The park was founded by Eric Buchanan, who began crafting the sculptures as a hobby before expanding the collection significantly.
All sculptures are built from scratch on-site, with most featuring steel armatures and concrete finishes designed to withstand the Appalachian climate.
The project functions as an educational non-profit, relying on visitor donations to fund the creation of new sculptures and ongoing site maintenance.
Unlike traditional museums, the 'exhibits' are permanently installed in an outdoor, semi-wilderness setting that requires visitors to walk on natural terrain.
The collection includes specific, lesser-known dinosaur species, providing an alternative to the standard T-Rex and Triceratops displays found elsewhere.
Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park is a non-profit, donation-based attraction featuring over 50 life-sized dinosaur sculptures constructed by local artist Eric Buchanan. The park is situated on private property in rural Tennessee, utilizing the natural terrain of a backyard to simulate prehistoric environments. Each sculpture is hand-built using a metal frame covered in industrial-grade cement, designed for outdoor durability. The collection includes scientifically inspired recreations of various prehistoric creatures, ranging from small specimens to massive sauropods. The park serves as an educational initiative, often featuring informative signage detailing the paleontology behind the displays. Visitors walk along dirt paths that wind through the wooded areas where the sculptures are integrated into the existing landscape. The site is maintained through the efforts of the non-profit organization, Dinosaur Park, Inc. It operates as a community-focused destination rather than a formal, commercial museum complex.
The large T-Rex model, which provides an impressive scale reference for group photos.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, as the paths are dirt, gravel, or grass and can be uneven or muddy.
Bring bug spray, especially during warmer months, as the park is located in a wooded, humid area.
Check their official social media pages or website shortly before leaving, as the park occasionally closes for private events or extreme weather.
Do not attempt to visit in formal footwear like heels or sandals, as the natural paths are not paved.
Operates primarily on a seasonal basis; often closed during the winter months or during periods of heavy rain for visitor safety.
Respect the sculptures by not climbing on or defacing them; stay on designated trails to preserve the landscape.
