Private 'mini-Smithsonian' opens in rural Tenn. town that hopes visitors boost struggling economy

A Stearman PT-17 hangs suspended over a helicopter
at Discovery Park. (AP photo by Adrian Sainz)

Officials in Union City in rural northwest Tennessee are banking on Discovery Park of America, a museum, education center, and tourist park, to stimulate visitors and the local economy for the town of 11,000. The museum, which opened today, has "exhibits about natural and regional history, dinosaurs, Native Americans, energy, transportation, science, the military and space flight, can be described as a mini-Smithsonian Institution," The Associated Press reports.

The museum features "an earthquake simulator, a 120-foot glass-encased observation tower and a 50-foot metal replica of the human body that includes a 32-foot slide," the AP writes. "The 50-acre complex also boasts an old train depot, a century-old church and flower gardens, plus enough land for outdoor events and future expansion." Local resident Robert Kirkland, owner of a chain of home-furnishing stores, spent $80 million to build the museum on a former corn field, and has said he plans to spend $3 million annually to keep it fresh and unique.

Union City has struggled in recent years, with Goodyear closing a tire plant that employed 1,800. Locals hope the museum, which is conveniently located near Interstate 55, US 51 and the unfinished I-69 corridor, making it easily accessible to travelers, will boost the local economy. While many hope the museum attracts more businesses to the area, one concern is the lack of lodging in the area. Still, locals hope the lure of the new attracting, and the relatively low prices ($15 for single-day passes, $20 for two-day passes) will have people making the trip to Union City. (Read more) (AP photo by Adrian Sainz: A Stearman PT-17 hangs suspended over a Marines helicopter at Discovery Park)