You’ll Never Forget A Trip Through This Aquarium In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published June 16, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Have you ever stopped everything and sat in front of a fish tank for a while? I could have been a bowl with a forever single Beta Fish or a huge saltwater tank filled with exotic fish, but there is one thing I have always noticed. There is just something incredibly peaceful watching these creatures float around. The variety, color, and shapes of aquatic life are so fascinating I could watch for hours. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies takes that experience to a whole new level and it is nothing short of magical.
Ripley’s Aquarium is located right in the heart of a little mountain city called Gatlinburg.
The town is literally surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and is picture-perfect just about everywhere you look. It is also the last place you would expect to find a giant octopus, sharks, and penguins. This aquarium, however, is so packed with surprises and has consistently ranked very high in a list of the best U.S. aquariums. So it is safe to say a trip to this aquatic wonderland will be well worth it.
The ocean is teeming with life and often times you don’t get a good close-up view of the enchanted wonders waiting for you under the water.
But in a role reversal, instead of looking down, you can walk through the glass hallway and look up into the underwater world. The light refracts and creates ripples along the walls and floor, shadows of larger creatures may darken your view, and when you look up you could be face to face with a massive shark.
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Other sections will bring you up close with string rays.
The Sting Ray Bay has a place that allows guests to reach their hands in and touch these mighty beasts. As thrilling as the experience can be it is totally safe and kids are sure to have a blast rubbing their fingers along the fin of these otherwise forbidden beasts.
I couldn’t agree more and think that these fascinating creatures all serve a purpose and showcase such brilliant design. With that artistic theme in mind, they have created a place called Gallery of the Seas, where they show off amazing animals like the Pacific Giant Octopus. They also have a touch tank to get up close to some squishy jellyfish.
Kids and adults will have a fun time playing within the aquarium but they aren't the only ones frolicking around.
You simply can not go to Ripley’s Aquarium without visiting the Penguin Playhouse. These playful African Penguins are the cutest addition to the aquarium and are always fun to watch. Each one has an armband with their name written on it. Fun fact, did you know that every penguin has a spot pattern that is completely unique to them just like humans do with their fingerprints?
There is so much more to see and do at this aquarium. The whole thing is a wonderful experience and another great reason to visit Gatlinburg. We may be a landlocked state but we have one of the best aquariums in the country featuring sea life from around the world. I don’t know about you but that makes me happy and proud once again to live in Tennessee.
With underwater walkways, exotic creatures (some you may have never even heard of), and hands-on experiences it is easy to see why this is one of the best aquariums in the country. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, certainly is worth the visit and you are sure to discover many more secrets hiding within. For more information please visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies website.
After your underwater adventures enjoy the very walkable town of Gatlinburg, right from the front steps of the aquarium you can be minutes away from some pretty amazing attractions downtown.
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