Highlands Museum & Discovery Center
Discover local history and ignite young imaginations at this vibrant museum with interactive exhibits and historical displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlands Museum & Discovery Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover local history and ignite young imaginations at this vibrant museum with interactive exhibits and historical displays.
"A great addition to Ashland, offering fun for kids and history for adults at a great price!"
Affordable Admission
Adult tickets are $10, offering great value for the exhibits and interactive zones. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Fun
The Discovery Center is a hit with children, featuring themed play areas. :child:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 214 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Discovery Center
Second Floor
Engage young minds with themed play areas like space, shops, and boats. Fun for all ages!
WWII History Exhibit
First Floor
Explore local contributions to the war effort with personal touches and detailed displays.
Regional Heritage Exhibits
First Floor
Journey through the history of the Ashland and Boyd County region across different eras.
Eagle Scout Project Murals
Discovery Center Party Room
Admire the vibrant space-themed murals created for a local Eagle Scout project.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Event Venue Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Affordable Admission
Adult tickets are $10, offering great value for the exhibits and interactive zones. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Fun
The Discovery Center is a hit with children, featuring themed play areas. :child:
Event Venue Perks
Great for events! Includes tables, chairs, and a prep kitchen. :confetti_ball:
AC for Events
For large events, consider supplemental AC units for the 4th-floor venue. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Affordable Admission
Adult tickets are $10, offering great value for the exhibits and interactive zones. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Fun
The Discovery Center is a hit with children, featuring themed play areas. :child:
Event Venue Perks
Great for events! Includes tables, chairs, and a prep kitchen. :confetti_ball:
AC for Events
For large events, consider supplemental AC units for the 4th-floor venue. :snowflake:
WWII History Focus
Don't miss the detailed WWII exhibit with local connections. :military_medal:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center to be a pleasant surprise, offering a good mix of historical exhibits and engaging children's activities at an affordable price. The venue space is also highly recommended for events. Some minor issues like AC in the event space are noted, but overall satisfaction is high.
"We hosted our event on their 4th floor venue space. Great price, seats tons of people. There is the attached parking garage for guests. A whole wall of windows which is nice. Electric everywhere! Prep kitchen. Tables and chairs included. But I would rent other chairs like we did. The two people you talk to are amazing!!! The air conditioning doesn't get super cool, so we rented stand alone ac units from A to Z rentals in Huntington. You have the rental from 9am-midnight. We cleaned up by midnight. There are different light settings for the room. Very nice venue!!"
Abigail F
"Was visiting Ashland, KY and walking downtown when I came across this museum and decided to check it out.
It's a small museum with several exhibits. Good to learn about the region during different eras of history.
Admission is affordable, for adults is $10. No wait to get in and it was mostly empty. It is worth the visit.
They have a whole floor for kid's interactive exhibits."
Mirka Mendez
"We visited while my son and his family were in town for Christmas. We were pleasantly surprised with the Discovery Center. Grandsons enjoyed all aspects, and we adults loved it. Great addition to Ashland. We've needed something like this for our children and this is a great step in that direction!"
Sabrina Sparks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Ashland, KY. There is an attached parking garage for convenient access.
Yes, there is an attached parking garage available for visitors.
While specific accessibility details aren't widely shared, the museum is generally navigable. It's best to call ahead for specific needs.
Operating hours can vary, so it's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
If you are staying in downtown Ashland, the museum is easily accessible by foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is $10. Prices for children or seniors may vary, so check their website for current rates.
Typically, advance booking isn't required, and there are no long waits. However, for special events, it's wise to check.
Information on group rates or specific child pricing isn't readily available online. It's best to contact the museum directly for group inquiries.
The 4th-floor venue can be rented from 9 am to midnight, and includes tables and chairs.
Reciprocal membership benefits are not commonly advertised. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum about any potential partnerships.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the interactive Discovery Center for kids, a detailed WWII exhibit, and exhibits on regional history. +1
The Discovery Center has various themed areas, including shops and boats, which can be engaging for toddlers and young children.
You'll find exhibits covering different eras of the Ashland and Boyd County region's history, with a notable focus on local WWII efforts. +1
The museum hosts events and has an Eagle Scout project mural in a party room, indicating community involvement and potential for special occasions.
A visit can range from an hour to a few hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and how much time the children spend in the Discovery Center. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum does not appear to have an on-site cafe. Visitors often bring their own snacks or dine at nearby downtown Ashland restaurants.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume food and drinks outside of exhibit areas to preserve the displays.
Yes, downtown Ashland offers various restaurants and eateries within walking distance of the museum.
The 4th-floor event venue does include a prep kitchen, which is a useful amenity for catered events.
The venue is suitable for events and includes a prep kitchen, making it a good option for catered gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally permitted, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
The WWII exhibit and the vibrant murals in the Discovery Center party room offer unique photo opportunities.
Commercial photography usually requires special permission. It's best to contact the museum administration in advance if you plan professional shoots.
The detailed WWII displays and the colorful, themed murals in the party room are visually appealing for photos.
Drone photography is typically not allowed inside museums or public indoor spaces due to safety and privacy concerns.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit