New Natural Science Visitor Center

SYNOPSIS

The Fiery Gizzard State Park Visitor Center, between Monteagle and Tracy City, is nearly 50 years old, and is actually several miles from the park it represents. This Project is looking at the possibility of creating a new, state-of-the-art Natural Science Visitor Center at Grundy Forest — a destination-grade attraction for visitors, and an engaging place of learning for students and adults alike.

PROJECT STATUS

The Project concept was presented to representatives of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Tennessee State Parks (TNSP) in October of 2025. Also at that time, the Project was also presented to the Mayor of Tracy City, in whose jurisdiction the Project would be built, and has received her backing.  TNSP has conducted an online public assessment of need, seeking comments for the project.  However, no commitment of State support is expected until after the new Governor and administration take office in early 2027; and the Tracy City council has not yet reviewed or commented on the proposal.

OPPORTUNITIES

• The potential economic benefit of this Project is vast; much like the positive impact Chattanooga received when the Tennessee Aquarium & IMAX opened in the 1990s.  

• This Project has the opportunity to elevate the South Cumberland region to a “destination vacation” locale, bringing with it many opportunities for local entrepreneurs and hospitality providers to launch and grow their businesses.  

• It is also an opportunity to bring significant new philanthropic investment to our area, to aid in funding the Visitor Center’s construction.

CHALLENGES

• While no specific estimate of the Project’s cost has yet been made, projects of similar size and scope have run from $15 to $30 million or more.  Philanthropic or Federal grant monies will be needed to supplement State or local funding.  

• This will be a complex and slow-moving process; it will be challenging to hold all parties to the necessarily detailed levels of communication and coordination required to take this Project from concept to reality.

PROJECT NEEDS

A Project Coordinator is needed to provide outreach to local and state government officials; to navigate the enlistment of support, policy and fiscal commitments; and to engage major philanthropy in order to see it through to completion.