The San Bernardino County Museum: hands-on fun for the whole family
Founded in 1952, the San Bernardino County Museum features exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history. There are a variety of special exhibits for adults, families, students and children of all ages. With a wide variety of exhibits, an exploration station with live animal discovery center, extensive research collections, and public programs, the museum is a socially embedded part of the Southern California community.
On the main level in the hall of history, explore the covered wagon past of the Mojave Desert and learn about the discovery and development of inland Southern California. In the upper level visitors will find an extensive collection of land and water birds and habitats native to the Southern California area. Then, in the lower level of the museum, there are many dioramas featuring mammals of every persuasion from a polar bear to a possum. There are also reptiles, amphibians, insects and fossils on display.
After exploring the indoor areas of the museum, venture outside and enjoy the sweet aroma from the surrounding citrus groves. Explore the citrus heritage of Southern California; visit a Southern Pacific locomotive and a Santa Fe caboose. Other outdoor exhibits offer a glimpse into the history of mining in San Bernardino County with authentic equipment including mine cars, generators and a head frame.
For a bite to eat, visit the Garden Café and enjoy a snack outside in the picnic areas. There is plenty of room outdoors for picnics, parties and relaxation on the lawn.
Located in a separate smaller building, the exploration station is the museum's popular live animal and nature gallery. There visitors can enjoy face-to-face encounters with exotic animals and some that live in our own back yards. The goal of this hands-on experience is to promote awareness of the other inhabitants of our world by revealing where and how they live.
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the Museum store and browse through the hundreds of different souvenirs, books, gems, stones, games and more.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
