Learn about the Earth at
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
By Stacey Gregory
Geology comes alive at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, presenting a dynamic story of the Earth’s restless surface and its profound connection to life. Just west of Tucson, this 98-acre local favorite has extensive earth science exhibits, including a cave with climb-through passages artfully based on real Southern Arizona caves.
Leave the bright desert sun for the artificial cave at the Earth Sciences Center. This otherworldly environment brings the underground to life with arches, chambers, and dimly lit displays detailing the creation of limestone caves and the intricate formation of stalagmites and stalactites. Pools of light uncover the fascinating creatures that inhabit cave entrances, including bobcats, ringtails, barn owls, and even pack rats.
For those craving a hands-on adventure, a side tunnel offers a realistic caving experience, complete with low-clearance maneuvering and sinuous paths, irresistible to children. If you’re eager for a closer look, consider joining the guided Mineral Collection Tour, featuring in-depth insights into the Sonoran Desert’s geological riches. Back to the top is an open-air mine dump that beckons kids to dig for copper, selenite, quartz, petrified wood, and more, encouraging them to choose one or two small pieces to take home.
These are but a few amazing experiences awaiting at The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. No visit is complete without visiting the aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, walking trails, natural history museum, gallery, and gift shop.
2021 N. Kinney Rd., 520-883-2702//
desertmuseum.org
@desertmuseum