When is the last time your kids had a hands-on experience with turtles, salamanders or crayfish? They can have these experiences and more at the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium in Bryson City. Located on the Tuckasegee River, the aquarium is part of the Fly Fishing Museum of the South. You can visit the aquarium and the museum free of charge, although donations are appreciated.

What makes the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium unique?

The Appalachian Rivers Aquarium is unique in that they primarily have indigenous and protected local species. The aquarium provides your children with a memorable and fun learning experience as they explore the aquatic wildlife in their own environment.

The Aquarium’s impressive Cascading Mountain Stream consists of three large pools and a waterfall with nearly 2,000 gallons of flowing cold water for the region’s gamefish and non-game fish. Undersea viewing gives your kids a unique perspective on native trout.

Why visiting the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium is a fun thing to do for kids

Two hands-on touch-tanks are stocked with crayfish, frogs and salamanders for your children to study. Watch their curiosity and wonder soar as they examine the hellbenders, an ancient and protected species of salamander. Hellbenders are large salamanders and the aquarium has them on display in the largest tank in the Southeast.

To plan your Aquarium adventure log on to www.flyfishingmuseum.org/aquarium.

What else is there to do in Bryson City, NC?

Bryson City, North Carolina, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions in Bryson City:

1. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: This historic train ride offers scenic excursions through the picturesque landscapes of Western North Carolina, including views of the Smoky Mountains, Nantahala Gorge, and Fontana Lake.
2. Deep Creek: Visitors can enjoy tubing, hiking, and picnicking in the Deep Creek area, which is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.
3. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC): The NOC is a premier outdoor recreation destination offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and mountain biking adventures on the Nantahala River and surrounding areas.
4. Tsali Recreation Area: Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding on the extensive trail system in the Tsali Recreation Area, which offers stunning views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains.
5. Fontana Lake: This scenic reservoir offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking along its shores. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Fontana Dam, the highest dam in the Eastern United States.
6. Fly Fishing: Bryson City is a popular destination for fly fishing, with numerous streams and rivers teeming with trout. Visitors can hire guides or explore the waters on their own.
7. Smoky Mountain National Park: Bryson City serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, take scenic drives, and discover the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Tuckasegee River: Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, which flows through Bryson City and offers both calm stretches and thrilling rapids.
9. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: Located nearby, this ancient forest is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the Eastern United States, including giant poplars and hemlocks. Visitors can explore several hiking trails through the pristine wilderness.
10. Downtown Bryson City: The charming downtown area offers a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and breweries for visitors to explore, providing a taste of Appalachian culture and hospitality.

Feature photo credit: Bryson City NC – Swain County Chamber of Commerce / TDA