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Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Active Life Zoos Museums, Botanical Gardens, Zoos [Edit]
2021 N Kinney RdTucson, AZ 85743
(520) 883-2702
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 7 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 7 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
88 reviews for Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Review Highlights
"Love animals and great nature."
(in 43 reviews)
"There is little shade, so bring plenty of water and a hat."
(in 5 reviews)
"The perfect walk through the Sonoran desert."
(in 6 reviews)
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88 reviews in English
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Review from Brad H.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Growing up in Tucson, I went to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum on numerous occasions with my family, on school trips, and even attended summer day camp there.
Now, when we visit my parents the Desert Museum is a must stop and my kids love to go and see the animals. The prairie dogs are still my favorite, but the artificial cave and the hummingbird enclosure are right up there as well.
For those who like zoos, as my family and I do, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is a great option with different animals than you normally find.
Definitely a must see when you're in Tucson and especially if you have friends from out of town. -
Review from Niki F.
1/27/2012
The dilemma: one of my oldest, dearest friends was flying to Arizona for the first time, to visit little old me and experience SE AZ. Where to take her? What to show her? So many possibilities, except she was traveling with her nine month old baby. So many possibilities, suddenly out the window. Then, appearing like a mirage (cheesy, I know - I have a problem with cheese), the idea came. The Desert Museum!
In a single, baby-friendly, 75 degree January day my wonderful friend soaked up the best of Tucson's version of Mother Nature. Said friend was enchanted by the variety of indigenous animals, plants, and magnificent views. The Desert Loop, in particular, offered tons of stunning photos for her to take back to the flatness of Iowa and relish.
It was my second visit and I know I'll return, many times, with many guests. Because, personally, this is the way I like to "be one with the desert"; having the many things in it, that draw blood, either behind glass or well off the beaten path.Listed in: Primo In Pima Co.
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Review from Cheryl M.
1/8/2012
I thoroughly enjoy coming here every time I do, unless of course we come in the middle of summer...not so enjoyable then, plus most of the animals are hiding because its so dang hot! Given that info, plan your trip accordingly. Spring and fall are usually the best times to visit, and regardless of the time of year, pack your sunscreen and bring some water.
I agree with one of the previous reviewers...not sure why they call it a museum; its more like a desert zoo, but whatever. Enjoy your trip, chat with the knowledgeable docents, walk slow and make sure you eat at the restaurant which is pretty darn good. Not your typical zoo restaurant! We had the opportunity several years back to attend a holiday party here and it was absolutely beautiful and very well catered. Not sure if they still rent it out, but it's worth looking into.
When in Tucson, the Desert Museum is a must! -
Review from Ryan M.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
To call this place a museum is a serious discredit! No offense to museums...
The Sonora Desert Museum is one part museum, two parts outdoor park, two parts zoo, one part cave, one part botanical garden, and all-around incredible destination. Came here in December and the weather was impeccable. Don't worry about bringing sunscreen, it's on tap in the restrooms (but make sure you use it!).
So much here it's hard to nail down favorites, but the highlights were probably the aviary, the bighorn sheep, and the desert loop trail. Just make sure to pay attention to the hours as they close relatively early! Follow this stop with wandering around Saguaro National Park at sunset to get pictures of the cacti silhouettes and you'll have made for a great day. -
Review from jon s.
Phoenix, AZ
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went on a Saturday. Glorious day. The family could spend hours here. Must see the Raptor show.....now at 10 and 2pm. So amazing.
Had lunch and the menu has lots of healthy choices. We split a Patty Melt...was delicious.
All the staff was super helpful and friendly. -
Review from Kelly T.
Tucson, AZ
1/24/2012
Ever since I visited the Desert Museum when I was about 12-ish, it has been a place that is truly magical. It is educational, the setting is as deserty as one could wish and the animals are well taken care of. Since that long ago time I have been a frequent visitor. My last visit was spur of the moment and late in the afternoon. While I wouldn't suggest late in the afternoon for the summer season, during the winter it is the perfect time to see the animals. I always take my out of state visitors. It showcases the wonders of the desert and Arizona.
Listed in: Totally Tucson
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Review from Amber S.
12/11/2011
What a great place in Tucson. On a nice day, this is a wonderful place to walk around and see some animals.I highly recommend watching the hawk flights. There are held at 10am and 2pm daily. After visiting the museum many times I finally got to see my first flight show. It was incredible. Definitely the highlight of the visit.
The food at the museum is great and if you're a member you get a discount.
The museum has several different events throughout the year, check out their website for dates and times.
One of the best views in Tucson. -
Review from Terry Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2011
The place is super education and fun. I would advice first time visitors to hit this place first (especially if you have children). You will learn all about the different types of cactus and animals in the surrounding areas.
Come early, bring lots of sunblock, hat, and water. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of outdoor walking. The ticket price and the restaurant's food and beverage is surprisingly fair. Worth the visit. -
Review from Julia R.
11/1/2011
Love this place! I'm a sucker for wild animals, and this place covers every bit of the spectrum: big kitties, slimy things, little rodents, and everything in-between. The museum is huge, you can easily spend a whole day checking things out, especially if you hike out around the javelina trail. It's easy to wander around and look at things by yourself, or you can stop by the little stations staffed by volunteers to learn neat things. Last time I went, a couple of very friendly high school students told us about how you can identify animal skulls by their teeth!
Make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle, and wear good shoes. You'll get plenty of sunshine, even on an overcast day! -
Review from Kevin W.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
8 13 11
Located about 10 or so miles below Tuscon, this was a last minute destination, as time was of the essence. I was on business and was in Phoenix for several days (14 to be exact. ) I had to work everyday, and had a few brief hours to go see something close by.
Being in a city I am unfamiliar in I picked up a brochure for this outdoor museum. While it was roughly 80 or so miles from Phoenix, it was a great little venture out of the city and on the long highway leading me to place literally in the middle of what looked to be nowhere.
I loved it. The outdoor museum, puts you at many view points to see for many miles. There is so much to learn here, and the photo's I took were fantastic.
I cannot recommend this place enough. That said, it is out in the middle of nowhere. The trip is really cool though. Bring your water. On this day it was 112!
Oh yeah,,it's a dry heat. Whatever.. -
Review from M D.
Capitola, CA
12/29/2011
Not much to add as other reviews cover it. In a word - OUTSTANDING! Love it. Been here 3 times and I'll return again. You will not be disapointed. Admission is a little pricey so ask for coupons at your hotel -most offer two-for one discount coupons. Yiu can soend hours here. So much to see. My favorite - the cave and minerals exhibit.
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Review from john d.
Ridgely, MD
12/5/2011
No-Way is this worth 14.50$ per person. Take a walk in the desert and save yourself a lot of driving and time. I won't go if it was free.
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Review from Christine K.
Phoenix, AZ
9/3/2011
I love this Museum and try to get down to Tucson at least twice a year to go visit.
Unless you're acclimated to Tucson summers, it's better to go here during the winter months. Actually, that's the case even if you are acclimated to AZ summers. There are quite a few drinking fountains and a few shaded areas, but it can get a bit brutal during the summer months.
Admission is very reasonable for what you get, especially since they've been adding exhibits on over the year. You can also pay a buck and get a field guide where you stamp the animals' footprints throughout the park. It's a silly little fun side project as you're going through.
The volunteers who work here are amazing! They're very knowledgeable and friendly, and will answer all of your questions with the patience of a saint.
It's a great place for little kids, teens, and adults. Make sure you take your stroller for the tiny guys, because it is a LOT of walking. Unless you want to end up carrying them, pack wisely.
Depending on your pace, it's a couple-hour walkthrough. You really get to experience how beautiful the Arizona desert can be. Make sure you bring your camera because there are some spectacular sights. Hardcore photographers will have a field day!
I actually enjoy the Sonora Desert museum more than the Phoenix Zoo. It's more reasonably priced, with fewer people and better ambiance. -
Review from Tenaya C.
Atlanta, GA
7/24/2011
I just rolled into Tucson a couple of days ago and looked up an old friend. She mentioned that she'd heard about this "Desert Museum" that had nighttime hours in the Summer. I said, "What are they showing?" and she wasn't really sure but said you could look at animals and she'd been told it was really cool. Once I heard that, my curiosity was piqued. I love animals.
I called ahead to see how long we should prepare to be there, and the woman who answered (a live person, what?) was very friendly and informative. She knew how long it should take to walk around (about 1 1/2 hours), told me about their restaurants (I have a limited diet and was concerned about finding something I could eat) and mentioned a live show with animals that was happening that night.
We arrived just in time for the show, which was super fun. The theater was packed, the host was this super-friendly, upbeat guy who started out in the lobby as people filed in. He was holding a live lizard named Chuck (who I took a picture with) and being so great with everyone as they came in. The show was educational and delightful. It was a packed house, and the energy and excitement was palpable.
Afterward, we grabbed a quick bite at the Ironwood grill, where the salad guy totally catered to my dietary needs and basically let me design my own salad from various ingredients of different dishes. It was de-lish and reasonably priced.
We didn't leave as much time as we meant to for exploring before the place closed, but a lot of the animals were asleep at this point anyway (Summers on Fri and Sat they stay open til 10pm). We'd heard that the cats and badgers were nocturnal, so we walked toward Cat Canyon. On the way, we saw a couple of beautiful wolves, and at Cat Canyon, I was able to spot a Bobcat and then saw an Ocelot from just a few inches away! It was one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen.
There wasn't a lot of action from the animals - the Ocelot was sleepy, and when we made it to the Mountain Lions they were hiding in a cave, but we spotted them moving around a little. I also got to spot a bear chillin in some rocks.
Walking along in the dark was beautiful - a great spot for a date! At moments, we actually got a little scared 'cause it was so quiet, but then we'd hear the voices of some people nearby or see a group gathered where animals were out.
I've been to plenty of zoos and museums over the years, but there was something special about this one - maybe because it was nighttime, and also just the over-all vibe of the place... Everyone was friendly, and the whole place seemed so conscientious. There was even a sunscreen dispenser in the bathroom with instructions on sun safety! -
Review from Holly S.
Tucson, AZ
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I live here in Tucson, and I LOVE this place. I am a member....and often go with a book in hand. I find one of the many beautiful sitting spots...and just relax. The facility always expanding....creating better environments for the variety of creatures there. My personal favorites are the wolves, and the coyotes. The free raptor flight is amazing to see as well. In the winter....its better for animal viewing....however there are MANY more people. (Its a trade off). In the summer....(yes it is the desert....so it gets hot),....go early. There are bears, beavers, otters, hummingbirds, birds, big horn sheep, mountain lions, prairie dogs, javelinas, snakes, tortoises, and much more. There is a lot of educational information...on how millions of years ago.....the whole area...was under water. Plan on at least half a day...and bring water, and comfy shoes. There are places to eat, and drink.....and by all means...take lots of pictures. :-)
The drive out there....through Gates Pass...is breathtaking as well. All in all...a gem.....hidden in the desert.. -
Review from Art M.
Glendale, CA
5/3/2011 1 photo
Such a gem of a museum. I've always loved the desert and it's plants and wildlife, but I left with a greater appreciation for what a uniquely beautiful ecosystem it is.
One warning...You may just wear your camera and index finger out trying to capture every photogenic corner of this place. Give both a rest and take a break at the Ironwood Cafe. The guys at the grill are supercool and the food they prepare is delicious.
I'll be back for sure the next time I visit Tucson. -
Review from Emily G.
Tucson, AZ
10/19/2011
I really like this museum. I have a lot of visitors from out of town and I love to bring them here to get a real desert experience- without having to hike or sweat. I got my membership from the groupon they did last year, and let me tell you I got my moneys worth- I have probably been 6 times this year. Honestly, every time I went I learned, saw, or did something different. Plus perks of the membership- free iced tea in the gift shop! woot!
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Review from Andi C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/3/2011
The desert museum is not getting nearly enough hype as it deserves. If you're in the Saguaro National Park or even driving past on the freeway in Tucson, you have to stop here. At first, it doesn't look that big but plan on spending at least two to three hours here. They have really cool exhibits about EVERYTHING that has to do with the desert.
The title of museum is really misleading. They have many live animals including an indoors reptile room as well as many outdoors exhibits: big cats, a bear, and wolves. They have converted an old mining cave into an exhibit with tons of minerals and precious stones. They also have a decent cafe and coffee shop. Who woulda' thunk it all the way out in the middle of no where?
GO :) -
Review from Jennifer F.
Los Angeles, CA
2/3/2011 3 photos
Omg this review is long overdue!!
Omg it took 1 hour to get here from our hotel!
Omg plan to get here in the morning, the afternoon is way too hot
Omg they have snakes in cages
Omg they have nasty looking insects in cages
Omg they have unique flowers in the desert
Omg we should have picked up 3 black umbrella's at the front office
Omg I'm melting!!
Omg that trainer has a hawk on his shoulder
Omg we are exploring the real desert not the fake kind
Omg you need to find the cave because its cooler in there
Omg its 110 degrees!!
Omg i thought i was going to die, it was too hot in the sun, to explore this museum.Listed in: Bird's-Eye View
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Review from Jimmy M.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is awesome!!! Great place for the kids and tons of exhibits that are continually expanding. Bring lots of water when you go because it will get hot and you can do a lot of walking while you are here. This is a must see if you are visiting Tucson. I have also heard that in the summer time they do a night tour or something like that which is even more awesome than what I got to see during the day in September.
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Review from Peg P.
3/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place and every time I go, it's a different learning experience. I personally love all the photographic opportunities offered through the seasons, especially seeing the hummers in the Hummingbird House. (Who are nesting now, BTW).
The docents are incredible, the wildlife shows and presentations are wonderful, the gift shop and eateries are delightful, and you get to discover the Sonoran Desert up close and personal. What a great place for families. Plus it's wheelchair accessible.
A Tucson Treasure, for sure. Treat yourself and help support a great museum by buying a membership. You get all kinds of cool stuff when you do, like free guest passes. -
Review from Jennifer E.
Tucson, AZ
11/11/2010
I am not really into walking around when it's hot and seeing a bunch of animals and snakes and stuff but I had fun at the Desert Museum(DM)! This is not my first time but it has been a long time since I have been to the DM.
I am impressed by the docents and how well versed they are about everything. We were surrounded by tourists and screaming little kids and through it all they kept their cool.
I think the hummingbird aviary is the best part of the museum. You get up close to all of these hummingbirds which never happens in nature! I also like looking at the snakes and I had to laugh when a girl screamed because the snake snapped at her.
One of the best places in Tucson! -
Review from blue F.
Tucson, AZ
4/24/2011 1 photo
The perfect place for a family!
We had a great experience.
Love animals and great nature. -
Review from Kathy P.
Tucson, AZ
What a gem this place is! Everywhere you look, it's a Kodak moment! There are breath-taking views, elusive javelinas to stalk, and so much more to catch and hold your interest. The docents are great and cheerfully share their expertise about all the creatures that call the Desert Museum their home.
It's well worth the trip again and again and again. -
Review from Mike A.
Bellevue, WA
4/5/2011
I had to move quickly through it, but overall a great experience.
Will go back. -
Review from Thao T.
2/14/2011
Very cool place, we were very impressed by it even though it wasn't a planned stop ( we were looking for the national park). It was really close to downtown, kinda hard to find if you don't know the exact way to get there (keep going on speedway until it turns into w. gates pass rd). The museum has a zoo and botannical garden and cave which we had a lot of fun exploring, it's not just for kids like the guidebooks say! I'm pretty short so the low ceilings in the cave were not an issue for me =)
It was pretty sunny out, since most of the place is outdoors, but there are plenty of water fountains are around to keep you hydrated. The exhibits were all really cool, with snakes, desert bugs, a lone wolf, mountain lion, and botannical garden with a bunch of cacti and flowers. We spent a couple of hours there, and if we had more time would have made more of our way through the desert loop trail. The last stop for us was the hummingbird exhibit which was really cool because it's enclosed and the hummingbirds just whiz on by you. He really enjoyed this place, and it's just pretty cool to see all the native species to the southwest. -
Review from patrick b.
Laveen, AZ
11/7/2010
Part zoo, part botanical gardens, this place is a wonderful place to walk around and learn all about your surroundings in a relaxing setting. While it's not all AZ-specific, the museum does focus exclusively on the greater Sonoran region. This makes it a greatly contextual learning experience, as you gain an appreciation for the ways that different subregions interact and how species cross back and forth between them.
Some of the exhibits are more traditionally built, like at a zoo, while others are set in the natural desert and accessible via a nice long loop trail. I certainly appreciated the choices for each -- a safely confining yet roomy enclosure for the mountain lions vs. a big open area with strategic viewing places for the javelina, for instance. The riparian enclosures were neat as well, with both above ground and underwater viewing areas. Throughout the museum were variously purposed garden areas, with information about the flora. Some were incorporated with the animal exhibits, while others were more ornamental.
Thankfully, we bought a membership on our last trip, so I'll get to come back again soon and explore some of the exhibits that we didn't get as much of a chance to fully appreciate last time.Listed in: AZ Cultural Attractions
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Review from Noah D.
Austin, TX
7/9/2011 2 photos
I went here in late June, right when it opened at 7AM, and the lazy ass bear and mountain lion were already hiding asleep in the shade! So if you want to see big ticket animals, beware they might be hard to spot in the summer.
That said, the wolves were out doing their morning calisthenics, and most of the other animals were active. I liked all the botanical displays and info too. Loved the aviary and hummingbird aviary. If you don't make it there early, it's damn hot but there's still a decent amount of shade in parts of the park, and plenty of water fountains everywhere. Coupons are available at the Tucson Visitor's Center downtown. -
Review from Trisha T.
Glendale, CA
5/31/2011
Who wants to go to a museum in the desert...hot and boring, right? Wrong! This desert is just so GD interesting. I was in a wheelchair due to my leg cast but I had fun being pushed around the wildlife on the desert loop trail. It was a hot day, so I'm not sure how much fun my boyfriend had pushing me, but it's all good. The loop trail is a good way to see the creatures in their natural habitats, and there are a lot of them! Not to mention an awesome gem and precious stones exhibit, several restaurants, and lots of places for you to find shade and catch your breath. The docents and volunteers are really helpful and want to make sure you get to see it all!
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Review from Carrie B.
4/20/2011
This is absolutely the Tucson equivalent to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Organic feeling natural settings with fun stuff for the kids like cave exploration, live animal presentations and a rockin' gift shop/cafe'. You can spend as little or as much time here as you like. It's a hike or a quick loop with the kids. If you're packin' an infant, I suggest a carrier, but strollers with a little oomph can pull it off, too. My kids love the rock dig/dinosaur excavation site now, but when they were little, the butterfly enclosure was really fascinating for them. Perfect way to kill a day especially with out-of-towners!
Listed in: Little Kids Picks
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Review from Michelle G.
Lisle, IL
10/26/2010
Great place to see wildlife in its natural element, and it is definitely possible to spend all day here. I recommend coming earlier in the day - both to beat the heat and because that's when the animals are most active.
Looks like they're continuing to expand/improve the museum/park too. There are several pretty decent eating options as well, and a very nice gift shop (pick up some cactus tea or a live cactus). -
Review from Emily R.
El Segundo, CA
7/24/2010
If you are planning a visit to Old Tucson Studios, you must check out the Desert Museum as they neighbor each other.
This is a place that you have to check out if you are visiting Tucson. It's a zoo, it's a botanical garden, it's a museum, etc etc. It's fun for kids and adults alike to see just what kind of animals, plants, and critters the sonoran desert is home to. -
Review from Courtney M.
Jersey City, NJ
10/6/2010
So much fun! I slapped on my sunscreen for a day of wandering the desert, not really knowing what to expect. The displays are well kept and informative -- they have a wide variety of desert creatures on display, and even sometimes bring them out for you to touch! I skipped that part, as it happened to be snakes they had out that day.
Water fountains were readily available all throughout the grounds to keep poor tourists like me from overheating in the hot, HOT sun. The only weird moment (not at all the fault of the museum) was seeing a random wildcat hanging around the tortoise exhibit -- i didn't want it to eat the poor tortoise!!!
Overall, had lots of fun learning about the desert creatures! -
Review from Dan B.
12/31/2008
So, you only have a few days to visit Tucson and you're thinking about where to go? The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum should be at the top of the list.
To start, the drive to the museum is gorgeous. As you leave Tucson driving west, you pass through about 10 miles of unspoiled desert over rolling hills and a small mountain pass. The entirety is spotted with saguaro, prickly pear, cholla and ocotillo cactus. It's like a little preview of what's to come.
The museum itself is more zoo than museum, offering a unique view into the rarely-seen animal world of the Sonoran desert. Want to see a gila monster (a poisonous beaded lizard) up close? You got it. Coyotes? Mountain goats? Pumas? Black widow spiders? Mexican Wolves? Mule deer? Scorpions? Otters and beavers? Rattlesnakes (a dozen varieties)? Sure. All of that, plus desert plant and mineral exhibits are offered along a meandering pathway through the desert itself.
The highlight for my family was the underground cave exhibit. Half of it was a model of an old mine. The other half was a very realistic replica of a sonoran cave, beautifully done, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, limpid pools and faux stashes of artifacts from ancient indians. The kids found a small spelunking pathway just for them, taking them on a long, narrow, snakelike course over and around part of the exhibits. Of course I had to follow, and at one point had a very tight fit with my day pack on. Needless to say, the kids travelled this path several times before moving on.
At lunchtime the cafeteria was clean, and the food quite good, for what is was. They even have a decent-looking sit down restaurant, which we did not try.
All in all, the AZ Sonora Desert Museum has been the highlight our trip. I would go there again in a heartbeat. -
Review from Brooke R.
Bay Area, CA
4/6/2009
Having the word "museum" in the name deters many people from coming here. This place is not a museum if you don't want it to be.
There are many things to see and to do here, from learning about the creation of the earth to looking at gems to visiting animals to walking through a cactus garden. I had never seen a javelina before and was very excited to finally add them to my animal checklist, even if they were caged.
The Desert Museum prides itself on their 'Raptor Free Flight,' which is an open-air flight of about three different predator birds. Workers will spread out around the desert path twice daily and have their trained birds fly around from one worker to another. The birds fly very close to the crowds, allowing for incredible pictures or a good scare. -
Review from Danielle K.
Portland, OR
1/29/2009 3 photos
I'm not usually one for zoos. Once in a while is fine, but I'm generally put off by the limited hours and the stroller brigade on the weekends, hogging the walkways.
But...the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is just incredible.
More zoo than museum, the place does in fact meld natural history with the current desert landscapes. And, honestly, I found this place much more entertaining than the American Museum of Natural History in New York because this place is much more hands-on, and actually includes living animals.
For me, it was perfect arriving here relatively early in the morning (around 8:45 a.m.) when it was still cool outside, and there were so few people that a leisurely walk wasn't ruined by too many tourists or little kids, and was actually quite private for the most part.
And, granted, a lot of the reptiles were not out and about because it was still early in the year, but I could have stood and stared at the gorgeous mountain lions and bobcats all day. Really!
The exhibit set-ups, while zoolike, mock the natural habitat of the animals, and gets visitors rather close without cumbersome wires and cages. The Aviary was a lovely walk-through outdoors trail, with lots and lots of birds flapping about, and the underwater exhibit included a surprisingly close view of burrowing beavers (beavers and otters in the desert? who knew?!).
I particularly enjoyed the underground cave portion. Not only was it nice and cool, but it focused a lot on the earth's evolution, in relation to the Arizona-Sonora Desert and its archaeology (I definitely nerded out here). Also, there's a huge display of rocks and minerals found locally, that I just stared at for minutes. Because, you know, I like shiny things!
Finally, I doubt this visit would have been as awesome for me if I hadn't gone on the nature trail thing. It was like a lovely desert walk, surrounded by blue skies, javelina, and agave (and the elderly volunteer pointed out to me, "THAT'S WHAT THEY MAKE TEQUILA OUT OF"), and the images were worthy of postcards.
That's how gorgeous it is out there.
And, you know, my friend gave me endless commentary about how I claim I'm not touristy but want to come to the Desert Museum, but I don't really care. Because this place seriously trumps all. -
Review from Yvett R.
8/20/2007 1 photo
I'm sooooooo glad that we went to the Desert Museum. It is truly a REAL desert experience. Everything about this place is beautiful, even the drive there. Since it is part zoo, be prepared to walk. A lot. Definitely wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water and pile on the sunblock.
-I found it amazing to see the animals in their habitat. I especially loved the javelinas.
-My kids were excited about digging for treasure in the mine.
- the plant life is a spectacular sight.
This is really a "must" for anyone living in Southern Arizona. Check their website for information about Summer Saturday Evenings.Listed in: How do I love thee . . ., Kiddies on break, now what?
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Review from Aaron M.
4/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is amazing! It is part Zoo, part botanical garden, part open space and part museum. The exibits are carefully placed so they don't appear out of place. Like they are just part of the habitat you are in. Habitats change subitly as you walk around from low desert to high desert giving you examples of all the kinds of plants, animals and habitats the desert has to offer. Simply put it is sweet.
The birds are awesome too! -
Review from Nobbi L.
3/11/2008
I just looked at my friend Thomas S' reviews and had a little brain flash: I love Tucson's Desert Museum. Now generally I hate "museums". But this is NOT a museum. It's a zoo and botanical gardens all in one. Absolutely fabulous! (And NOT like that BBC show!)
The prarie dogs who stand on their hind feet, scream, and topple over backwards are the best. Definitely visit this place if you can! -
Review from John D.
Cambridge, MA
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I spent almost an entire day exploring this place. I really did not know what to expect when I paid for my ticket and walked out on to the terrace. I was met by Bob the docent and he had us all lined up with the 1pm tour to get us started on his favorite third of the park. We spent just about an hour learning about all the amazing plants in the desert and how they live in such a harsh environment. The tactics these plants used to survive were almost unbelievable. Plants that only grew leaves when it rained, or used their bark to make food or how about an 8 ton cactus story ....
We continued on to the animals of the desert and then lastly into the aviary . The only bummer during the entire day was the the unexpected closure of the humming bird exhibit.
I shot 300 pictures or so that day so please this is a place to take your time and enjoy the slower you move the more you will see.
