Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium In Tennessee Is The Perfect Spot For Any Aspiring Explorer

The one thing that just might be more invigorating than the beauty of Tennessee, in general, is a local museum that studies that very beauty. The Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is a half-century-old living museum that boasts a series of educational opportunities including a planetarium, of course, a homestead experience, and miles of hiking trails. It’s a great place to visit in any part of the year. Learn more about it below, because this is one local park you don’t want to miss. It’s not your average spot, friends.

Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is located in Kingsport, Tennessee, and is best known for its family-friendly environment and its incredible focus on local natural areas.

Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

On-site you'll find everything from a state-of-the-art planetarium and a fire tower to featured animal habitats and a nature center. Bays Mountain Park is also home to a 44-acre lake and 40 miles of hiking trails.

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Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

The park turned 50 years old in 2021, and passionate employees have been educating locals and tourists in tandem ever since its earliest beginnings. One of the most popular things to do for locals is to watch and learn about the native animals at the outdoor animal displays. You'll get to see and learn about bobcats, river otters, wolves, and even white-tail deer.

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Bays Mountain Park - Wikipedia

Isn't this shot of the planetarium at night just stunning? It's the best place to learn about our expansive universe here in east Tennessee and to see it close up, of course.

Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

Did you know that you can even kayak here? The park offers a series of experiences on its social calendar. The Barge Ride will take visitors out on a pontoon boat through the Bays Mountain Reservoir with a guide, and you'll learn all about the natural expanse around you.

Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

Come to Bays Mountain to go hiking, mountain biking, camping, or even fishing. There's also an adventure course on-site and a zipline. The Steadman Heritage Farmstead Museum is also available to tour and operates as a living history farm museum that pays homage to the 19th century.

Bays Mountain Park - Facebook

Have you ever been to Bays Mountain? Will you be visiting for yourself? The vast park makes for a beautiful experience for the family, and entrance fees are a mere $5 per vehicle. Make sure you check the fees for public programs because they differ depending on age and activity.

Bays Mountain is truly a great place for anyone, but especially for families. If you’d like to plan your own trip, we’d recommend visiting its official website or Facebook page.

Visiting Tennessee is always a great call! If you’re looking for a different spot to visit, we’d recommend heading to this small, oft-overlooked town that’s full of fun.