Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Nestled on the scenic Bays Mountain near Kingsport, Tennessee, the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is a sprawling natural oasis, offering an incredible array of outdoor and indoor experiences for nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike. 

The park is home to a vast network of nature trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Winding through dense forests and along sweeping ridgelines, these trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk through the woods or a more challenging hike to the top of Bays Mountain for a panoramic vista, the trails cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

At the heart of the park lies the serene 44-acre lake, a peaceful body of water where visitors can take a relaxing barge ride. One of the most unique features of this lake is its resident population of *freshwater jellyfish*, an unusual and captivating sight that adds a touch of intrigue to any visit. The calm waters of the lake, surrounded by lush greenery, make for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Bays Mountain Park is also home to an impressive variety of animal habitats, showcasing some of the region's most fascinating wildlife. Visitors can observe wolves, bobcats, and a selection of majestic raptors in naturalistic enclosures that replicate their native environments. These animals, which play key roles in the local ecosystem, are often the stars of educational programs that teach visitors about conservation, wildlife management, and the importance of protecting these incredible species.

For those interested in learning more about the natural environment of Tennessee, the park also offers several indoor exhibits that explore the rich biodiversity and geological history of the area. From the region’s diverse plant life to its unique animal species, these exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that thrive in the Tennessee foothills.

But the crown jewel of the park is its $1.3 million planetarium, a state-of-the-art facility that brings the wonders of the cosmos to life. With its cutting-edge technology and interactive displays, the planetarium offers awe-inspiring shows about the stars, planets, and galaxies beyond our own. Whether you’re a budding astronomer or simply curious about the night sky, the planetarium is an experience that’s both educational and deeply mesmerizing.

Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, observing wildlife, or gazing at the stars, Bays Mountain Park offers a diverse array of experiences that showcase the natural wonders of East Tennessee in all their beauty.

Minimum: 10 participants

Maximum: 28 participants

Cost: $40 (includes transportation to/from the host hotel, boxed lunch, and park admission)

Bright's Zoo

Begin your journey with a comfortable ride from the Carnegie Hotel in an Enterprise 15-passenger van, heading to Troyer’s Mountain View Country Market and Auntie Ruth’s Donuts & Pretzels in Limestone, Tennessee. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the covered pavilion, where you can savor freshly made donuts, pretzels, and other local treats. The cozy market offers a variety of regional goods, perfect for browsing and picking up a unique souvenir.

Afterward, it's a quick 3-minute drive to Bright’s Zoo, a charming private zoo known for its surprising array of animals. Among the zoo's most notable residents are the adorable red pandas and a tapir named Barry, both living relatives of species found at the Gray Fossil Site. The zoo is also home to Kipekee, the world-famous spotless giraffe, whose rare and striking appearance has captivated visitors. With its welcoming atmosphere and fascinating collection of animals, Bright’s Zoo offers a memorable experience for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.

Minimum: 14 participants

Maximum: 28 participants

Cost: $50 (includes transportation to/from the host hotel, boxed lunch, and zoo admission)

Worley's Cave

Located in the picturesque Bluff City, Tennessee, Worley’s Cave stands out as one of the premier spelunking destinations in the region, offering an exceptional underground adventure for explorers of all levels. This remarkable cave system stretches over 4,000 feet, making it a vast and captivating environment to navigate. Its winding, labyrinthine passages provide a hands-on opportunity to experience the natural underground world in its most pristine and untouched form.

Worley’s Cave is not just any tourist attraction; it is a "living" cave, meaning it remains an active, wet environment, still undergoing the geological processes that have shaped it over millennia. The cave’s stunning array of formations—including delicate stalactites hanging from the ceilings, majestic stalagmites rising from the floor, towering columns, and rare mineral deposits—are all products of nature's slow, relentless artistry. Visitors can marvel at these intricate features that have taken thousands of years to develop, offering a glimpse into the Earth's past and the forces that continue to shape it.

Unlike commercial caves that often rely on artificial lighting and handrails for safety, Worley’s Cave offers an authentic spelunking experience. There are no paved paths or lighting systems here—just the dim glow of your headlamp, the natural sounds of dripping water, and the feeling of navigating through ancient, untouched rock formations. This is a truly immersive, "back-to-nature" experience that allows visitors to explore the cave as it has existed for centuries.

Expect to traverse mostly walking passages, but be prepared for a few spots that will require some light clambering. These sections aren’t overly challenging—if you're able to lift yourself onto something chest-high, you’ll be able to navigate them easily. However, due to the cave's wet environment, be ready for muddy conditions. The floor can be slick with standing water, so expect some slippery patches as you move through the tunnels. In certain sections, particularly during the stream passage, you may find yourself wading through ankle-to-knee-deep water, adding to the adventure.

Throughout the experience, you’ll learn about the complex cave ecosystem, the fascinating geology behind cave formation, and the history of the cave itself. The journey through Worley’s Cave is an unforgettable, hands-on way to engage with the natural world, combining physical exploration with a deeper understanding of the science that shapes the landscape around us.

Minimum: 5 participants

Maximum: 14 participants

Cost: $40 (includes transportation to/from the host hotel, boxed lunch, and entrance fee)

Gray Fossil Site and

East Tennessee Museum of Natural History

The tours offered on Saturday will provide a fresh experience compared to Thursday's offerings, with multiple repeating sessions available throughout the day to accommodate varying schedules. One option will take you through the Main Exhibit Hall, where you'll explore exhibits primarily focused on the fascinating Gray Fossil Site. This tour will give you a close-up look at the extensive collection of fossil specimens, interactive displays, and the site’s ongoing scientific discoveries.

For those seeking a deeper dive, a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Gray Fossil Site will be offered. This exclusive tour will take you into the heart of the excavation areas, where you can see firsthand the various active fossil pits and learn about the screening process used to uncover ancient treasures. You’ll also visit the Prep Lab, where skilled technicians carefully preserve and prepare fossils for study and display. Additionally, the tour will include the Collections area, home to an impressive array of fossils that are not on display to the public, providing a rare opportunity to view specimens up close and gain insight into the scientific processes behind their study. These tours offer a unique and comprehensive exploration of one of the most significant fossil sites in North America.

Food trucks will be available for lunch.

Maximum: 150 participants

Cost: FREE (includes transportation to/from the host hotel and admission)