Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium is at 1 Broad St. On the banks of the Tennessee River, the aquarium highlights the voyage of a drop of water from its origin in the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The River Journey building houses what is said to be the world's largest freshwater aquarium. Galleries include the Tennessee River, home to blue catfish and black crappie; Appalachian Cove Forest with river otters; Delta Country, a swamp with ducks, snapping turtles and alligators; Turtles of the World featuring just some of the 365 species of turtles and tortoises found worldwide; and Rivers of the World with piranhas, sturgeon and an electric eel. The Ocean Journey building contains a stingray touch pool, jellyfish, sharks and a butterfly garden. In the Penguins’ Rock gallery, Macaroni and Gentoo penguins waddle and dive into the water. Lemur Forest houses radiated tortoises and endangered lemurs. Meet panther chameleons, mantella frogs and unusual sea creatures like flashlight fish in the Island Life gallery. The Secret Reef, modeled for the northernmost reef in North America, is home to the Undersea Cavern and thousands of curious saltwater inhabitants such as tiger sharks and stingrays. An IMAX Theater and a guided behind-the-scenes tour also are offered. Free shuttle service from around town to the aquarium is available daily on CARTA. Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 2 hours, 30 minutes minimum.