I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

If you're visiting Chattanooga, do yourself a favor and don't skip the Coker Museum. Whether you're…read morea lifelong car enthusiast or someone who couldn't tell a Model T from a Mustang, this place is absolutely fascinating. It ended up being one of my favorite museums I've ever visited. The museum is built around the incredible collection of the Coker family, who made their name through Coker Tire, and you can feel the passion behind every display. I had the chance to meet Casey, who now helps lead the family business, and she was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. It was so refreshing to see a family-run museum where everyone genuinely loves what they do. The collection is unbelievable. You'll find everything from antique automobiles and classic sports cars to vintage trucks, motorcycles, race cars, buses, and even airplanes hanging from the ceiling. They also have a working restoration shop where you can watch vintage vehicles being brought back to life, plus displays of the original tires and automotive memorabilia that tell the story behind the collection. One of the coolest pieces was the historic Yellowstone tour bus used in filming, which was such a fun surprise. (Content Rhino) At $25 per person, this museum is worth every penny. We spent far longer here than we expected because there was always something new to discover around every corner. Even if cars aren't normally your thing, the history, craftsmanship, and stories behind these vehicles make this an experience you won't forget. Hands down, this is one of the best museums I've visited, and it's now at the top of my list of recommendations for anyone visiting Chattanooga.

This is such a cool museum. I have never seen so many pre-1940s cars in one place before! I even…read moresaw some I hadn't heard of! There is a little something for everyone to enjoy. I appreciate how many of the cars are in original condition. It's also fascinating to see the restorations in progress and get to see the working areas for painting, fabricating, woodwork, etc. Aside from cars there are tons of motorcycles, a few planes, buses, and even a boat or two. The staff member was friendly and knowledgeable. Ladies' restrooms were clean and comfortable. I highly recommend a visit here!

Part history museum, science museum, and children's museum. There's a little something for everyone…read moreat the American Museum of Science & Energy. The museum tells the story of Oak Ridge's role in World War II and the top secret Manhattan Project. The way the museum is laid out tells the story in a chronological way where you'll begin by learning about how Oak Ridge came to be, its role in the war, and its role in nuclear research in the years since the hydrogen bomb was first dropped over Japan. Plan to spend about 2 hours here depending on how hands on you want to be. As you progress through the musuem it becomes more hands on and reminiscent of a children's museum where you can get hands on with science theories. The space has multiple exhibits, an introduction video, and gift shop. On certain days/times a bus tour is offered to the plant sites that will also include admission to the museum but I was not visiting on one of those days but would like to check it out if Im ever in the area on the right day.

Good history of science and technology. I actually learned the concept of what it takes to keep us…read moresafe and comfortable.

Went here in the afternoon with my husband and kids (age 7&8). We did the guided tour and it was…read morewonderful! The inside museum is self guided. We took probably 20-30 minutes inside, then hopped on a golf cart for the guided part of the tour. It ended up taking about an hour to an hour and a half. Our guide was so knowledgeable and made learning fun (per my kids!). If you want to learn a little history in a relaxed and engaging environment, you should stop in here! Keep in mind that most of the tour/museum is outside, so if you don't want to get wet or be too cold or too hot, plan your visit with the weather in mind.

Our guide, Jody, made it great! Upon driving up to the museum, we didn't expect much and inside the…read moresmall museum wasn't much. But once we boarded the golf cart on the guided tour with Jody, that all changed. The weather was great, which always helps but the knowledge Jody shared at each stop took us back in history. As a teacher, I appreciated each detail and he (Jody) was always ready to answer questions. The property around the museum is where all of the history took place and Tunnel Hill takes great pride in their local treasure. I was surprised to learn all the seemingly small place had to offer. Kudos to all the people who work hard to keep this place alive. My kids and I had a great visit! I will note that it is more for middle school and up. And it's good for the kids to already have some knowledge about the Civil War. I only rate it one star less than perfect because the displays and mannequins need quite a bit of updating. You do have to have a good guide!

Wow this place was amazing! I am a past preschooler teacher a current nanny a mother and a…read moregrandmother and this place is what's happening! I have decided to buy my 2-year-old grandson in annual pass so his family can take him here as many times as he wants. There is an area in the section for every age group. There was not once where I felt like my two-year-old grandson was going to get ran over by a big kid because everybody had their own areas to excel in. Enjoy my pictures because I don't feel like I can find the words to explain all the awesomeness that is in one building. Have fun kids and caregivers!

This was my first visit with my 4 & 2 yr old. I have wanted to bring my kids here for so long so I…read morethink I had a lot of expectation seeing as it was specifically for kids. I was a little let down. First, admission is pretty hefty. This is an area for kids so I was surprised adult tickets were so expensive. Secondly, not a single hand sanitizer station had any hand sanitizer. We arrived right a 10am when they opened so I was very surprised they were all empty. Thirdly, many of the "buttons" for kids to push didn't work or maybe they weren't suppose to do anything. But I would think if there is a button to push, it should at least make a sound or turn on a light. Lastly, (nothing that the museum can control) but it's hard to fully enjoy the exhibits when parents don't "reset" the area after their child is done playing in it. Parents please be considerate and reset the area when your child is done playing. Better yet teach them to do it themselves along with "taking turns".

So great!! This is an amazing attraction. Perfect for train lovers. Lots of vintage trains to see,…read morea functioning workshop, and a TURN TABLE!! Our tour guide Jack made the whole experience a blast. We went with our family of 11: grandparents, adults, and kids ages 7-12. Every person really enjoyed it. I was disappointed that the Chattanooga Choo Choo is not a ride, so it was wonderful to find the TVRM and satisfy my itch for a train adventure. Ps. It's on Cromwell Road. Do not go to Chamberlain Ave.

Let me start with the staff: these folks don't just clock in, they genuinely care, and you can feel…read moreit. That alone puts this place ahead of half the businesses I've walked into this year. Scenery was a bit limited since everything is in full bloom, but I refuse to leave a bad review because nature was too healthy. The trees were simply thriving. Good for them. Now the real hazard nobody warns you about: this train is dangerously comfortable. That gentle rocking had me fighting for consciousness like a toddler after Thanksgiving dinner. If they ever add pillows, nobody is getting off at the final stop. Will absolutely bring the family back. Easy 10/10, highly recommend. Blessings

This place is 5 out of 5 stars! My husband and I had a BLAST at Classic Arcade Pinball Museum. You…read morepay $20.00 to play as many games and as many times as you want all day! They give you a wristband if you want to leave and come back. This was one of the BEST parts of our trip to Chattanooga TN!

An extremely good return on investment. 4 of us played till we were sore for 2.5-3 hours for…read more$80.00. (Can't come out better than that, even in Vegas) The working machines spanned from current time period all the way back into the 50's & 60's. I've seen a few reviews displeased with machines scheduled for repair, but I would estimate that 95%+ of the machines in there 6/14 were fully operational. These things have moving parts & moving parts break....... Staff was friendly & helpful. We live 6.5 hours away, or we'd be here weekly.

A interesting mind provocative experience for things that go bump in the night. I was surprised by…read morethe level of evidence and thought put into the experience. Definite a must stop to scratch that itch. Well done.

This place is really fun and really cool. It has been showcased in many travel shows and Sasquatch…read moreand cryptids shows, either on YT or podcasts, as well as regular cable networks. The museum is small but it is full of great information. It is true that any of the evidence here could be fabricated and false, but what if it is real? I have not seen any Big Foot, but I have had other experiences that are similar, and for that reason I cannot say this is fake. I don't know if this place will make you a believer or an investigator, but there are plenty of resources here to get won your way. Definitely worth a visit.

Unfortunately, part of the museum was under construction on our visit. I think that was the mummy…read moreexhibit. It's still a cute Museum and worth a stop for an hour or two. A few interesting older pieces.

First off, go to the website so receive your free admission to the museum. You can't enter it…read moreunless you have valid tickets. Now ok... I get that this museum is to preserve history we all understand this concept. But what I don't get is that more than half of the Native American artifacts in this section was removed by Tribes because it was viewed "incorrectly." Instead of having a Tribe member being in the museum to inform people they just removed the artifacts entirely from public eye. How I would do it, inform and educate rather than take down things. Just very odd to me. The bottom half of the museum (after you walk down the stairs) is interesting although the theory that we came from "apes" is uh... A different topic. It's a nice sized museum, very clean, quiet and people are respectfully when going into each section. P.S, if a Baseball game is nearby and they charge for parking let them know that you're visiting the museum not the game so you can get in to park. If not, you'll get charged $20 to park for free. It's far better than the Knoxville Museum of Art, now that's a different story to tell.

Definitely worth a visit! McMinn County has a lot of history that you probably didn't know about…read more For example, you bet that as a woman I exercise my right to vote. And I'm so proud Harry T. Burn did the right thing in 1920 to ratify the 19th amendment. Or how about Time Magazine's vote for the world's best ice cream a right here at Mayfield creamery. And by the way, Mayfields' is soooo delish. Go get some now! All the exhibits start off simple with modest display cases of 1-2 artifacts. Then as you progress the vignettes become more elaborate. Before you know it you are walking toward a chapel, a general store and a replica cabin displays. You can also see a showcase of 19th-20th century wars and Tennessee's role in each. There is just one thing I would change. If only there was a seamless explanation of the early settlers in McMinn County. At first you see the exhibit about Native Americans and then you see anecdotes here and there about town officials and then before you know it you are looking at modern-day. I find myself wondering more about the pre-civil war period from colonial to pioneer. It was a bit patchy to follow this timeline and I think they could dedicate an exhibit for this.