Discovery Park

Discovery Park is Southeastern Arizona’s Space, Science, and Cultural Center! With a respect for history and an enthusiastic vision of tomorrow, Discovery Park entertains, educates and inspires visitors through the marvels of modern technology.

Discovery Park offers you the opportunity to explore 200 acres of scientific, historical, and cultural exhibits. Currently open to visitors is the Gov Aker Observatory, containing a 20-inch optical telescope, the world’s largest known Camera Obscura, and many fascinating science exhibits and programs, including a state-of-the-art space simulator ride, the “Shuttlecraft Polaris”. Gov Aker Observatory often hosts meetings of the Desert Skygazers Astronomy Club and is the official visitors’ center for the Mt. Graham International Observatory (MGIO), a division of Steward Observatory, the research arm for the department of astronomy at the University of Arizona.

“Nature’s Hideaway” features a wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna in a desert – riparian setting. You will be able to access the refuge from Discovery Park’s hiking trails, or take the Discovery Park Express narrow-gauge train to the old ranch setting.

More than a museum, Discovery Park is a hands-on celebration of the rich past of the Southwest and an exploration of our exciting future!