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Erected in 1908 with an 85-foot cast-iron dome rising majestically over the lobby, the Terminal Station served thousands of passengers until 1970, when the trains stopped running. In 1973, after a 4 million dollar renovation, it was reopened to the public as a hotel. Authentic private rail cars were furnished as unique sleeping quarters. The dome is decorated with magnificent colors and it is stunning when lit up at night, and the Choo Choo Holiday Inn is preparing to enter its second century as a premier hotel and convention center. The private rail car rooms are still available, and there are a variety of shops and dining options on the 35-acre complex. While there, see the world's largest model railroad setup showing a scale version of the Chattanooga Valley, an authentic 1880s steam engine (the only one of its type in the area), and the beautifully restored Terminal Station.
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Containing an outdoor stage and public fountain, this is the site of a regular, free concert series called "Nightfall." The Nightfall series, held each Friday evening from May through September, is extremely popular, especially with area bikers, but it is still a very friendly crowd. Also offers a WiFi hotspot sponsored by the City of Chattanooga and AirNet Group.
Known as the "Jewel of the South," the Tivoli has entertained Chattanoogans, offering everything from silent movies to Broadway blockbusters, for over 75 years. One nugget of its history: in 1926 the Tivoli became one of the first public buildings in the country to be air-conditioned. The Tivoli was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and received a $7-million renovation that was revealed to an excited audience in 1989. The Tivoli is the home of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association. It also offers a venue to other music artists, Broadway shows and dance troupes. The Tivoli has installed a movie projector, calling back to its early days a first-class movie house.
Home to dozens of events, from graduations to live music, throughout the year.
It was designated as a national cemetery "in commemoration of the Battles of Chattanooga, Nov. 23 - 27, 1863" by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas on Christmas Day of 1863. In addition to Civil War veterans, there are 78 German prisoners of war from the First World War and a number of prisoners of war from Germany and other Axis countries dating from the Second World War, the largest number of German (and other Axis) POWs interred in the United States. The 120-acre cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and it features one of five memorial entrance archways built in national cemeteries. The archway approaches 40 feet in height. A number of other monuments have been erected throughout the cemetery.
Corner of Chestnut and 4th. Search for Lost Dinosaur Bones! Build Slot Cars! Create Your Own Music! Walk Through A Picture! Captain a ship in RiverPlay! Creative Discovery Museum isn't just for children, although it was designed for them in mind. There are lots of interactive exhibits here, enough to keep even the most hyperactive of kids entertained. Revolving exhibits, such as "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" and "Curious George" keep the Museum fresh for multiple visits. Creative Discovery Museum was voted as one of the top 20 children's museums in the nation by Child magazine. Plan on spending approximately 2 hours in the Museum. Value-pack tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are also available. Visit the website for current hours.
Located in a century-old Victorian house in the Bluff View Art District. It is home to antique glass and ceramics, as well as antique furniture, music boxes, coverlets and other rare pieces from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston. It boasts the world's largest collection of pitchers.