Visiting Coolidge Park

What to Do at Coolidge Park

Interactive Splash Pad & Fountains 

When the summer heat sets in, the Coolidge Park splash pad becomes a main attraction. The play area features large stone animal sculptures spouting water alongside synchronized ground jets where kids can cool off while parents relax on the surrounding tiered stone seating.

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Historic 1894 Carousel 

Housed in a glass pavilion overlooking the lawn, the historic Dentzel Carousel was lovingly restored by local master wood carver Bud Ellis and his team over 12 years. It features 52 hand-carved wooden animals, a calliope band organ, and ornate gold leaf benches. Rides are just $1.00 per person, with children under 2 riding free with a paid adult. The carousel is also available for private reservations for birthday parties and family reunions.

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Riverfront Lawns & Outdoor Recreation 

The park's wide open green space is ideal for picnicking, tossing a frisbee, or lounging by the river. Active visitors can try informal bouldering on the outdoor limestone bridge pillars or rent kayaks and paddleboards nearby to launch directly onto the Tennessee River. The park also features a military memorial and a 1,000-linear-foot interpretive Learning Walk. For those looking to stretch their legs further, Coolidge Park connects directly to the 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk, a scenic paved greenway running along the river from the Southern Belle Riverboat all the way to Chickamauga Dam.

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North Shore Shopping & Strolling 

Coolidge Park connects directly to Frazier Avenue, the heart of Chattanooga's North Shore neighborhood. You can easily walk from the lawn into local boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, and ice cream parlors. Don't miss Clumpie's Ice Cream on Frazier Avenue, a Chattanooga staple just steps from the park.

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Dining Nearby 

Located right along the riverfront and Frazier Avenue, Coolidge Park offers great food options within walking distance.

River Street Deli – A counter-serve nook with authentic New York style sandwiches, scratch-made soups, and daily specials in comfy, local art-filled digs. Just a 3-minute walk. Note: open daily for lunch only, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cashew – An airy, casual cafe offering vegan baked goods and sandwiches plus rotating specials, coffee, and tea. Just a 3-minute walk.

Bento Ya – Serves authentic Japanese home cooking, daily made bento boxes, fresh sushi, oden bowls, ramen, and poke. Just a 4-minute walk from the park.

Frazier Five & Dime – Casually refined American dining and bar experience with elevated classics, happy hour specials, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Just a 4-minute walk.

Brewhaus – A congenial German-American gastropub offering an inventive menu of schnitzel, brats, and old world beers, plus tastings. Just a 4-minute walk.

Clumpies Ice Cream Co. – A Chattanooga institution since 1999, Clumpies sits right on Frazier Avenue with a back door that opens directly onto Coolidge Park. Grab a scoop of hand-crafted small-batch ice cream and head back to the lawn for one of the best afternoon stops on the North Shore. Just a 4-minute walk from the park.

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Know Before You Go

Parking & Fees: Admission to the park grounds and splash pad is completely free. Paid city parking is available in lots along River Street and street meters along Frazier Avenue. The carousel operates on $1.00 tickets, which can be purchased on site using cash or card.

Hours: The park grounds are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The splash pad typically runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer season. Carousel hours run daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Bridge Notice:  The historic Walnut Street Bridge pedestrian walkway is currently undergoing restoration and is closed through September 2026. Visitors can still cross the river via the adjacent Market Street Bridge sidewalks.

What to Pack: If visiting with kids during warm months, pack towels, sunscreen, water shoes, and a change of clothes for the splash fountain.

Pet Policy: Dogs are not permitted inside Coolidge Park, even on a leash. Leashed pets are welcome on the perimeter walking paths around the park and will be welcome back on the Walnut Street Bridge once it reopens in September 2026. Renaissance Park, located a short distance away on the North Shore, is a pet-friendly alternative with picnic areas, nature trails, and river views.

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Location & Getting There

Address:
150 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405

From Hawkins Pointe: Roughly a 27-minute drive north via US-27 N toward downtown Chattanooga. Cross over the Tennessee River using the Market Street Bridge and turn right onto River Street for immediate park parking access.

Website

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Nearby Attractions to Pair With Coolidge Park

• Southern Belle Riverboat: A classic paddlewheel riverboat cruising the Tennessee River with sightseeing, dinner, and specialty cruise options. A fan favorite among Hawkins Pointe guests. (Full visitor guide coming soon)
• Tennessee Aquarium: Located just across the river, housing massive freshwater and saltwater exhibits with sharks, river otters, penguins, and a tropical butterfly garden. Book timed-entry tickets in advance at tnaqua.org.
• Creative Discovery Museum: A top-rated, hands-on children's museum a short drive or walk away with 4.7 stars across more than 4,000 reviews.
• Renaissance Park: A peaceful neighboring park on the North Shore with a hillside slide, nature trails, picnic areas, and public art. Also the best nearby option for leashed dogs.
• High Point Climbing & Fitness: World-class indoor and outdoor climbing walls located nearby downtown.
• Chattanooga Riverwalk: A scenic 13-mile paved greenway running along the riverfront, accessible directly from the park.

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Staying Near Coolidge Park

Hawkins Pointe RV Park offers a spacious basecamp just minutes from downtown Chattanooga and the North Shore. Spend the morning splashing at Coolidge Park and exploring local shops, then return to your site for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Explore nearby stay options:

• Overnight RV parking
• Executive RV sites

Hero Photo Credit: Original Image by Jeff Gunn • Flickr