Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga was the first major freshwater aquarium in the world when it opened in 1992, pioneering the concept of showcasing river and stream ecosystems. The facility has since expanded to include the Ocean Journey building, bringing its total to over 12,000 animals representing more than 800 species across two connected buildings on the Tennessee Riverfront.

River Journey follows water from an Appalachian cove forest through Tennessee River habitats to the Mississippi Delta, while Ocean Journey explores marine ecosystems from coastal shallows to the open ocean. The aquarium’s innovative approach to telling the story of water — from mountain spring to sea — has been emulated by aquariums worldwide.

Tennessee Aquarium holds AZA accreditation and is credited with catalyzing the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga, transforming the riverfront into a thriving cultural district.