We’re blessed in the Knoxille area not only with lots of scenic beauty; nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big South Fork National Wilderness area, many scenic lakes, and other natural beauty.
On the manmade side we have some pretty cool stuff too.
Within a 100 mile radius of Knoxville there are not 1 but 2 world class aquariums.
Just down the road a hundred miles or so in Chattanooga is the Tennessee Aquarium, a spectacular, fresh water aquarium. Quite a few other fun things to do in Chattanooga as well so you might plan to make a daylong outing of it.
Top ten things to do while in Chattanooga
Tennessee River Blue Catfish (yep, they’re really blue looking)
This place is way cool; it follows the journey of a Tennessee river from the beginning to the end where it empties into the Ohio River.
You walk or take an elevator to the top and a circular ramp leads in a downward spiral to the bottom with great exhibits all along the way.
Black Crappie, these freshwater fish are great eating.
The Tennessee Aquarium is home to more than 12,000 animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, , butterflies, and more.
Allow about two hours minimum for a visit. It’s located on the North side of Chattanooga; an easy 1 to 1 and a half hour drive from anywhere in Knoxville. Directions are on the website above.
And if you’re looking for saltwater fish galore; Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is located in nearby Gatlinburg Tennessee, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Of course if you’re right next door to the Smokies, most visited national park in the US, a visit would be in order.
This place is fascinating and well worth a visit. Gatlinburg is about 45 minutes to an hour from Knoxville.
Lots of great exhibits including “touch a ray bay” where kids and adults can touch stingrays swimming in a shallow tank. Lots of staff members are on hand to ensure safety and answers any questions.
A moving sidewalk carries visitors along an underwater tube where the fish are actually swimming all around you; over, beside, and sometimes alongside you. Very impressive.
This is an odd looking little guy you can see in Gatlinburg
So if you’re a native or a visitor plan to take the kids and family to one or both of these great aquariums; you won’t be sorry with either choice.