What: Discovery Park of America
Where: Union City, Tennessee
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m-5 p.m.
Admission: $13.95/adult, $11.95/seniors, $10.95/ages 4-12
Dinosaurs, regional history, transportation, space — this museum casts a wide net in an effort to describe the world in which we live. The 70,000 square foot facility sits on 50-acres in Union City and was largely funded by the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation (the local couple built Kirkland’s home décor company).
The project is a tribute to Union City’s strong sense of volunteerism, too, since much of the decision-making fell to community teams. Some even donated personal collections (such as antique toys), to be part of the exhibitions. There’s plenty to see indoors and out, with gardens, a covered bridge, a chapel, and more. The center opened in November to enthusiastic reviews.
Coming January 6th is the special traveling exhibit “Space & Flight, which describes space missions and includes relics like space suits, moon rocks, and a Meet the Astronaut dinner. Put this on your list of places to see in 2014.