A major new exhibition is in development at Discovery Park of America — one that explores the future of energy, celebrates innovation and highlights the importance of conservation as we prepare for tomorrow. Visitors of all ages will step into a multi-sensory learning experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity and forward-thinking.

About Discovery Park of America

At Discovery Park, we inspire children and adults by bringing our museum and heritage park to life through engaging events, interactive activities both indoors and outdoors, and with exhibits covering a wide range of topics, including history, science, energy, transportation, military, dinosaurs, art, music, agriculture, wildlife and more.

• Inspiring young minds with fun, hands-on opportunities to explore and experience the world around them

• Fostering lifelong learning through exhibits, programs and classes that spark curiosity

• Boosting our region’s economy by attracting visitors from around the world

The iconic 100,000-square-foot museum includes Cooper Tower, the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall, the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Experience and the Simmons Bank Children’s Exploration Gallery.

The 50-acre outdoor heritage park includes a man-made river flowing through the extensively landscaped property, along with waterfalls, bridges and other water features. The park also has a large assortment of spaces including the Simmons Bank Ag Center, the Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and the Total Tech Solutions Stage.

Discovery Park also implements its mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond through several large annual events that align with our exhibits. Included in the calendar each year is:

• Military Expo

• National Ag Day

• Cardboard Boat Regatta

• Antique Tractor Show

• Juneteenth Celebration

• Independence Day Programs

• Celebration of Native American Culture

• Tennessee Kruzin’ Nationals Car Show

• David Crockett Homestead and Heritage Festival

• STEM and Robotics Summer Camps

• National Pollinator Week

• Astronomy Nights

• Earth Week

• Canstruction Jr.

• STEAM Saturdays

Visitor Reach and Economic Impact

38 Million Dollars in Visitor Spending

We welcome guests from near and far, with:

• Approximately 95% of ticket purchasers coming from outside our local 38261 zip code

• Approximately 40% traveling more than 50 miles

• Approximately 60% traveling 49 miles or less

• Primary day-trip markets: Paducah, Kentucky; Jackson and Memphis, Tennessee

• Primary overnight markets: St. Louis, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee

Based on 2023 visitation, Discovery Park is responsible for generating $38 million in regional revenue through tourism, dining, lodging, retail and attractions during visits to Obion County, Tennessee.

Coming Soon…

Abundant Energy — Powering Tomorrow

Our new exhibit will look ahead to explore how innovation in the energy sector today will lead to an abundant energy future tomorrow. Through the dynamic exhibit, children and adults will explore concepts such as energy sources, sustainability and future needs through experiences that could include interactives, immersive virtual reality and the latest in museum technology.

Visitors will explore how innovation has always fueled energy development — and will continue to drive energy in the future.

In a bold, fun and entertaining way, the exhibit will highlight critical topics including:

• Renewable solar and wind energy

• Artificial intelligence in energy systems

• Battery-powered electric automobiles

• Environmental impacts of energy choices

Guided by insight from experts, educators and industry leaders, the gallery goes beyond information — it sparks creativity and problem-solving. By encouraging visitors to See Beyond, Discovery Park hopes to foster the remarkable thinking that will power the world ahead.

Types of Energy Sources Included

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar Energy: Utilizes the sun’s energy to produce electricity or heat

• Wind Energy: Harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity

• Geothermal Energy: Uses the Earth’s internal heat to produce electricity and heat

• Hydropower: Generates electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water

• Biomass: Uses organic matter (like plant and animal waste) to produce energy

• Tidal/Ocean Energy: Harnesses the power of ocean tides to generate electricity

• Fuel Cells: Store excess energy produced by intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, releasing it during times of low production

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil and natural gas formed from the remains of ancient organisms

• Nuclear Energy: Generates electricity through nuclear fission or fusion

What This Exhibit Will Accomplish

Discovery Park’s Energy Gallery will inspire, inform and empower.
Here’s what we will deliver:

• Establish a nationally recognized energy destination

• Create a multi-sensory, immersive experience

• Highlight both innovation and conservation

• Translate complex energy topics into inspiring stories

• Connect local and global energy narratives

• Inspire the next generation of innovators

• Support STEM learning through school engagement

• Align programming with science education standards

• Position Discovery Park as a leader in energy education

• Support workforce development for future energy careers

• Encourage critical thinking about energy use and impact

Special Features of the Exhibit

• Energy in the United States: Innovation, industry companies & video storytelling

• The TVA Story: How TVA powers our region

• Power Heroes: Energy pioneers, past & present

• Careers in Energy: Job pathways in AI, data science, nuclear physics, engineering and geology — including hands-on gear try-on stations, quizzes and industry employment insights

• Energy Milestones: Breakthroughs & discoveries through history

• Short Film Experience: A visual look into the future of energy abundance

• Water & Movement: Featuring the popular Water Tables & Giant Man Slide

Why It Matters

The Energy Gallery will inspire, inform and empower. Through this exhibit, Discovery Park aims to:

• Foster critical thinking about energy use and environmental impact

• Inspire the next generation of energy innovators and STEM leaders

• Support regional workforce development in the energy sector

• Connect local and global energy stories

• Position Discovery Park as a national leader in energy education