Although this exhibit is primarily for river and lake dwellers, there are some residual saltwater fish there, as the salt water exhibit is new and not all the fish have been moved.

The aquarium sits right on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Surrounding the two main buildings which house the exhibits are water features that draw many families with small children: wading pools, a cascade, and so forth. There is also a balcony overlooking the riverside. These sites are included in this album.