You wouldn’t expect to find a world-class museum and science center in the small town of Union City, Tennessee, but that’s exactly what you’ll encounter at the Discovery Park of America. Opened in 2013, this expansive museum features 10 multi-level galleries, designed to educate visitors on the past, present, and future. Various attractions include a children’s area with hands-on activities; exhibits dedicated to the study of energy and warfare; paleontological displays featuring dinosaur fossils and Native American artifacts; a 20,000-gallon aquarium with aquatic life from nearby Reelfoot Lake; and a theater simulation of the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes that shaped the surrounding region. Outdoors, exhibits of log cabins and farm equipment offer a glimpse into the rural traditions of the area, while a train station and locomotive teach about the technological advancements that opened Union City to travelers.
