Discovery Park of America receives three statewide tourism honors

Discovery Park of America, in Union City, Tenn., recently received three of Tennessee’s highest tourism honors during the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association’s 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Discovery Park was named 2026 Tourism Property of the Year, its Rhythm on the Rails music festival was recognized as 2026 Event of the Year and Tammy Ursery, Discovery Park’s director of group sales, was named 2026 Tourism Employee of the Year.
The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service, innovation and a lasting impact on Tennessee’s hospitality and tourism industry.
“These three awards reflect the talent, creativity and dedication of our entire team,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park. “Every employee plays a role in welcoming our guests, caring for our collections and facilities and creating experiences that inspire children and adults to see beyond.”
The Tourism Property of the Year award places Discovery Park among an impressive group of previous honorees that includes Anakeesta, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Bristol Motor Speedway and Rock City. These destinations are among Tennessee’s best-known and most successful tourism attractions.
Rhythm on the Rails joins a select group of major events recognized with the statewide honor. Previous winners include the Bassmaster Classic, which attracted more than 160,000 people and generated an estimated economic impact of $35.5 million, and the Knox Asian Festival, which has grown to attract approximately 75,000 attendees. Ursery’s Tourism Employee of the Year award recognizes her dedication, professionalism and exceptional service to Discovery Park and its guests. Ursery represents the museum and heritage park at tourism conferences, trade shows and group-travel events across the nation.
The awards underscore Discovery Park’s role in attracting visitors and strengthening the tourism economy of Obion County and Northwest Tennessee. Visitors spent more than $82 million in Obion County in 2025, an increase of 3.3% from 2024 and 40.7% since 2018. Obion County ranked No. 26 among Tennessee’s 95 counties in direct visitor spending and generated more visitor spending than any other county in Northwest Tennessee. Tennessee Department of Tourist DevelopmentCommissioner Mark Ezell highlighted Obion County’s growth during his keynote address.
The association also named Discover Reelfoot, Obion County’s destination marketing organization, the 2026 Small DMO of the Year. 
“Obion County had an exceptional night,” Williams said. “The recognition of both Discovery Park and Discover Reelfoot shows what can happen when tourism partners work together to tell our region’s story and invite more people to experience Northwest Tennessee.”