History buffs will find plenty to do in Georgia, including Civil War attractions, history and heritage museums, historic homes, tours and trails. Many of which you will find right here in Ringgold Georgia.
6th Calvary Museum
Address: 2 Barnhardt Circle, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742, (706) 861-2860
The 6th Cavalry Museum preserves the rich military history of the “Fighting Sixth” Cavalry, stationed at The Post at Fort Oglethorpe 1919 - 1942. The story of the 6th Cavalry is illustrious, beginning in 1861 as a U.S. Cavalry Regiment to present day. Located on the Post's original parade ground/polo field, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, surrounded by officer's homes and other Post buildings. Visited by presidents, military heroes and celebrities, the museum houses artifacts, uniforms, weapons, accoutrements, photos, and vehicles.
Step back in time to the era of the horse soldier by visiting the 6th Cavalry Museum.
About Us
The 6th U.S. Cavalry was organized in Pittsburgh, PA in 1861, fighting in the Civil War with notable success at Williamsburg in 1862 and during the Battle of Gettysburg at Fairfield. The 6th received 16 battle streamers for their efforts with three 6th cavalrymen receiving the Medal of Honor.
Following the Civil War, the 6th fought the Indian Wars adding ten battle streamers to their Regimental Standard with 46 Medals of Honor given for individual bravery. 6th Cavalryman Lt. Charles Gatewood convinced Geronimo to surrender and return to the reservation, ending a year of murder and terror on the plains.
The Spanish-American War of 1898, saw the 6th Cavalry side-by-side with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders as they won the war in Cuba. The 6th continued on with service in the Boxer Rebellion, Philippines, Mexican Punitive Exhibition, and Yellowstone National Park.
World War I saw little action for the 6th as the Armistice was signed as the regiment was preparing for front line combat. Upon returning to the U.S., the 6th was permanently stationed at The Post at Fort Oglethorpe (1919 – 1942). During this period the Regiment became a “spit and polish” outfit. Competitive polo, military horse tournaments, team sports competition, parades and troop reviews were a way of life at the Post as were the many social activities that brought Chattanooga residents south to North Georgia. The training year annually closed with marches or maneuvers to Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina.
In 1933, the 6th furnished officers and men to organize and instruct the newly formed Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which saw the civilians paid more than the soldiers.
In 1938, the 6th formed the guard for FDR's visit to Gainesville, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
While stationed at Fort Oglethorpe the 6th experimented with the merger of horse and mechanization, field tested the Bantam Car (later to be known as the Jeep) and motorcycle. The use of horses was over and when called for duty in WWII, the 6th Cavalry (Mechanized) landed in Northern Ireland without any horses.
The 6th entered World War II assigned to Patton's Third Army doing reconnaissance and landed at Utah Beach at D-Day+33. The 6th earned the Presidential Unit Citation for its part in the Battle of the Bulge 1944-1945. At war's end in Europe, the 6th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) (Reinforced) had participated in 281 days of continuous and victorious combat. Five battle streamers were awarded for their service in World War II.
Following World War II, the Post at Fort Oglethorpe was determined to be too small for military use, with the buildings and property sold through sealed bid by the War Assets Department to private citizens. The City of Fort Oglethorpe was officially incorporated in 1949, the first new town in Georgia in 25 years.
The Regiment remained in Europe where it patrolled 172 miles of rugged mountain country along the German-Czech border. Also assisting in the reconstruction of Germany and helping at orphanages and schools.
The Bavarian Government was so thankful for the Regiment's help that it presented a beautiful silver plaque embossed with the Shield of Bavaria. This gift is on display at the museum and is the only known official recognition given an American unit by a German State.
Returning to the U.S. in 1957, the 6th Armored Cavalry was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky until its deactivation in 1962. The 6th was reactivated in 1967 as the 6th ACR (Armored Cavalry Regiment) at Fort Meade, Maryland. In 1973, the 6th Cavalry was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and activated at Fort Hood, Texas. The 6th Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) was officially reconstituted on Feb. 21, 1975 in the Regular Army as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6th Cavalry Brigade, activated at Fort Hood, Texas. While at Fort Hood, the Brigade was a test bed for new concepts involving the employment of attack helicopters on the modern battlefield. In the fall of 1990 two of the Brigade's subordinate units were deployed for Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. At this time, the 6th Cavalry was a stand alone Brigade to be mobile and self-sufficient and not attached to any Division. In 1996, the 6th Cavalry Brigade Headquarters moved its flag to Fort Humphreys, Korea.
These four squadrons are currently attached to the 6th Cavalry:
- 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry - 1st Infantry Division - Fort Riley , Kansas
- 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry - 25th Infantry Division (Light) - Schofield Barracks , Hawaii
- 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry - I Corps - Fort Lewis , Washington
- 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry - 10th Mountain Division (LI) - Fort Drum , New York
City of Ringgold's Monthly Events
*Except October and DecemberSacred Sounds Date: 2nd weekend of each month, on Friday
Location: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot Street
Time: Gospel Music, Friday 7:30 PM
Ringgold Opry
Date: 2nd weekend of each month, on Saturday
Location: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot Street
Time: Bluegrass Music, Saturday 7:00 PM
Rods & Relics Car Show
Date: 1st Saturday of the Month
Location: Nashville St.
Time: 1:00pm to 7:00pm
City of Ringgold's Seasonal Events
| Ringgold Highland Games Date: September Location: Emberson Drive Time: All Day Contact: Richard Ball |
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| Haunted Depot and Hayride Date: Last 3 Weekends in October Location: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot Street Time: Opens at 7 p.m. - 11pm Price: $5 for Depot; $5 for Ghost Walk and $3 for Hayride Haunted Depot Facebook Page CLICK HERE for a Volunteer Application |
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| Patriotic Festival of Flags Two weeks prior to and after Memorial and Veterans Days, approximately 860 flags fly throughout the City of Ringgold, Georgia to honor the fallen veterans of Catoosa County. This is a wonderful and momentous sight which brings many visitors to the City. Location: Downtown Ringgold streets |
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| Veteran's Day Celebration Date: November 11 (Veteran's Day) Location: Ringgold Depot Price: Free About Event: The free event will feature a patriotic performance by the Jericho Brass, a 28-piece traditional British-style brass band. An all-volunteer ensemble, Jericho Brass is made up of professional and college trained musicians from the Tri-State area. Frank Hale will direct. |
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| Down Home Christmas Date: First Saturday in December Location: Downtown, Ringgold About Event: Parade and celebration are seen throughout Ringgold on this magnificent night. This is an excellent event to attend with your family, and children will be able to visit Santa at the Historic Ringgold Depot. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. Contact: 706-935-3061 |
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| Southern Charm Wedding Expo Date: January 18, 2014 Time: 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Location: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St.Ringgold, GA30736 Price: Free Information: The Southern Charm Wedding Expo will feature local vendors who offer all the amenities a bride would need. There will be florists, photographers, caterers, bakeries, wedding planners, wedding gifts, venues, dress boutiques, tux shops, and more. Door prizes will be given away and models will display the dresses and tux. Contact: 706-935-5290 |
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| 1890s Day Jamboree Date: Fri and Sat Memorial Day Weekend Location: Nashville Street, Downtown, Ringgold Event Activities: Visitors to the festival will enjoy a parade, car show, beauty pageant, music, food, crafts, fiddling contests, and more. Admission: Free |
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| Dixie Highway Yard Sale Date: First weekend in June Location: All along Highway 41 - stretches over 90 miles from Marietta to Ringgold Time: All day Price: Free to attend CoContact: 1-800-733-2280 |
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Other Nearby Attractions
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
Chattanooga, TN
1-877-Lakewin
With over eighty-six years of history and excitement, Lake Winnepesaukah is dedicated to providing a family fun atmosphere that's close to home and at a price the average family can afford.
Home to the world famous hills of the Cannon Ball Roller Coaster , excitement is timeless at Lake Winnepesaukah. With high-adrenaline thrills from the OH-ZONE! 14-story free fall, kiddie rides such as The Whale, The Bumble Bees , & The Frog Hopper ; and family attractions like the grand Wave Swinger and the antique Carousel , families can enjoy a wide variety of rides and entertainment at the South's favorite family amusement park.
Named for a Native American word meaning "bountiful waters" or "beautiful lake of the highlands," Lake Winnepesaukah has set itself apart over the years as a place to find unique & fun attractions, exciting events, and where generations can share old & new memories.
Tennessee Aquarium
Open daily 10am-6pm
Come see for yourself why visitors like you have rated the Tennessee Aquarium the best aquarium in America for 3 consecutive years ! Enjoy a remarkable journey with 10,000 animals. Then, let us take you to places you've only imagined at Chattanooga's IMAX 3D movie theater with a screen six stories tall. Ride the River Gorge Explorer , the most thrilling Chattanooga riverboat cruise. Discount ticket packages make visiting the best Chattanooga attractions easy and affordable.
Things to do
- There are lots of fun things to do in Chattanooga. The Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, and downtown area are great - just to name a few.
Benjamin - Ooltewah, TN
- Chattanooga is a great place to visit. It's a very pretty town right on the river with a large park with fountains, horse and buggy rides, many places to visit, good restaurants and very scenic.
Betty - Rising Fawn, GA
- The waterfront is very neat. The aquarium is an awesome place to visit and is great for children. They can learn a lot about the ocean and the river life.
Betty - Gainesboro, TN
- Very well done! The aquariums are beautifully put together and maintained. The information provided is easy to obtain. The people are knowledgeable and willing to help.
Randy - Knoxville, TN
- Lots of good family-friendly attractions including the Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum and Chattanooga Zoo.
Eric - Birmingham, AL
- Good weekend getaway for adults or whole family. Loved the Aquarium, Rock City, IMAX and Ruby Falls.
Jason - Pell City, AL
- LOTS of fun things for kids to do...very pretty place to visit and take lots of pictures!!
Jennifer - Huntland, TN
- There is a lot of variety--the Aquarium, Shopping, Creative Museum, Choo-Choo, Rock City, Ruby Falls and many other activities for all ages.
Jenny - Conyers, GA
The Tennessee Aquarium is rated by locals and visitors alike as one of the best things to do in Chattanooga . Looking for a money-saving deal better than any coupon? Buy a combination ticket to the Aquarium, River Gorge Explorer and/or IMAX and save.
Tennessee Aquarium – The top-rated aquarium in America offers a journey through two buildings loaded with things to do and engaging experiences on Chattanooga's beautiful downtown riverfront. River Journey fascinates visitors with river otters, turtles, alligators, giant catfish and thousands of freshwater wonders. Ocean Journey delights guests with penguins, sharks, butterflies and often scuba divers who interact with guests. Plan at least two hours for your aquarium visit. Aquarium admission includes access to both River Journey and Ocean Journey. Tickets are good all day so you can come and go and take advantage of these great combination ticket deals. Ticket Information
IMAX Movie Theater – With a brand new state-of-the-art sound system and six-story screen, this IMAX movie theater is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga. Plan on 45 minutes for a traditional IMAX film and add it to your aquarium visit for only $6. Check movie showtimes.
River Gorge Explorer – Four water jets propel this hydrofoil-assisted vessel smoothly and swiftly downstream. Angled seating allows each guest to relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows. River cruises last two to three hours. Riverboat Tickets and Schedule.
Backstage Pass – The hottest new addition to the list of things to do in Chattanooga. Get VIP access to be up close, touch and feed Aquarium animals. Go behind the scenes and put yourself in the boots of one of the Aquarium's animal keepers. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes. Go Backstage.
Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari – The Tennessee Aquarium is bringing kids, nature and fun together in a new experience. Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari is located in the lower level of the River Journey building next to the Seahorse Gallery. Animal presentations will be offered daily from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Learn more.
Warner Park Zoo
301 North Holtzclaw Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Mission Statement
The mission of the Chattanooga Zoo is to engage and inspire our community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. With our intimate, innovative exhibits, wide-ranging educational offerings and commitment to conservation, our vision is to be a top destination for residents and visitors alike and the pride of our community.
Accreditation
The Chattanooga Zoo is a fully accredited institution with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA zoos and aquariums represent the finest institutions in the country and are visited by more than 150 million people each year. That's more people than attended all professional baseball, basketball, football and hockey sporting events combined.
Accreditation involves a detailed review and inspection process covering all aspects of an institution's operation; including the animal collection, veterinary care, physical facilities, safety, security, finance, staff, governing authority, support organization, education, conservation, research, and adherence to AZA policies.
For more information on accreditation, visit www.aza.org .Hours & Admission
The Chattanooga Zoo is one of the best family values in town. Don't miss it!
Hours
Open daily 9:00am – 5:00pm. Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.Admission Prices
- Adults $8.95
- Seniors (Ages 65+) $6.95
- Seniors (Ages 75+) FREE For our 75th Anniversary Year only
- Kids (Ages 3-12) $5.95
- Kids (Ages 2 & Under) FREE
Group Rates
Special rates are available to groups of 15 or more who make a reservation at least three days prior to visiting. For more information, visit the Group Sales page or call the Admissions Office at 423.697.1319.
Zoo member elsewhere?
Then be sure to view our 2013 AZA Reciprocity List to see if you get a discount!
Upgrade to a Up Close Encounters Tour:
Have you ever wanted to get a little closer to the animals at the Zoo? Now's your chance to experience the Zoo in an entirely different way! Upgrade your admission to explore the inner workings of the Chattanooga Zoo on a fascinating guided adventure that gets you up close and personal to some of your favorite zoo animals.
- Adults $18.95
- Seniors (Ages 65+) $15.95
- Seniors (Ages 75+) FREE For our 75th Anniversary Year only
- Kids (Ages 3-12) $13.95
- Kids (Ages 2 & Under) FREE
*Prices subject to change without notice.
Guided tours are available Saturday, Nov. 2nd at 12-Noon and 2 pm and Saturday, Nov. 9th at 12-Noon and 2 pm. Tours will resume starting March 2014. Please call for additional details.
Rock City
Regular Operating Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm
Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. Rock City is splendid year-round - "Each season there's a new reason to visit!"
Rock City Tickets
General Admission Rates:
$19.95 adults
$11.95 children (ages 3-12)
Self-guided walking tour along The Enchanted Trail that gently meanders through the 14-acre property
- Massive rock formations estimated to be 200 million years old
- Gardens featuring more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, plants, shrubs and trees
- Panoramic views of seven states from 1,700 feet above sea level
- View of the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge-Civil War battlefields
- Some points of interest along The Enchanted Trail include the 100-foot waterfall, 1,000-ton balanced rock, Swing-A-Long Bridge (ideal for pictures), Legendary view of seven states from Lover's Leap, Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village
2013 Hours of Operation (Rock City is located in the Eastern Time Zone)
| Dates |
Ticket Office Opens | Ticket Office Closes |
| January 6 – March 9 | 8:30 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| March 10 – May 24 |
8:30 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| May 25 – September 2 | 8:30 a.m. |
8:00 p.m. |
| September 3 – November 2 | 8:30 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| November 3 – November 21 | 8:30 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
November 22 – January 4, 2014 * Rock City's regular daytime tour is closed Dec. 25 |
8:30 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
Enchanted Garden of Lights (Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2014) * The Enchanted Garden of Lights is closed Dec. 24 |
6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Starbucks at Rock City - 706-419-4015 | Mon - Thur 6:30am - 9:00pm |
Friday 6:30am - 10:00pm |
| Saturday 7:30am - 10:00pm |
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm |
Rock City Gardens is located atop beautiful Lookout Mountain, Georgia; approximately six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Rock City Gardens
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-2531
800-854-0675
Directions
GPS: (34.582397, -85.210006)
General Admission pricing is
$19.95 Adults
$11.95 Children (ages 3-12)
*Premiere Event Pricing may apply during Special Events. See Ticket Information Calendar for more details.
| *Applicable State and Local Taxes will be added to purchases at ticket desk. |
Purchase an annual pass and come back all year.
Annual Pass |
Ultimate VIP Annual Pass |
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| Adult Pass | $35.00 | $55.00 |
| Child Pass (ages 3-12) | $19.00 | $30.00 |
Family of 4 Pass |
$89.00 | $130.00 |
Family of 6 Pass |
$119.00 | $175.00 |
| Add an additional guest to your VIP Annual Pass | Adult VIP Add-on | |
| $39.00 | ||
| Child VIP Add-on | ||
| $22.00 | ||
Your Rock City Annual Pass includes discounts like unlimited daytime admission to Rock City Gardens, food and retail discounts, discounted or free admission to the Enchanted Garden of Lights and the Enchanted MAiZE, and more! For a full listing of all Annual Pass discounts click the link below.
