Ever hand-fed a red panda or crawled through an underground cavern? If not, it might be time to change that. Check out these behind-the-scenes tours and unforgettable experiences waiting for you on your next trip to Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Zoo
WILD Encounters
If you’ve always wanted to interact with some of the world’s most exotic animals, now’s your chance! The Chattanooga Zoo offers a variety of WILD Encounters that give guests an up-close experience with Red Pandas, Meerkats, Giant Anteaters, Komodo dragons, and Prehensile Tailed Porcupine. Each experience includes hand-feeding the animals and learning about their unique lifestyles from the Keepers. The 30-minute encounters range in price depending on which animal you want to visit and 10% of all funds from the WILD Encounter program go directly toward the Chattanooga Zoo's conservation programs and their efforts to save animals in the wild.
Zoo Tours
Experience the Chattanooga Zoo from a whole different perspective with a zoo tour! Visit 4-5 exhibits focused on either Primates, Carnivores, or Reptiles with this private, 30-minute tour and learn fun facts about the animals you meet. You may even get to see a special feeding!
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Create Your Own Adventure
If you’re craving a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure, Reflection Riding has you covered. Their "Design Your Own Nature Experience" lets you craft a personalized behind-the-scenes tour across their stunning 300-acre campus. Whether you want to meet animal ambassadors face-to-face, paddle down Lookout Creek on a guided canoe trip, or hike alongside a resident hawk, or more, this is your chance to tailor an adventure to your interests. With an expert naturalist as your guide, you’ll explore the beauty of Chattanooga’s natural wonders in a way that’s entirely your own.
Gate Eleven Distillery
Distillery Tour & Tasting
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Gate Eleven’s brick-and-mortar location inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. This family-owned, small-batch distillery—home to several award-winning spirits—offers a fascinating glimpse into every step of their process, from fermentation and distillation to bottling and labeling. Everything is done in-house using hand-built equipment crafted by founder and master distiller Bill Lee, who brings a background in chemical engineering to the craft.
After the tour, guests can browse bottles, cocktails, and merch—plus enjoy 10% off all bottle purchases!
Tennessee Aquarium
Deeper Dives: Insider's Tour
There are plenty of fish in the sea, and even more to see at the Tennessee Aquarium! With the Insider's Tour, you'll say "Good morning!" to some of the amazing animals at the Tennessee Aquarium.
During this in-depth exploration, an aquarium educator leads you through both River and Ocean Journeys for an exclusive 1.5-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public. Experience your favorite exhibits from a whole new angle and join us behind the scenes each morning to witness firsthand how our dedicated team cares for the animals.
Deeper Dives: Feeding Frenzy
Have you ever wondered why the sharks don't eat the other fish? You're not alone! During the half-hour Feeding Frenzy Experience, you will join an Aquarium Educator and Aquarist behind the scenes of Ocean Journey to assist in feeding their schooling fish in the Secret Reef exhibit and learn about the nutritional needs of other marine life.
Feed your curiosity alongside the marine-life during this one-of-a-kind aquarium experience!
Raccoon Mountain
Wild Cave Expeditions
For the true adventurer, a Wild Cave Expedition inside Raccoon Mountain is a must-do while in Chattanooga. Explore the limestone cavern in its natural state as you crawl and climb through a maze of formations and passageways. These expeditions aren’t for the faint of heart and are known as some of the most rigorous excursions in the Southeast. Whether you choose the Canyon Crawl or Waterfall Dome, be prepared to get dirty and put your spelunking skills to the test!
Ruby Falls
Cave Lantern Tours
If you're a fan of caves but not so keen on crawling through mud, the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour is perfect for you. Transport yourself back to 1928 and explore the cavern illuminated by handheld lanterns. This after-hours specialty tour offers a unique perspective on the rock formations, with exclusive stories shared by your guide.
