City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (520) 883-2702

Address: 2021 N. Kinney Rd.

Insider Pick:

Description: This fabulous “museum” is actually a combination zoo, museum, and botanical garden. Here you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Sonoran Desert. Exhibits re-create desert habitats of all varieties of plants and animals.Allow yourself at least 3 hours. The natural landscape is re-created so realistically that you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, hawks, and hummingbirds. Every inch of this mostly outdoor museum is packed full of fascinating plant and animal life. One exhibit features nocturnal desert dwellers. Another gives visitors an underwater view of beavers, river otters, and fish. A walk-through cave leads to a fine collection of rare and beautiful regional gems and minerals. And you’ll see all varieties of reptiles and spiders safely tucked away behind glass. In the hummingbird aviary, one of the museum’s most popular spots, hundreds of tiny birds hover about, showing off their colors and flying skills. All during your walk you’ll find volunteers giving fascinating demonstrations about the creatures and plant life of the desert.From late October through mid-April, the Desert Museum offers unique raptor free-flight demonstrations that showcase hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds. Showtimes are typically at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., but call first to check.The museum is clean, meticulously cared for, and exquisitely laid out to give the best views possible of the plants and animals. It’s wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, and both are available for free. The museum also has excellent eateries; shops that shouldn’t be missed for natural history books, native crafts, bird feeders, and much more; and an art gallery of artists’ Sonoran Desert interpretations in a variety of media.It’s open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Note: no entry after 4:15 p.m.) Oct through Feb and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mar through Sept. From June through Aug, the museum is open Sat until 10 p.m. There are shade ramadas, drinking fountains, and restrooms in several locations, but be prepared to protect yourself from the sun, especially in summer. Admission prices vary seasonally; children under 6 are free. Discount coupons are usually easy to find at the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, in the Tucson Attractions Passport booklets (available at the visitors bureau), in local publications, and in some stores and banks.The museum is located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, about 14 miles from downtown Tucson, and can be reached via either Ajo Way or Speedway Boulevard. RVers must take the Ajo Way route to Kinney Road.