Chattanooga Pictures

Once considered to be the most polluted city in America, Chattanooga has since cleaned up and earned the rights to its nickname. Julie Thurston Getty Images

The Tennessee Aquarium is the premier attraction within Chattanooga, garnering $100 million for the economy annually and housing one of the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. Charles B. Rich Getty Images

This 145-foot waterfall is not only the largest underground waterfall in the U.S., but also the deepest commercial attraction of its kind. Buburuzaproductions Getty Images

A great time to visit Rock City Gardens, especially Lover's Leap, is during the winter when the park decorates the area in Christmas lights (including this waterfall). Antipunk Getty Images

To get more visitors, the founder of Rock City hired a local artist to travel the country to advertise the attraction. The artist repainted barns as far as Texas and Michigan in exchange for advertising privileges.  Brent Moore Flickr

Although located south of the Tennessee-Georgia border, the Chickamauga Battlefield is frequented by Chattanooga visitors for its important role in the Civil War. David Brossard Flickr

The site of the Civil War battle referred to the "Battle Above the Clouds." Not only do visitors get a great history lesson, but Point Park affords incredible views of Chattanooga, the Tennessee River and surrounding mountain region.  Harris Shiffman Getty Images

Although a major railway hub for decades, the Chattanooga Choo Choo became a household name when the Glenn Miller Orchestra created a song of the same name in 1941. Gillet's Crossing Flickr

The Incline Railway was built out of necessity. Visitors during the 19th century wanted to view the Civil War attractions on top of Lookout Mountain, but weren't crazy about riding a four-hour buggy to get there (the only transportation option available at the time).  Courtesy of Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

An outdoor adventure hub, Chattanooga is home to the largest hang gliding school in the U.S. As if the Tennessee River and Lookout Mountain weren't enough. Harrison Shull Getty Images

Chattanooga's location among the southeast mountains of Tennessee make it an ideal destination to visit in the fall. Along with the foilage, Chattanooga's premier outdoor adventure festival is held in October. Melinda Fawver Getty Images

Chattanooga is a big outdoor hub in part thanks to the Tennessee River. After taking in river views from Lookout Mountain, venture on a River Gorge Explorer boat tour for a different (and equally beautiful) perspective of the famous waterway. traveler1116 Getty Images

Even though this art district is only 1½ blocks big, it houses three art museums, a coffee shop, an Inn, two restaurants and one of Chattanooga's last artisan bakeries.  Courtesy of the Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

Perched atop an 80-foot cliff, the Hunter Museum of American Art makes for a unique skyline with its varying architectural styles. Courtesy of the Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

The pathway leading to the Bluff View Art District. An example of Chattanooga making the ordinary extraordinary. SeanPavonePhoto Getty Images

The majority of recent visitors report not even being able to make out two states, yet this lookout point remains to be the most popular attraction in the Rock City Gardens. The Pug Father Flickr

Chattanooga's Riverwalk is a 13-mile path that stretches from Ross Landing all the way to the Chickamauga Dam. The city's biggest festival, the RiverBend Festival, is held here every June. Courtesy of the Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau