Ross’s Landing is a riverfront park in downtown Chattanooga, at 201 Riverfront Parkway beside the Tennessee Aquarium. Paths, lawns, a pier and a marina make it an easy place to walk by the water or pause between nearby attractions. Visit The Passage, an outdoor memorial with Cherokee-themed artwork and a cascading water feature that marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears. The river and bridge views are another draw, and festivals bring music, vendors and food trucks to the waterfront.
A riverfront site shaped by Cherokee history
Ross’s Landing takes its name from John Ross, a Cherokee leader who established a trading post and ferry launch on the Tennessee River. The settlement began in 1816 and later grew into Chattanooga. Ross went on to lead the Cherokee Nation from 1828 to 1866.
The site’s history also includes the forced removal of Cherokee people from the region in 1838. The federal government’s Indian Removal Act required them to move west to what is now Oklahoma. Ross’s Landing is remembered as the starting point of the Trail of Tears, the route taken during that removal.
The Passage memorial
The Passage is a permanent outdoor exhibit at Ross’s Landing that commemorates the Cherokee and their experience of forced removal. Its artwork and informational boards present Cherokee stories and symbols. A cascading water feature, often called the weeping wall, recalls the grief associated with the journey.
Take time to look at the art and read the displays rather than treating the memorial as a shortcut to the river. The site is a place of remembrance, so a quiet, respectful visit is appropriate.
Paths, lawns and the waterfront
The park’s riverfront paths and open lawns give you space to walk, jog or pause by the water. The pier, marina and natural amphitheatre connect the park to the river, while the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza is close by. Views across the water include downtown bridges, including the Market Street Bridge.
Picnic tables and grassy areas make the park suitable for a break outdoors. Families can also find a playground and water-play area for children in summer. The river edge is accessible in places without protective railings, so keep children close. Some ramps are steep, which can make certain routes harder to manage with a stroller or wheelchair.
Festivals and nearby stops
Ross’s Landing hosts events that can change the feel of the waterfront, from music festivals to gatherings with food trucks and other vendors. Bluegrass has featured among the festival programming, and river events have included a surfing competition. Check what is scheduled for your dates if you want live entertainment or a broader choice of food.
The park sits beside the Tennessee Aquarium and is a convenient stop before or after other riverfront activities. Nearby points of interest include the Aquarium Plaza and public art connected with Cherokee history. Free parking is available after 6 PM on the Aquarium side of the road.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is The Passage at Ross’s Landing?
The Passage is a permanent outdoor memorial to the Cherokee and their experience of forced removal. Its artwork and cascading water feature commemorate the beginning of the Trail of Tears.
Is Ross’s Landing beside the Tennessee Aquarium?
Yes. The riverfront park is part of the Tennessee Aquarium area and is next to the Aquarium Plaza.
Is there free parking at Ross’s Landing?
Free parking is available after 6 PM on the Aquarium side of the road.
Can children play at Ross’s Landing?
The park has a playground and a water-play area for summer. Keep children close to the river, where railings do not block access to the water.
