We (and the animals and plants) can’t wait to see you! Please review the following important information before visiting.
85% of the Desert Museum is outdoors and primarily a walking experience. We encourage you to dress accordingly for your safety and to have the best Sonoran Desert adventure!
We encourage you to download a Museum map before you visit.
Please read the following tips to make the most of your experience!
On average, there are 286 sunny days per year in Tucson! Make sure to wear and reapply. FYI: There is free sunscreen in the restrooms!
We don’t want you squinting during your visit! Make sure to shade your eyes so you can take in the spectacular desert views.
In the desert heat, drink more water than you think you need. Please bring your own reusable water bottle! We have traditional water fountains and touchless water bottle refill stations around grounds that can be used. Bottled and canned water is also available for purchase!
Since the Museum is primarily a walking experience, you’ll definitely want comfortable footwear as your traverse the trails.
The Desert Museum is dedicated to providing a naturalistic and enriching sanctuary for our animals and plants, and a clean, friendly, entertaining and educational experience for our guests. Our goal is to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. The comfort and safety of our guests and animal and plant residents is our top priority.
85% of the Desert Museum is outdoors and primarily a walking experience. We encourage you to dress accordingly for your safety and to have the best Sonoran Desert adventure!
Most guests spend 2-3 hours touring the Museum. As we continue to grow, there is more to see and do! You could easily spend a whole day here and still have more to see!
Yes, manual wheelchairs, strollers, and motorized scooters are available to rent from Guest Services.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Museum, however there is a picnic ramada available near the front entrance. We are also conveniently located next to picnic areas in Tucson Mountain Park. The Ironwood Terraces Restaurant and Phoebe's café are open daily. There are traditional water fountains and touchless water bottle refill stations around grounds.
Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted.
As much as we love animals, no pets are allowed on grounds. Only service animals are permitted.
Yes! Please visit Guest Services before exiting. Please note Museum grounds promptly close at 5:00 p.m.
For the safety of other guests and the animals, glass containers, weapons, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, balloons, whistles, and outside food and beverages are not allowed on grounds.
In general, guests may take nonprofessional photos for personal use. Professional photographers must adhere to our photography policy.
The Desert Museum is pleased to contribute to the success of likeminded nonprofit organizations by providing charitable contributions. You can apply here.
Yes! We are always looking for more support. Please visit our volunteer page for more info.
Please call Guest Services at 520-883-2702 or e-mail info@desertmuseum.org.