Author Archives: Clare Saum

Know Before You Glow ✨

Posted on by

Hours of Operation

The magic of the holidays have returned to Discovery Park of America with the 2025 “Let It Glow” Walk-thru and Drive-thru light shows, open nightly through Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 5–9 p.m. Both experiences are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so be sure to plan your visit around these dates. Because safety comes first, we may occasionally need to close on nights with severe weather. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.

When You Can See Santa and Mrs. Claus

One of the most popular parts of the Walk-thru is the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They’ll be at Discovery Park every Friday and Saturday, with expanded dates from Friday, Dec. 19 through Tuesday, Dec. 23. On nights when Santa isn’t on site, families can still enjoy a sweet tradition as children can stop by the Smithy, write a letter to Santa and drop their wish lists into a special North Pole mailbox.

Pricing

Admission remains one of the best holiday values around. Walk-thru tickets are $10 for adult non-members, $7 for members, $5 for ages 4–17 and free for children 3 and younger. New this year, dogs are welcome on the Walk-thru for $5 each, as long as they remain leashed and well-behaved. Drive-thru admission is $20 per vehicle for non-members or $10 for members. Guests who plan to visit multiple times can take advantage of brand-new unlimited season passes, $40 for adults and $20 for children for the Walk-thru, or $100 per vehicle for the Drive-thru.

Stay Warm with Hot Chocolate

While exploring the Walk-thru, be sure to stop by Eats and Treats for seasonal snacks and warm drinks. This year’s new Let It Glow hot chocolate tumbler is available for just $9.99, and when you bring it back on any future Let It Glow visit, you’ll receive a free hot chocolate refill every time. It’s perfect for those chilly nights wandering through the lights.

What’s New in 2025

Guests will notice several exciting updates throughout the experience in 2025. Discovery Park has expanded and upgraded lighting and sound technology across the property, making the displays brighter, more immersive and more musical than ever. The Drive-thru features a beautiful new nativity scene and the return of the popular light tunnel, which has been updated with all-new sequencing. The Walk-thru now includes multiple light tunnels, as well.

Don’t Miss the “Duck, Duck, Goose: Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway” Exhibit

As you make your way through the Settlement, you’ll also be able to view the outdoor portion of the “Duck, Duck, Goose: Waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway” exhibit, which opened in 2023.

Your Holiday One-Stop Shop

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the Hugh Wade Feed Store, filled with unique locally made gifts, classic candies and stocking stuffers you won’t find anywhere else. This gift shop is typically only open on weekend days during low season.

Accessibility Info

The Walk-thru path is wheelchair accessible, with paved sidewalks throughout, making it easy for every member of the family to enjoy the evening.

Museums for All

Discovery Park is proud to participate in Museums for All, offering free admission for up to four family members with the presentation of an EBT card. This ensures the Let It Glow experience remains accessible and welcoming to all.

See You Under the Lights

Whether you’re driving through the twinkling lights or strolling through the festive North Pole, this year’s Let It Glow is bigger, brighter and filled with more holiday magic than ever before. Bundle up, grab your tumbler and get ready to make memories with your loved ones all season long. Thank you to our sponsors, ATA and McDonald’s.

close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

Discovery Park of America Recognizes Employee Milestones at Annual Anniversary Dinner

Posted on by

On Thursday, Oct. 16, Discovery Park of America recognized employees who have celebrated five- and ten-year anniversaries with the museum and heritage park.

All 10-year honorees received a solid-brass, early Victorian-style telescope, and 5-year honorees received a solid-brass compass in a hand-made wooden box featuring an inlaid compass rose.

Chris Armstrong, David Blincoe, Diane Forrest and Zach Rea have been with Discovery Park for ten years, while Michael Larkin marked five years. The group gathered with members of the leadership team at Blake’s at Southern Milling in Martin to celebrate their dedication and contributions to Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond.


Pictured front (left to right): Zach Rea, Diane Forrest, Michael Larkin. Back (left to right): Chris Armstrong, David Blincoe.

David Crockett Homestead and Heritage Festival Brings History to Life at Discovery Park

Posted on by

Guests at Discovery Park of America stepped back in time during the David Crockett Homestead and Heritage Festival, held Oct. 17-19, 2025. The three-day event celebrated the life and legacy of David Crockett and the early settlers of West Tennessee through music, food, demonstrations and living history displays. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors explored The Settlement, where artisans and demonstrators showcased traditional frontier skills. Guests watched butter churning, blacksmithing, quilting, woodworking, leatherworking and canning demonstrations. The sounds of bluegrass music filled the air with performances by Brent Hopper, Ralston Station, Mulberry Jam and Kevin Moore, creating the perfect soundtrack for the fall celebration. 

Festivalgoers also enjoyed a variety of foods and homemade treats, including fresh sourdough bread, pork rinds, jams and more. 

The park extends special thanks to Brent and Stacey Johnson of B.J.’s Chainsaw Art for participating as a vendor and donating a handcrafted wood carving of David Crockett to Discovery Park. Appreciation also goes to all vendors, demonstrators and living historians for playing an important role in bringing history to life throughout the weekend. <add picture in copy of blog> 

The festival wrapped up Sunday afternoon with one of the most popular attractions of the weekend — 901 Goats from WalkaPony Goat Ranch in Rossville, Tennessee. Guests of all ages enjoyed snuggling with friendly goats while learning about life on a working family ranch. 

For more photos from the event, visit the Flickr album. 

Save the date for next year’s David Crockett Homestead and Heritage Festival on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. 

Regional Firefighters Participate in Water Rescue Course at Discovery Park of America

Posted on by

This weekend, Discovery Park of America is proud to serve as the site for a regional water rescue training course for firefighters from Obion County. The training is being led by the Rives Volunteer Fire Department and includes both classroom instruction and water exercises on-site.

Hosting training like this is one way Discovery Park continues to be a resource for the community. Our 50-acre heritage park and museum provide a unique setting not only for family visits but also for professional development and safety training.

We are honored to play a small part in helping prepare first responders for the important work they do every day.

Discovery Park of America Hosts 2025 Celebration of Native American Culture

Posted on by

Discovery Park of America Hosts 2025 Celebration of Native American Culture

 

Discovery Park of America hosted the 2025 Celebration of Native American Culture on Sept. 19–20, bringing together music, dance and storytelling to highlight the heritage of Indigenous communities. More than 500 students attended Friday’s educational programming, and the momentum continued into Saturday as crowds of all ages gathered to experience two powwow exhibitions along with music, workshops and demonstrations.

This year’s event was moved near the Train Depot. The new setting brought the audience closer to the dancers and musicians, creating a more personal and engaging experience for guests.

Highlights included powwow-style competitions, interactive workshops on Indigenous engineering and live music from the John Lone Eagle Band. Acclaimed musician Arvel Bird also greeted guests with performances on flute, fiddle and violin, while Discovery Park’s education director, Michael Larkin, shared insights during his session on Connections in Indigenous Music. Vendors and artisans added to the experience, offering handmade jewelry, traditional beadwork and more.

Throughout both days, emcee Al Santos guided visitors through the schedule, sharing cultural context and keeping the atmosphere lively. Arena Director Jimmy Reedy and Dance Coordinator Nicole Santos also played vital roles in bringing the event together.

From powwow exhibitions to handcrafted Indigenous items, Discovery Park’s Celebration of Native American Culture offered guests a memorable opportunity to engage with the history, artistry and contributions of Native peoples.

A recap video is available on Discovery Park’s YouTube channel.

Missed the celebration? View highlights in the photos below, and explore even more in our Flickr album here.

Save the date for next year’s event on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19.

From Scandinavian Rails to Tennessee Tracks: The Remarkable Journey of Discovery Park’s 1913 Locomotive

Posted on by

From Scandinavian Rails to Tennessee Tracks: The Remarkable Journey of Discovery Park’s 1913 Locomotive

If you’ve walked through Discovery Park’s Train Depot, you’ve likely paused in front of our massive black steam locomotive, No. 1149, and wondered where she came from. This summer, thanks to generous funding from the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation, our century-old locomotive is undergoing a half-million-dollar transformation that will restore her to the glory she enjoyed when she first rolled out of the Swedish State Railways workshops in 1913.

Number 1149 was part of the Swedish State Railways’ celebrated B-class — a fleet admired for its speed, reliability, and graceful lines. In her prime, she hauled express passenger trains through rolling countryside and dense forests, linking bustling cities with remote towns. She carried businessmen and schoolchildren, soldiers and tourists — always with the rhythmic chuff of her pistons and her whistle echoing across the valleys.

During the Cold War, Sweden moved several B-class locomotives, including No. 1149, into underground caves as part of a secret reserve. Hidden away in the dark, she sat in readiness, prepared to run again if oil prices spiked or supply lines were threatened.

In 1995, Maine telecommunications pioneer Bert Clifford brought No. 1149 across the Atlantic to operate excursions on his Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. She later joined the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, but the cost to restore her kept her sidelined. That changed in 2013, when Robert Kirkland purchased the locomotive and brought her to Discovery Park of America.

Now, experts from Baynum Solutions — specialists in historic asset preservation — are giving No. 1149 the meticulous care she deserves. The work includes stripping away years of wear, repairing metalwork, replacing damaged wood in the cab, and restoring every surface inside and out. Vapor blasting will remove rust while controlling dust, and nearly 300 gallons of industrial-grade coating will be applied to match her original 1913 color scheme. The project also includes roof restoration on our mid-century Swedish passenger cars.

“Our trains are among the most beloved and valuable artifacts in our collection,” said Jennifer Wildes, senior director of collections and exhibits at Discovery Park. “Number 1149’s journey from Scandinavian rails, to Maine pine country, to West Tennessee is a story worth preserving. This restoration ensures she will be here for generations to come.”

From the underground caverns of Cold War Sweden to the pine forests of New England to the rail history of West Tennessee, No. 1149 has traveled a path as dramatic as any passenger she once carried. Thanks to this major restoration, she’ll be ready to inspire a new generation of visitors — and remind us all of the power, elegance, and enduring legacy of the steam era.

A restoration recap video is available on Discovery Park’s YouTube channel.

Check out the before and after photos here.

The Wildlife in Your Backyard Is Coming to the Discovery Theater

Posted on by

Get ready for an up-close look at the wildlife in your own backyard. Backyard Wilderness 3D opens today, July 9, in Discovery Park of America’s Discovery Theater, revealing that nature is much closer than we think. Following the seasons in one backyard, we are transported inside dens and nests and in ponds that uncover the creatures within. We are reminded that Wi-Fi is not the only connection that matters and that in ordinary places, we can discover extraordinary things with just one step outside.

This award-winning film will surprise and entertain viewers with the unexpected wonders of nature that are right in our own backyards. Spanning a seasonal year around a suburban home, the film displays unique wildlife images and behavior. It’s all captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests, and moving along the forest floor and pond bottom, to reveal its inhabitants in rare and breathtaking intimacy.

We follow Katie, a young girl, and her family living next to the woods who are blind to the real-life spectacle around them, absorbed by electronic devices in their busy lives. Katie gradually discovers the intricate secrets that nature has hidden so close to her front door, and we experience the joy she finds in her interactions with this new world.

Backyard Wilderness is more than just a film, it’s also part of a much larger educational campaign and experience that includes a variety of exhibits, informational guides and programs that reinforce and expand upon the scientific concepts covered and wonders of nature shown in the film. The film meets U.S. Next Generation Science Standards in many key areas and can be used to augment science lessons and school curricula for a wide range of ages and grade levels, from kindergarten to high school. Both educator guides for ages 3-8 and family guides are available to help bring the backyard adventure home or into the classroom.

This award-winning production took home five honors from the Giant Screen Cinema Association, including Best Film and Best Cinematography. Experience it all in stunning 3D on the Discovery Theater’s state-of-the-art laser projection system. You’ll feel like you’re swimming with pond creatures and crawling through underground tunnels.

Showtimes are on the hour daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your tickets at the ticket counter or on Discovery Park’s website. 3D film tickets are $6.99 in addition to museum admission. Backyard Wilderness 3D and T.REX 3D are both included in the Explorer Plus package, which is available for purchase at the Discovery Park ticket counter only.

Cyclists Make Themselves at Home at Discovery Park During Ride the Fault Line Bicycle Tour

Posted on by

Discovery Park of America recently welcomed more than 200 cyclists from across the country as part of the annual Ride the Fault Line bicycle tour. For three days, the cyclists made Discovery Park their home away from home, sleeping in the Simmons Bank Ag Center, pitching tents across the heritage park grounds and even finding quiet spaces inside the museum spend each night.

Among the riders were Mary Ellen Brocklehurst of Capital City, Michigan, and Alane Rozelle of Grand Rapids. The two friends usually participate in three or four organized rides each summer but decided to take on Ride the Fault Line together for the first time. It was not only their first multi-state cycling event, but also their first visit to Discovery Park.

“I had never heard of Discovery Park of America,” said Brocklehurst. “But this place is awesome. It’s exactly what I imagine its founder Robert Kirkland must have envisioned — a place to inspire learning. It’s just fabulous. I can’t believe it. What a gift he left for his community.”

Rozelle was equally impressed by the variety of exhibits and experiences offered across Discovery Park’s 50-acre heritage park. “All the variety — from the pioneer village to the space exhibits to the Japanese garden — it’s just phenomenal,” she said.

The group arrived at Discovery Park on Wednesday morning after several days of cycling through towns like Marion, Carbondale and Vienna in Illinois. During their time in Union City, cyclists ventured out to explore additional routes that included Reelfoot Lake State Park, Samburg, Tiptonville and South Fulton in Tennessee, and Columbus-Belmont State Park and Fulton in Kentucky.

Local businesses also had the chance to welcome the cyclists. Caroline Partin, executive director of Obion County Tourism, met a group of riders while stopping for lunch at Bizinka Bakery. “They were so complimentary of Discovery Park and our town here,” said Partin. “They were also eager to hear about places to dine and shop in the region.”

Although weather moved Friday evening’s Rhythm on the Rails concert indoors, the cyclists still enjoyed live music from Emily McGill and Cliff & Susan in Dino Hall, mingling with locals and fellow riders.

While the ride officially concluded on Saturday, some cyclists chose to stay an extra day to take part in Discovery Park’s Juneteenth celebration, also held in Dino Hall, before heading home.

Make Plans to Attend Discovery Park’s Native American Educational Weekend on September 19-20

Posted on by

Make Plans to Attend Discovery Park’s Native American Educational Weekend on September 19-20

Get ready for a weekend like no other at Discovery Park of America as we celebrate the incredible traditions and cultures of Native American communities during our annual Native American Educational Weekend. This is the perfect chance to step into a weekend full of dancing, storytelling, crafts, and food that will bring history to life in exciting ways. Watch traditional dance performances that’ll leave you in awe, and listen to stories passed down through generations that will take you on a journey through Native American heritage.

You’ll even get to try your hand at crafts and activities during our fun workshops. Ever wanted to make your own beadwork or learn to drum? Now’s your chance. The Museum and Heritage park will be buzzing with talented artisans showing off their crafts, and food lovers can enjoy Native American dishes while checking out the unique vendors and activities scattered throughout.

Whether you’re a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for something fun to do, the Native American Educational Weekend has something for everyone.

So, grab your family and friends, and don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind weekend at Discovery Park. It’s going to be a blast, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Special Note: If you are Native American, you can join us for FREE with your tribal card or CDIB. We want to honor and celebrate these incredible traditions with you!

close keyboard_arrow_right keyboard_arrow_left

The Great Garden Playoffs

Posted on by

by John Watkins, director of grounds at Discovery Park of America

The good old Wintertime – when the frost covers your windshield in the mornings when it knows darn well that you don’t have an ice scraper, and the sun decides to go down at five in the afternoon before you can even leave the office.

Doesn’t seem like much of a time to be interested in gardening unless you are a true die-hard fan and not just jumping on the bandwagon when your garden is in full bloom. So, for all you loyal garden followers, have I got an article for you.

I consider myself an avid supporter of football, and since this year ushered in the new CFP (College Football Playoff) system, I have to admit that I couldn’t have been more excited. (At least until my beloved Tennessee Vols fell out in the first round. Alas, nothing we haven’t had to deal with before.) Anyway, I thought it might be fun to come up with a little playoff of my own, which I have entitled “The GGP” or the “Great Garden Playoff”. This is where I pick a couple of worthy gardening opponents, place them in a bowl game, and see where they line up against each other.

Let’s start with the Mulch Bowl. This exciting matchup includes two tried-and-true teams vying for the coveted honor of Mulch Monarch. On the home side, we have the “Hardwood Barkers” who seem to have a lot of depth in the affordability and availability rankings, not to mention the fact that they are biodegradable and really give us garden fans something to break down about. Their opponents, the “Graveliers,” have a rock-solid defense and a resume that is all but written in stone. While the Gravelier’s success depends on a solid weed barrier to stem the rush of weeds from penetrating their defense, this team is all about longevity and legacy.

The Irrigation Bowl is another tournament favorite that guarantees fans won’t be left out to dry. This year’s opponents are both worthy contenders with winning records and similar strengths and weaknesses. The “Drippers” come into the playoffs with a truly down-to-earth approach of placing water where the plants need it most (the root zone) without wasting any of their resources. However, the “Sprinklers” have the advantage when it comes to cost and maneuverability. They’re not afraid to throw it long, especially when the pressure is on, so don’t be caught off guard.

This year’s Color Bowl will surely bring a lot of debate to the table regarding which team is most deserving of the coveted title of MCB (Most Colorful Bloomers). While the “Pastels” have been a popular favorite in past years, it’s hard to deny the mass appeal that the “Bold Primaries” bring to the field. To be honest, this game is a toss-up in my book, with each team having their own standouts and diversity according to where they are played.

And finally, the granddaddy of the GGP bowl season, The Life-Cycle Bowl. I promise that this one will be a battle of the generations as the “Annuals” take on the “Perennials”. While the “Annuals” do require a lot of substitutions from season to season, they more than make up for that by being highly seeded and adaptable to both day and night games (sun and shade). But my pick will probably have to stay with the perennial favorite, the “Perennials”. First of all, these players just don’t quit and continue to be reliable from year to year. Secondly, this team isn’t afraid of taking full advantage of the transfer portal and can be dug up, divided and replanted without missing a beat.

Whoever you decide to pull for this year, you can’t go wrong with your garden picks if you just practice hard, stay hydrated and go in with a winning attitude.

 

Click here to see more from the Winter 2025 issues of PARIS! Magazine.

Northwest Tennessee Tourism Launches 2025 NWTN Visitors Guide

Posted on by

The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA) is proud to announce the release of the highly anticipated 2025 Northwest Tennessee Visitors Guide. This comprehensive guide showcases the best of what Northwest Tennessee has to offer, from breathtaking outdoor adventures and unique attractions to mouthwatering cuisine, charming lodging options, and exciting festivals and events. With its vibrant design and user-friendly format, the Visitors Guide is set to inspire both first-time and returning visitors to explore and experience this beautiful corner of Tennessee.

This milestone marks a significant accomplishment for NWTTA, which has been tirelessly promoting the region since its inception in the early 1970s. Under the leadership of Director Kasey Muench, who took the helm in January 2023, the organization has experienced remarkable growth and innovation. With unwavering support from her board, Kasey has worked diligently to build relationships with hospitality and tourism industry professionals, connecting them to one another and to the unique assets of the Northwest Tennessee region. Her efforts to educate community leaders and elected officials about the importance of tourism have also paid off, as membership has increased and continues to expand.

“The NWTN Visitors Guide is a vital tool for our organization,” said Kasey Muench. “It not only provides potential visitors with a valuable resource for planning their trip to Northwest Tennessee, but it also serves as a powerful tool for internal collaboration within our tourism community. This guide will not only help attract more visitors, but it will also encourage them to stay longer and explore more of our region, ultimately boosting the local economy. I’m excited to see the positive impact it will have!”

The 2025 Visitors Guide is packed with valuable information about Northwest Tennessee’s outdoor adventures, food and drink hotspots, must-see attractions, lodging options, and a calendar of festivals and events. While it doesn’t capture every asset of the region, it provides an authentic glimpse of what visitors can expect when exploring Northwest Tennessee.

In addition to the guide’s release, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for NWTTA. The organization will be promoting the region through new initiatives, including a collaborative video project, an article highlighting family-friendly attractions, and the Cornerstone Tourism Awards to honor industry leaders and workers who have made exceptional contributions to tourism.

The Visitors Guide is easily accessible online at www.nwtntourism.com, where users can view it digitally or request a physical copy by mail. For those planning a trip, the guide will be available at all NWTTA member locations across Northwest Tennessee, as well as regional state parks, airports, chambers of commerce, and ten Welcome Centers across Tennessee. Businesses interested in offering the Visitors Guide at their location are encouraged to email Kasey directly at kasey@nwtntourism.com.

The launch of the 2025 Visitors Guide underscores NWTTA’s commitment to showcasing the incredible experiences and attractions that make Northwest Tennessee a premier travel destination. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a taste of Southern hospitality, the guide is your perfect companion to plan an unforgettable trip.

NWTN Visitors Guide Links:
To View:  https://www.nwtntourism.com/visitors-guide
To Request A Copy:  https://www.nwtntourism.com/request-a-guide

Employees Celebrate 5 and 10-Year Work Anniversaries with Discovery Park of America

Posted on by

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Discovery Park of America recognized employees who have celebrated five and ten-year anniversaries with the museum and heritage park. All 10-year honorees received a solid-brass, early Victorian-style telescope. All 5-year honorees received a solid-brass compass in a hand-made wooden box that featured an inlaid compass rose.


Download High Resolution


Pictured left to right, celebrating 10 years: Lauren Jones, Jerome Leath, Kayla Uzzle, Linda Rose, Karl Johnson and Chambry Callicott.


Pictured left to right, celebrating five year: Regina Mullins, Alana Jenkins, Trey Wright, Levi Carter, Aspen May and Chris Moody.