Accessible Chattanooga for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Once an aging riverfront town, Chattanooga is now a thriving arts and culture hotspot. Thanks to an ambitious redevelopment plan, this southeastern Tennessee city boasts a number of cornerstone attractions, as well as an assortment of public parks and recreation areas along the Tennessee River. And as far as access goes, the downtown area is quite walkable, the free downtown shuttle is accessible, and the adjacent Bluff View Art District boasts a wheelchair-accessible walking route to a number of public art installations. In short, accessible Chattanooga is an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The Downtown Shuttle
Getting around downtown Chattanooga is relatively easy, thanks to the nicely accessible CARTA Downtown Shuttle (www.gocarta.org). The electric powered vehicles run from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium, with stops at every block in between.
All of the shuttles are equipped with manual ramps, so there’s never any problems with mechanical failures. The vehicles are also equipped with flip-up seats next to the wheelchair spaces and tie downs. Best of all, the drivers know how to operate the ramps and tie downs, and they are very accommodating when assisting passengers. Obviously they’ve had some good training!
The locals use the shuttle just as much as the tourists as it’s a quick and easy way to get around downtown. As an added bonus, there’s no charge for this convenient service.
Explore the Tennessee Aquarium
There’s no better place to begin your Chattanooga visit than the Tennessee Aquarium (www.tnaqua.org). Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, this world class attraction is composed of two buildings; both of which offer a barrier-free entrance, and include elevator and escalator service to all floors.
The older of the two buildings features a variety of freshwater exhibits and includes river otters, turtles, alligators and giant catfish. There is barrier-free access throughout the building, with most tanks at wheelchair-viewing height. Don’t miss the Cove Forest exhibit, which includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a forest and river area filled with snakes, fish and other interesting creatures.
Next door, the new 60,000 square-foot building houses a wide variety of ocean wonders, with two rooftop habitats that feature a lemur exhibit and a butterfly gallery. Many of the tanks in this section of the aquarium span several floors, with ramps connecting the different Levels. And it’s not unusual to find divers in the tanks, interacting with both residents and visitors.
Get Your Art Fix
The Hunter Museum of American Art (www.huntermuseum.org), is also worth a visit on your accessible Chattanooga itinerary. Located in the Bluff View Art District, the museum is an eclectic mix of old and new. One part of the collection is housed in a historic mansion, while the other makes its home in a sleek glass and steel 28,000 square foot addition. The new building — a work of art itself — also offers some spectacular views of the Tennessee River below.
There is good access throughout the entire museum, with elevator access to all levels. The spacious galleries offer plenty of space to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scoot. And if you can’t manage distances, loaner wheelchairs are available at visitor services.
The museum features an impressive collection of American art — from the colonial period to contemporary times — with the older works displayed in the mansion. Highlights include an substantial collection of Early American furnishings as well as some impressive works by Thomas Cole, Robert Henri, Mary Cassatt and Robert Rauschenberg.
Take an Art Stroll
Top off your accessible Chattanooga visit with a short stroll around the Bluff View Art District (www.bluffviewartdistrict.comm). This decidedly European neighborhood is filled with eclectic galleries, cozy cafes and even a sculpture garden. The area is fairly level, with curb-cuts and wide sidewalks; and although some of the buildings are historic, many offer good wheelchair access.
The River Gallery (river-gallery.com) tops the list of must-stops. Housed in a turn-of-the-century home, there are several steps up to the main entrance, however a level wheelchair-accessible entrance is located up the street. Inside the 3,000 square-food gallery, you’ll find a interesting collection of fine art, sculptures, studio art glass and international crafts from a variety of worldwide artists. It’s a fun place to browse, and a great spot to pick up a unique gift.
No Bluff View arts stroll is complete without a stop River Gallery Sculpture Garden (www.river-gallery.com/sculpture-garden) which is located just up the street. The two-acre plot overlooks the Tennessee River and features a nice collection by contemporary American artists. Access is good throughout the garden, with level paved pathways and plenty of benches to rest along the way. The permanent collection includes works by Paolo Soleri, Frank Stella and Richard Serra, but there’s always something new to see. Best of all, there’s no charge to explore this accessible Chattanooga favorite.
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