Discovery Park of America

09/06/2026

The 2026 Discovery Dash 5k/10k/1 Mile Fun Run returns Saturday, Oct. 10. This year, experience the 50-acre heritage park in full autumn splendor, complete with crisp fall air and The Settlement transformed into a festive Pumpkin Village.

Lace up and experience a race unlike any other.

Complete your registration form here: https://bit.ly/4iScfO2

Groups of 10 or more get a $5 discount per person. Simply select Multi-Person Pricing option during registration. If you have any questions, please contact Angela DeMaris at [email protected].

09/05/2026

Adults 21 and older: You are invited to paint, sip and watch the sunset from Cooper Tower on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for Beyond the Brush: Watercolor Sunsets in the Tower, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset, live music, w**e, charcuterie and sweets while creating your own watercolor masterpiece. No experience necessary. Tickets are $25 for non-members and $15 for members, with limited spots available.

Purchase your tickets here: https://bit.ly/45UKQne

09/05/2026

Our first Weaving for Wellness class is complete.

Participants learned the basics of weaving and created beautiful scarves while building focus, confidence and independence.

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

09/05/2026

A meaningful morning at Discovery Park.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, first responders and community members gathered today for the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Climbers made their way up Cooper Tower 10 times in remembrance of those who lost their lives and those who answered the call.

Thank you to the Union City Tennessee Fire Department, our climbers and everyone who joined us today.

We will never forget.

09/05/2026

Thanks The Messenger 📸

09/04/2026

Tomorrow, these messages of encouragement will be waiting for the first responders taking on the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Discovery Park.

Hosted in partnership with the Union City Tennessee Fire Department, the annual climb brings first responders and community members together to climb the Cooper Tower staircase 10 times — the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

Area students created these posters to cheer on the climbers along the way and help remind us all why they climb.

Each step is taken in remembrance of the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Thank you to the students and teachers who contributed their time and creativity, and to the Union City Fire Department and all those climbing tomorrow.

09/04/2026

Dancers — more than $15,000 in prize money is up for grabs!

Join us Saturday, Sept. 19, for the powwow during Discovery Park of America’s Celebration of Native American Culture.

Adult (ages 18-54)
Men: Traditional, Fancy and Grass
Women: Traditional, Fancy and Jingle
1st place — $700
2nd place — $500
3rd place — $300

Golden Age (55+)
Men and women combined
1st place — $700
2nd place — $500
3rd place — $300

Competition also includes Teen, Junior and Tiny Tots categories.

Dancer registration: 9-11:30 a.m.
Grand Entries: Noon and 4 p.m.
Federal ID or proof of tribal affiliation is required.

Coming from out of town? Hotels are located right next door, with additional lodging options throughout Union City. Campgrounds are also available nearby at Reelfoot Lake.

Make plans to compete and join us in Union City, Tennessee!

Find out more about the event and schedule on the calendar page at discoveryparkofamerica.com.

09/04/2026

Today is your last chance to register your child for Homeschool Day on Sept. 8.

Children ages 6-17 are invited to connect with nature through hands-on dissections, immersive field studies and engaging discussions with our expert wildlife team. They’ll discover how every living thing, from apex predators to aquatic microorganisms, plays a vital role in keeping our environment thriving.

Two session times are offered.

Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/4yqOG3H

Discovery Park of America invites homeschool families to continue the 2026 Homeschool Day season with another hands-on learning experience designed specifically for students. Homeschool Days offer two convenient session options, giving families flexibility when planning their day. September Theme: E...

09/04/2026

Happy National Wildlife Day.

Say “hi” to Woody, our eastern box turtle. 🐢

Check out our Regional History Gallery this Labor Day weekend.

09/04/2026

Tomorrow, Sept. 5 is Union City Tennessee Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Discovery Park’s Cooper Tower. We have a record-breaking number of 76 first responders signed up so far.

Are you an active or former member of the fire service, police, military, EMS or other first responder agency?

We need you!

Registration ends on Sept. 4 at midnight.

Register here: https://bit.ly/45LY7OE

Schedule
8 a.m. | Check-In
9 a.m. | Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m. | Climb Start
1:30 p.m. | Climb Finish
2 p.m. | Post-Climb Lunch

Families of participants receive free admission, while guests can watch climbers with park admission.