To many travelers of the American back roads, the Chattanooga tourism industry historically was defined by barn roofs painted with the slogan, "See Rock City." These days, however, there's more to see and do. A lot more.
MUSEUMS
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
* What it is: A museum celebrating Chattanooga's historic role as a hub of the railroad industry. A National Register of Historic Places designee, the museum's holdings include about 10 steam and diesel-electric locomotives, as well as a number of passenger cars.
* Address: 4119 Cromwell Road (Grand Junction) and 727 Tennessee Ave. South, Etowah, Tenn. (Etowah Station)
* Admission: Free
* Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Phone: 423-894-8028
* Website: www.tvrail.com
Battles for Chattanooga Museum
* What it is: A museum focused on the decisive Civil War battles fought on Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Orchard Knob that "sealed the fate of the Confederacy." The centerpiece of the museum, formerly known as the Confederama, is a massive "electromechanical map" featuring 5,000 miniature soldiers, 650 lights and sound effects to recreate the major battles.
* Address: 111o E. Brow Road, Lookout Mountain
* Admission: $8 adults, $6 ages 3 to 12
* Hours: Regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; summer hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Phone: 423-821-2812
* Website: www.battlesforchattanooga.com
Hunter Museum of American Art
* What it is: High atop an 80-foot cliff overlooking the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum is built around a historic mansion near the site of a former iron smelting plant known as the Bluff Furnace. Its collection offers a comprehensive overview of American art, from the Colonial period to the present day, and includes works by Thomas Cole, Mary Cassat, Helen Frankenthaler and Andy Warhol, among others.
* Address: 10 Bluff View
* Admission: $15 adults, youth age 17 and under free; $5 for adults the first Thursday of the month from 4-7:30 p.m.
* Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Phone: 423-267-0968
* Website: www.huntermuseum.org
Creative Discovery Museum
* What it is: A downtown institution, the Creative Discovery Museum's mission is to "inspire all children to explore, innovate, create and play." In addition to permanent, interactive exhibits to teach guests about subjects such as archaeology, music and simple machines, the museum also regularly rotates in special exhibits every three months. Through May, the museum will host "Heart and Seoul: Growing up in Korea," an exhibition about the many aspects of Korean culture including K-Pop music, Korean food, the ancient art of taekwondo, and more.
* Address: 321 Chestnut St.
* Admission: $12.95, $9.95 with military/firefighter/police ID, $10.95 with Tennessee Aquarium ticket stub
* Hours: Spring and summer hours Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesdays during the fall and winter; extended hours (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily) during summer break.
* Phone: 423-756-2738
* Website: www.cdmfun.org
International Towing and Recovery Museum
* What it is: A museum recognizing "outstanding individuals in the towing and recovery industry worldwide." Formerly toured around the country in a tractor trailer, the museum set down permanent roots in Chattanooga and opened its doors in 1986, just a few miles from where its first wrecker was fabricated at Ernest Holmes Co. Guests can view a Hall of Fame, Wall of the Fallen and exhibits and displays including a collection of towing and recovery artifacts and memorabilia.
* Address: 3315 Broad St.
* Admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors (55 and older)/military: $8.50 AAA members; $6 ages 6 to 14.
* Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; winter hours (November through February) Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Phone: 423-267-3132
* Website: www.internationaltowingmuseum.org
National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History
* What it is: A museum honoring the recipients of the highest distinction awarded to U.S. military personnel. Featured exhibits include artifacts from the Vietnam and Revolutionary wars and a special exhibit honoring Army and Navy veterans with future exhibits planned for other military branches.
* Address: Northgate Mall, 368 Northgate Mall Drive
* Admission: Free
* Hours: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday by appointment only.
* Phone: 423-877-2525
* Website: www.mohm.org
HISTORIC SITES
Point Park Battlefield
* What it is: Technically part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, this Lookout Mountain location was the site for the engagement commonly referred to as "The Battle Above the Clouds." The park includes numerous trails and monuments to units that participated in the battle. A newly renovated visitor center features "Battle for Lookout Mountain," a massive, government-commissioned mural painted by James Walker, who was an eyewitness to the battle.
* Address: 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain
* Admission: Park admission is $3 for adults; admission to the visitor center is free.
* Hours: Park hours are daily 8:30 a.m. to sunset; visitor center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (summer) and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (September to May).
* Phone: 423-821-7786
* Website: www.nps.gov/chch
Chickamauga National Military Park
* What it is: A site dedicated to preserving the grounds on which the Union and Confederate armies fought some of the most decisive battles of the Civil War. The largest of the four Civil War national military parks established in 1890 by Congress - the others are Shiloh, Gettysburg and Vicksburg - the park comprises 5,300 acres and attracts about a million visitors a year. The visitor center includes extensive exhibits, an orientation film and maps of hiking and biking trails.
* Address: 3370 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
* Admission: Free
* Hours: Daily 6 a.m. to sunset; visitor center is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Phone: 706-866-9241
* Website: www.nps.gov/chch
Chattanooga Choo Choo
* What it is: Named for a Cincinnati-based, wood-burning steam locomotive that was the first to provide non-stop service to the South, including passing through Chattanooga, this terminal was built in 1908. The station, which was designed by students at Paris' prestigious Beaux Arts Institute, served as a major hub of rail traffic for years, but ceased passenger service in 1970, after which it was saved from demolition to become a hotel in 1973. Now a National Register of Historic Places designee, visitors can still gawk at the foyer's towering dome, eat at a number of restaurants on-site, enjoy new and forthcoming entertainment venues and see railcars that have been converted to hotel rooms.
* Address: 1400 Market St.
* Admission: Free to visit. Pay to stay the night.
* Hours: Daily
* Phone: 1-800-872-2529
* Website: www.choochoo.com
EXPERIENCES
Chattanooga Ducks
* What it is: An hour-long guided tour of downtown Chattanooga in DUKWs or "ducks," a World War II-era amphibious troop transport. The tour continues from the asphalt straight into the Tennessee River for a round trip upstream along the riverfront to Maclellan Island.
* Address: 503 Market St.
* Admission: $22 adults, $20 seniors, teens and active military, $11 ages 3 to 12, $5 infant to age 3
* Hours: Tours start daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. March through October (noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. only in the spring and fall)
* Phone: 423-756-3825
* Website: www.chattanoogaducks.com
River Gorge Explorer
* What it is: See the scenic Tennessee River Gorge, also known as "Tennessee's Grand Canyon," on a two-hour tour aboard a 70-passenger catamaran. A naturalist from the Tennessee Aquarium accompanies each tour to point out wildlife and historic points en route. The Explorer received a certificate of excellence in 2013 from TripAdvisor.com.
* Address: Chattanooga Pier, corner of Riverfront Parkway and Power Alley
* Admission: $32 adults, $24.50 ages 3 to 12, $18 toddlers
* Hours: Tour schedule varies by season. Visit www.tnaqua.org/plan-your-visit/river-gorge-explorer for updated listings.
* Phone: 423-265-0698
* Website: www.tnaqua.org/plan-your-visit/river-gorge-explorer
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
* What it is: Enjoy a 15-minute trip at 10 mph up a historic railway that is, in places, 72.7 percent grade, one of the steepest in the world. At the bottom station, you can explore the downtown shops and eateries of the historic St. Elmo neighborhood. At the upper station atop Lookout Mountain, you can buy souvenirs and snacks from a gift shop and enjoy a panoramic view of the Tennessee Valley from the observation deck.
* Address: 3917 St. Elmo Ave. (bottom station); 827 E. Brow Road (top station)
* Admission: Round-trip tickets are $15 adults, $7 ages 3 to 12 , $7.50 ages 65 and up or passengers with disabilities. $49.90 packages available online for adults ($26.90 for children) including admission to the Incline, Rock City and Ruby Falls.
* Hours: Trains depart every 20 minutes daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Phone: 423-821-4224
* Website: www.ridetheincline.com
Ruby Falls ZIPstream Aerial Adventure
* What it is: Adventurous types can take in an unusual view of the Scenic City and its natural splendor while hanging from 700 feet worth of zipline within and above the canopy of trees near Ruby Falls. Various self-guided challenge courses are available and are color-coded by difficulty. These include 30 highwire elements, such as ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and, of course, ziplines.
* Address: 1720 S. Scenic Highway
* Admission: $44.95 ages 11 and up (on more difficult courses), $24.95 ages 6 to 10 (children's course); $29.95 to access just the 700-foot zip line ride without ropes course elements; $79.95 unlimited day pass
* Hours: Varies by season. Visit website.
* Phone: 423-821-2544
* Website: www.rubyfallszip.com
Southern Belle Riverboat
* What it is: For a trip up the Tennessee River that's a throwback to the paddleboat days, the Southern Belle riverboat offers 1 1/2-hour narrated sightseeing and lunch cruises as well as slightly longer dinner cruises. The cruises with meals usually include some form of live music whether by a live band or courtesy of the paddleboat's calliope. When docked, guests can still board to grab a drink or dinner from the 3rd Deck Burger Bar.
* Address: 201 Riverfront Parkway
* Admission: Sightseeing cruises are $22.90 adults, $13.90 ages 3 to 12; lunch cruises are $30.90 adults, $18.90 ages 3 to 12 (includes lunch and drinks); dinner cruises are $35.90 to $47.90 adults, $21.95 ages 3 to 12 (includes music - except Wednesday, dinner, tax and tip).
* Hours: A full tour schedule is available on the website. The 3rd Deck Burger Bar is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
* Phone: 423-266-4488
* Website: www.chattanoogariverboat.com
Bluffview Art District
* What it is: A picturesque neighborhood packed with gourmet restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and museums. Overnight accommodations are available at the charming Bluff View Inn, formerly the Maclellan House, which was built in 1898. The entire district is perched atop the titular bluff and offers fine views of the Tennessee River, downtown and North Shore. The Hunter Museum of Art and Tennessee Riverwalk, a 15-mile pedestrian path along the river, are accessible from within the district.
* Address: 411 E. Second St.
* Admission: Free
* Hours: Different businesses within the district maintain different schedules.
* Phone: 423-265-5033 or 1-800-725-8338
* Website: www.bluffviewartdistrict.com
RECREATION
Tennessee Aquarium
* What it is: Consistently rated America's best aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium houses more than 10,000 animals between its two themed buildings. River Journey features fresh-water species, including giant catfish, otters, alligators and snakes. Its next-door neighbor, Ocean Journey, includes exhibits for seahorses, jellyfish as well as a penguin gallery. Guests also can get up close and learn more via the aquarium's animal outreach ambassadors.
* Address: 1 Broad St.
* Admission: $29.95 adults, $18.95 ages 3 to 12 (includes access to both River Journey and Ocean Journey); backstage tours including feeding and touching some animals are available for an additional $17.
* Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)
* Phone: 1-800-262-0695
* Website: www.tnaqua.org
IMAX 3D Theater
* What it is: See movies on a scale few other theaters can match on a "Certified Giant Screen" that is six stories tall and about 4,500 times larger than the average living room TV. Last year, it became one of the first theaters worldwide to install digital laser projectors, enhancing color and picture quality. Occasionally, mainstream feature films also are shown, but the listings typically are environmental- and adventure-themed.
* Address: 201 Chestnut St.
* Admission: $11.95 adults, $9.95 ages 3 to 12. Combo admissions available that include Aquarium, or Aquarium and River Gorge Explorer.
* Hours: Vary. Check listings online.
* Phone: 1-800-262-0695
* Website: www.tnaqua.org/IMAX
Rock City Gardens
* What it is: Arguably Chattanooga's most well-known tourist attraction, Rock City Gardens offers a 4,100-foot walking trail in a scenic, 14-acre park located atop Lookout Mountain. Visitors can see a variety of interesting rock formations - many of which have been given endearing names - explore the gnome-filled Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village and take in a stunning view of seven states from Lover's Leap. Plus, there are special events throughout the year.
* Address: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA
* Admission: $19.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3 to 12; combo packages available including admission to Ruby Falls ($36.90/$21.90) and a Lookout Mountain triple play including the Incline Railway ($49.90/$26.90).
* Hours: Varies by season. See website for more information.
* Phone: 706-820-2531 or 1-800-854-0675
* Website: www.seerockcity.com
Ruby Falls
* What it is: Take in a guided tour that culminates with an LED-illuminated waterfall spilling into a pool in a cavern deep underground. Located more than 1,120 feet beneath Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is the nation's deepest commercial cave and highest and most-visited underground waterfall.
* Address: 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain
* Admission: $19.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3 to 12; combo admission packages available with Rock City, the Incline Railway and ZIPstream Aerial Adventure.
* Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Phone: 423-821-2544
* Website: www.rubyfalls.com
Chattanooga Zoo
* What it is: More than 75 years old, the Chattanooga Zoo has transformed in recent years from a neglected novelty into an accredited institution with success in breeding several critically endangered species. Recent expansions include a deserts and forests exhibit that adds camels, fennec foxes and sloths to holdings that already included chimpanzees, jaguars, red pandas and snow leopards. A capital campaign is in the works to significantly expand the zoo and add more exotic animals.
* Address: 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
* Admission: $8.95 adults, $6.95 ages 65 and up, $5.95 ages 3 to 12, free to ages 3 and under or 75 and up; different in-depth and behind-the-scenes tours available for varying additional cost. Visit website for details.
* Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Phone: 423-697-1319 or 423-697-1322
* Website: www.chattzoo.org
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
* What it is: Formerly known as the Chattanooga African-American Museum and Bessie Smith Performance Hall, this facility on M.L. King Boulevard was unified in 2009 under a single name, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, in honor of the native Chattanooga vocalist known as "the Empress of the Blues." The site still functions as a museum celebrating black and African heritage and regularly plays host to musical performances.
* Address: 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.
* Admission: $7 adults, $5 senior citizens and students, $3 ages 6 to 12
* Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday by appointment only
* Phone: 423-266-8658
* Website: www.bessiesmithcc.org
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park and SoakYa Water Park
* What it is: For decades, this amusement park - whose name is American Indian for "bountiful waters" - has attracted Chattanoogans across the Georgia state line with dozens of carnival games and rides, including the "world famous" Cannon Ball Roller Coaster and OH-ZONE!, a 14-story free-fall experience. In 2013, the park added SoakYa, a five-acre water park, including a Crazy River innertube float that features a series of rapids and a relaxing beach with swimming area.
* Address: 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville, GA
* Admission: $33.95 ages 3-54 for access to Lake Winnie and SoakYa with unlimited rides, $16.95 for seniors age 55 and up and children ages 1 and 2
* Hours: Varies by date. Check the website. Lake Winnie typically is open April to October; SoakYa is open May to August.
* Phone: 1-877-525-3946
* Website: www.lakewinnie.com
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205.