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.