Bays Mountain Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium |
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| Location | Kingsport, Tennessee |
| Area | 3,650 acres (14.8 km2) |
| Created | 1965 |
| Operated by | City of Kingsport |
| Open | Year Around |
| Website | http://www.baysmountain.com |
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Bays Mountain Park is a huge nature park and planetarium located on Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee. It covers about 3,650 acres (14.8 square kilometers)! This park is a fantastic place to explore nature, learn about animals, and even look at the stars.
The park has a special nature center. Here, you can see many native animals up close. You can spot a bobcat, which is a wild cat. There is also a raptor center with amazing birds of prey. You might see playful river otters and various waterfowl in an aviary. The park is also home to a wolf pen. You can even join special sessions to howl with the wolves! Free-roaming white-tail deer also live here. There is a herpetarium too, where you can learn about snakes and amphibians.
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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Bays Mountain Park is a large nature area and planetarium in Kingsport, Tennessee. It covers about 3,650 acres (14.8 square kilometers). It's a great place to learn about nature and see amazing animals. The park opened in 1965.
Discover Amazing Animals
The park has a special nature center. Here, you can see many native animals up close.
Meet the Wild Residents
You can spot a bobcat, which is a wild cat. There is also a raptor center with amazing birds of prey. You might see playful river otters and various waterfowl in an aviary. The park is also home to a wolf pen. You can even join special sessions to howl with the wolves! Free-roaming white-tail deer also live here. There is a herpetarium too, where you can learn about snakes and amphibians.
Fun Activities at the Park
Bays Mountain Park offers many exciting things to do.
The Barge Ride
One popular activity is the Barge Ride. You can take a relaxing trip on a pontoon boat across the Bays Mountain Reservoir. During the ride, a guide will teach you about the nature and wildlife around the lake. It's a fun way to explore the water and learn at the same time.
Learning About the Past
The Steadman Heritage Farmstead Museum is a special part of the park. It's a living history farm museum from the 19th century. You can see what farm life was like long ago.
Other Adventures
There are many other activities to enjoy. You can go hiking on the park's trails. If you like challenges, try orienteering, which is like a treasure hunt using a map and compass. Mountain biking is also popular. You can go camping and fishing too. For those who love excitement, there is an adventure course with a zip line!
Unique Science
The park also has a freeze-drying laboratory. Here, animals from the region that die naturally are preserved. This allows everyone to examine them up close and learn more about their bodies.
