Desert Discovery Center - Barstow, California

The Desert Discovery Center, located at Address: 831 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, United States, is a must-visit tourist information center that offers a unique blend of community services, shopping, and educational experiences. With 127 reviews on Google My Business and an average opinion: 4.2/5, it's clear that visitors find this center both informative and enjoyable.

The center specializes in providing tourist information, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the Barstow area. Whether you're looking for local attractions, dining options, or event schedules, the knowledgeable staff at the Desert Discovery Center can help. In addition to its tourist services, the center also serves as a community center, offering a variety of classes, workshops, and events for local residents.

One of the unique features of the Desert Discovery Center is its gift shop, which offers a range of souvenirs, books, and other items related to the local desert environment. Whether you're looking for a memento of your visit or a gift for a nature lover, the gift shop has something for everyone.

The center is also home to a museum that showcases the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert. Visitors can learn about the region's geology, plants, and animals, as well as its human history and the impact of human activity on the environment. Exhibits include interactive displays and hands-on activities that make learning fun for all ages.

As a tourist attraction in its own right, the Desert Discovery Center is a must-see for anyone interested in the desert environment. The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, guided tours, and educational programs for children and adults.

If you're planning a visit to the Desert Discovery Center, there are a few things to keep in mind. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free. However, some special events and programs may have a fee. It's also a good idea to check the center's website (desertdc.com) for up-to-date information on hours, events, and exhibits.

In addition to its information and educational services, the Desert Discovery Center also offers a variety of rental spaces for meetings, events, and community gatherings. If you're looking for a unique venue for your next event, the center's staff can help you plan and coordinate a memorable experience.

Reviews of Desert Discovery Center

Dan Roman

5/5

I was in Barstow for a weekend for work and since there isn’t much to do I stopped by all the museums in town this is a Pretty cool little museum they have the second biggest meteorite found in the United States. They also have some turtles in a pond in the back and some tortoises as well highly recommend if your passing through great for kids.

veronica quintero

5/5

1st time pass by visitor on our way to Vegas with the family. We all enjoyed seeing amd touching the Meteorite, seeing tortoises, and learning about rocks. My kids are fasinated by rock types. Next time we will alott more time to fully enjoy.

bartellj

4/5

The main attraction in my opinion is California’s second largest meteorite. It’s known as the old woman meteorite. It was found in the old woman mountains Back in 1975. It’s 38 inches long 24 inches high and 30 inches wide and it it originally weighed 6070 pounds. At some .177 pounds of the media was cut off to be studied. The discovery center also has a lot of desert exhibits including A live tortoise pen.

Kathyhog Hab

5/5

Such a cute place, and they offer daily activities. Don't forget to go outside to see the pond and desert turtles. I think there is a "fairy garden" there, too

Glenn Robins

5/5

A very nice resource center with an empathise on learning, natural history and local education. Very well designed, enjoyable and interesting. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I observed a "Junior Ranger" Ceremony while there and was impressed with the values imparted to the children. Obviously staffed by people who care and contribute. Great place to visit with the whole family.

Amanda Elliott

1/5

Closed - This place has a lot of potential but still appears to be closed (although there is no signage indicating it is closed until you look inside the building through the fence, the signs from the road show “open”). The grounds are not maintained & covered in trash and broken glass. The trail & picnic area would be nice otherwise. Disappointing because there’s so little to do in Barstow.

Real Talk

5/5

I went on a school trip here. Good history lessons on desert life and the people from here. Very interesting.

Dani Morico

3/5

There's not terribly much to see here in this small desert center. We came from out of town so in my opinion it wasn't quite worth the drive. However, they did have tortoises inside and an outside enclosure along with The Old Woman Meteorite. Kids would probably enjoy this place as there are many activities created to teach them about desert life. There is extremely good information about the history of the region. Also there is a small gift store inside.