Closed now
Coke Oven Museum
Coal extraction was undertaken atop the Fredonia Mountain of Sequatchie Valley during the end of the 18th Century. Neighboring steel foundries and a railroad encouraged the mining activity thus creating the need for ovens to satiate demand for coke, a fuel used in iron and steel making. The mine started out with 40 ovens, but growing demand coaxed the holding company to add many more taking the number of ovens at this mine to a staggering 268. But, the Great Depression led the company into bankruptcy leaving the ovens and the mines in ruins. Today, the mine is converted into a park and the ovens are preserved to their historic condition. They can be visited free of cost.
Part of Chattanooga's charm is its scenic beauty. Mountains surround the valley where the city rests. The Tennessee River flows through the city and an elaborate system of dams creates a number of lakes and bays for recreation. It is along the shore of one such bays that this state park resides. Cradled along the fringes of Chickamauga Lake, this park boasts a highly-picturesque landscape punctuated with a tapestry of woodlands and parklands. Amid the striking interplay of hardwood and pine trees, this state park also hosts a range of activities like camping, picnics and plenty of play. The site is home to two restaurants, while The Jack Nicklaus and Bear Trace golf courses have brought yet another dimension to it. A stunning amalgam of nature and recreation, Harrison Bay State Park is one of the many jewels embedded on to the beautiful course of Tennessee.
