Weaving for Wellness

Discovery Park of America is launching a new educational program designed to help youth and adults build practical life skills while supporting emotional wellness through hands-on creative learning. 

Weaving for Wellness, made possible through a generous grant from the Juanita H. Fasola Foundation, Inc., is a free program created for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences and other disabilities. 

The program will introduce participants to weaving and textile arts in a structured, supportive environment that encourages focus, patience, confidence and independence. 

Participants will learn foundational weaving techniques while developing practical skills such as measuring materials, planning multi-step projects, reading simple patterns and completing a finished item from start to finish. Each participant will create a handwoven scarf to take home. 

Discovery Park developed the program to provide an accessible learning opportunity that promotes independence while offering participants a calming and engaging creative outlet. 

The program will be offered as four separate three-session courses over the next year, with each course limited to 10 participants. 

Participants register by course and are expected to attend all three sessions in their selected course. Classes will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. 

Course Dates

Course 1 
June 22, July 20 and Aug. 24, 2026 

Course 2
Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 23, 2026 

Course 3 
Dec. 21, 2026, Jan. 18, 2027, and Feb. 22, 2027 

Course 4 
March 22, April 19 and May 24, 2027 

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit this link or contact Lori Inciong at [email protected]. 

Discovery Park of America has announced the finalists for the America 250 Student Creative Arts Contest, with selected artwork to be displayed July 3-9 as part of the museum and heritage park’s “Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” programming. 

The contest invited students from across the region to create artwork inspired by the theme “What Does the American Dream Mean to You?” More than 100 entries were submitted, with a final count of 105 pieces of artwork representing a wide range of ages, perspectives and artistic styles. 

Finalists and their families are invited to attend the America 250 Student Creative Arts Contest Award Ceremony on Friday, July 3, at 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. The exhibit featuring finalist artwork will remain on display through July 9. 

The student art display is presented in conjunction with Discovery Park’s Independence Day weekend celebration and America 250 programming, funded in part by a Tennessee America 250 Grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Guests attending the exhibit are also encouraged to enjoy Discovery Park’s July 3 “Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” event and the final Rhythm on the Rails concert of the season featuring Mo Pitney. 

Discovery Park would like to thank the judges who helped review submissions for this year’s contest, including Abi Hellmich from The Art Room in Union City, Kimberly Shaw from Art & Soul of Tennessee and Dylan Schaefer from Discovery Park of America. 

Discovery Park also thanks every student who participated in the contest and shared their creativity, talent and perspective through art. 

Finalists are listed below by grade division. 

Creativity, Competition and a Few Soggy Endings Highlight Cardboard Boat Regatta at Discovery Park

Cardboard, duct tape and plenty of imagination took center stage at Discovery Park of America on Saturday, May 9, as participants of all ages launched handcrafted vessels into the water for the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. 

Families, friends and competitors gathered for a day filled with creativity, laughter and a little suspense as boats made entirely from cardboard raced across the water — with some staying afloat longer than others. 

The event featured youth and adult divisions, along with special awards recognizing creativity, ingenuity and memorable moments on the water. 

Youth Division Awards

First Place: 
Sea Ya – Boone Hart and Gage Hart 

Second Place: 
Modern Art II – Andrew Hackett, Oliver Wright, Felix Wright and Jeb Wright

Third Place: 
Koi-nd of Fast- Samantha Auxier, Kaylin Tucker and Lena Zimmerman

Adult Division Awards

First Place: 
Excel Boats  – Chris Posey and Emma Adams 

Second Place: 
Whaley 2 – Lynn Cox and Reed Logan from the Union City Fire Department

Special Awards

The Cardboard Boat Regatta has become a favorite tradition at Discovery Park, giving participants the chance to combine engineering, teamwork and creativity in a fun, hands-on competition. 

From surprisingly seaworthy designs to dramatic sinkings that had the crowd cheering, the event delivered plenty of memorable moments for guests and competitors alike. 

Events like the Cardboard Boat Regatta reflect Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond by encouraging imagination, problem-solving and hands-on learning in an unforgettable setting. 

View the full gallery on Flickr.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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!