Discovery Park of America: It's Spring, Let's Go Places

Be mesmerized by the beautiful blossoms this Spring and Summer in the European Garden.

Discovery Park of America in Union City is a great place to visit yearround. But there’s something extra special about the museum and heritage park when the flowers begin to bloom, and the grass gets its lush green just in time for spring. When visiting Discovery Park during the springtime, you can enjoy the sights and smells of the many variety of flowers throughout the 50-acre heritage park. “Pops of every color” can be found along the paths to the different outdoor exhibits.

As you begin your walk around the grounds, look out for an array of beautiful flowers along the winding pathways. In the Children’s Discovery Garden, lavender attracts several species of butterflies and other friendly pollinators. Trailing around the cabins in the 1800s Settlement, beds of wild Black-eyed Susans brighten the way. While in the Settlement, be sure to stop by the heritage garden to see a sampling of traditional heirloom plants that were used for products such as medicinal herbs and even flowers for dyes.

Continue your walk through three gardens. There are petunias and marigolds, lilac and Fothergilla in the American and European Gardens, and beautiful blossoming cherry trees and gentle spirea in the Japanese Garden. The gardens are just a few reasons to visit Discovery Park this spring.

One exhibit you’ll see in the gardens and throughout the grounds is The Outdoor Art of John Toras: Man of Stainless Steel. John Toras is a Kentucky native from Benton. These large, shiny pieces of artwork reflect the sun and dramatically move in the wind. There are 20 sculptures, each aesthetically different and fun to find in the 50-acre heritage park. Pick up a map at the front ticket counter and see if you can find them all.

The Children's Discovery Garden is a great spot to let the kids run and play before heading home.

Before heading back inside the museum to explore the rest of the galleries, stop by the new permanent exhibit on farming innovation in the Simmons Bank Ag Center, AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival. It’s definitely something you and your family will want to experience. Learn how food gets from the farm to the family, how fuel is made from corn and how fiber is created from cotton and other crops. See over 250 faces of farming throughout the exhibit for a glimpse into the diversity of the agriculture industry. Plus, learn about drone technology, GMOs, lifesaving science, innovative methods and more.

One event to keep an eye out for is the Military History and Armed Forces Symposium April 23-25, 2021. All active military and veterans receive free admission throughout the three-day event. This weekend will feature military equipment and vehicles, a pop-up exhibit of portraits by photographer Matthew Brady, authors, gallery talks with Discovery Park educators and panel discussions throughout the weekend. Special guests will include Cmdr. Leanne Braddock (U.S. Navy Ret.), Col. Ardis Porter (U.S. Army, Ret.), author Cynthia Kent and keynote speaker Lt. Gen. John G. Castellaw. A full schedule of events can be found at discoveryparkofamerica.com/militaryhistory.

In May come and experience Discovery Park’s Monarch Madness. Every Saturday in May, the wildlife department will have programming on the Monarch butterfly, including tours of the pollinator plots, crafts, a butterfly-themed board game and more. These programs are free with park admission or membership.

A list of all of the park’s upcoming events, ticket pricing, membership options and lodging locations can be found at discoveryparkofamerica. com. Buy tickets online for extra savings.

Insider Tip

Can’t get enough of Discovery Park? Become a member today and enjoy unlimited access to the museum and heritage park, discounts in the Gift Shop and Sabin’s Café, plus be among the first to hear about pre-sale events. �