Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
Entertainment Venue · Bryson City, North Carolina
117 Island Street, Bryson City, North Carolina, United States
About Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
Appalachian Rivers Aquarium is a small, education-focused freshwater aquarium on the banks of the Tuckasegee River in downtown Bryson City. With over 4,000 gallons of exhibits featuring regional fish and amphibians, it includes the Southeast’s largest display tank for the state‑endangered Eastern Hellbender along with interactive displays and demonstrations. The Aquarium Park Campus also connects to the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians and hosts seasonal family-friendly events.
Ratings
Google Rating: 4.6/5 (177 reviews)
Guest Highlights
- Staff
- Room
- Clean
- View
- Space
- Location
Amenities
- riverfront location
- interactive exhibits
- educational demonstrations
- scavenger hunt
- trout anatomy puzzle
- below-tank viewing area
- Mountain Stream exhibit
- 620-gallon bass tank
- terrariums
- largest Eastern Hellbender display tank (Southeast)
- rotating freshwater fish exhibits
- seasonal Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market (Fridays May–October)
- Riverfront Family Fest (seasonal Saturdays Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians on campus
- free admission (donations appreciated)
- group visits by appointment
Style
waterfront, educational, family-friendly, interactive
Contact
Phone: (828) 488-3733