. The show typically lasts around two and a half hours, and guests are encouraged to solve the crime by the night’s end.
The Dinner Detective has become a popular entertainment option for those seeking a unique and engaging night out. With its interactive format, high-quality production values, and engaging storylines, The Dinner Detective offers a unique experience that will leave guests with lasting memories.
- Hike the Signal Point Trail
The Signal Point Trail is a popular hiking trail in Signal Mountain, just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga. The trail offers stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge, surrounding mountains, and historical landmarks like the Signal Point Civil War site.
Signal Point itself played an important role in the Civil War, serving as a strategic lookout point for both Union and Confederate forces. In 1863, Confederate soldiers under the command of General Braxton Bragg occupied the mountain and used Signal Point to communicate with their troops.
In November of that year, Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant launched an attack on the mountain, hoping to gain control of the high ground and cut off Confederate supply lines. After several days of fighting, the Union army emerged victorious, and Signal Point fell into Union hands.
After the war, Signal Point became a popular destination for tourists and hikers, drawn to its natural beauty and historical significance. In the early 1900s, the area was designated as part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which sought to preserve and commemorate the sites of significant Civil War battles and events.
Today, the Signal Point Trail is a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 2.2 miles long and moderately difficult, with steep climbs and rugged terrain.
Along the way, hikers can explore the historic Signal Point overlook, where interpretive signs provide information about the area’s Civil War history and natural features. The Signal Point Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-see destination for visitors to the Chattanooga area.
Visitors can choose from various hiking options, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city.
So if you are interested in nature and history or want to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone in this charming southern city. So if you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga, and looking for even more ideas, check out this Travel Guide!