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Desert Discovery Center Old Woman Meteorite

4.1
·128 reviews·Barstow, United States

Discover the colossal Old Woman Meteorite and the resilient wildlife of the Mojave Desert.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More activities and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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A faire si vous avez du temps

Desert Discovery Center Old Woman Meteorite

Best Time

Weekends

More activities and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the colossal Old Woman Meteorite and the resilient wildlife of the Mojave Desert.

4.1
(128 reviews)

"A must-see for families and road-trippers, featuring the second-largest meteorite in the US!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👋 Say hello to the tortoises!

Don't forget to visit the outdoor pond for a chance to see the resident desert tortoises. 🐢

Touch the Meteorite!

You can actually touch the Old Woman Meteorite – a truly unique experience! :rock:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.1 · 128 reviews

Type

Tourist Information Center

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Woman Meteorite

Old Woman Meteorite

Touch and marvel at the second-largest meteorite in the US, a colossal space rock.

Live Tortoise Pen

Live Tortoise Pen

Outdoor area

Observe desert tortoises in their natural habitat – a delightful surprise for all ages.

Desert Exhibits

Desert Exhibits

Learn about the unique flora, fauna, and geology of the Mojave Desert.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Miss the Meteorite!

The star attraction is the Old Woman Meteorite, the second largest in the US. It's a massive, tangible piece of space history that's fascinating to see up close. Plan to spend time marveling at its size and learning about its discovery.

Explore the Desert Life

Beyond the meteorite, the center offers a glimpse into desert ecosystems. Don't skip the live tortoise pen and pond out back – it's a hit with kids and a great way to see local wildlife.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More activities and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for focused exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👋 Say hello to the tortoises!

Don't forget to visit the outdoor pond for a chance to see the resident desert tortoises. 🐢

Touch the Meteorite!

You can actually touch the Old Woman Meteorite – a truly unique experience! :rock:

Great for Kids

This spot is highly recommended for families; kids are fascinated by the meteorite and animals. :child:

Plan for a quick stop

Perfect for a brief, educational stop if you're passing through Barstow. 🚗

Tips

from all over the internet

👋 Say hello to the tortoises!

Don't forget to visit the outdoor pond for a chance to see the resident desert tortoises. 🐢

Touch the Meteorite!

You can actually touch the Old Woman Meteorite – a truly unique experience! :rock:

Great for Kids

This spot is highly recommended for families; kids are fascinated by the meteorite and animals. :child:

Plan for a quick stop

Perfect for a brief, educational stop if you're passing through Barstow. 🚗

What Travellers Say

4.1
(128 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Desert Discovery Center for its impressive Old Woman Meteorite and the charming live tortoise exhibit. It's highlighted as a great, educational stop for families and road-trippers passing through Barstow. While not a sprawling museum, its unique attractions offer a memorable and worthwhile experience for its modest size and admission fee.

"I was in Barstow for a weekend for work and since there isn’t much to do I stopped by all the museums in town this is a Pretty cool little museum they have the second biggest meteorite found in the United States. They also have some turtles in a pond in the back and some tortoises as well highly recommend if your passing through great for kids."

Dan Roman

"1st time pass by visitor on our way to Vegas with the family. We all enjoyed seeing amd touching the Meteorite, seeing tortoises, and learning about rocks. My kids are fasinated by rock types. Next time we will alott more time to fully enjoy."

veronica quintero

"The main attraction in my opinion is California’s second largest meteorite. It’s known as the old woman meteorite. It was found in the old woman mountains Back in 1975. It’s 38 inches long 24 inches high and 30 inches wide and it it originally weighed 6070 pounds. At some .177 pounds of the media was cut off to be studied. The discovery center also has a lot of desert exhibits including A live tortoise pen."

bartellj

What People Like

Massive meteorite
Live tortoises
Educational exhibits

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Desert Discovery Center is located in Barstow, California. It's easily accessible by car, often visited by those traveling along major routes like I-15 or I-40. Parking is generally available on-site.

Yes, it's typically well-signposted in Barstow. Many visitors stop by when passing through the area on their way to or from destinations like Las Vegas.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is generally affordable, making it a great value. Check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing details, as fees can change.

Hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to confirm the current opening and closing times before your visit to avoid disappointment. Weekends tend to be busier.

For general admission, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you're planning for a group visit or a special program, it's wise to inquire about reservations.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The undisputed star is the Old Woman Meteorite, California's second-largest meteorite ever found. Visitors are often amazed by its sheer size and can even touch it.

Yes! Outside, you'll find a charming pond with live desert tortoises. It's a highlight for many visitors, especially families with children.

The center features educational displays on desert life, geology, and the history of the region. You'll learn about the unique plants and animals that thrive in this arid environment.

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for kids, offering interactive elements and fascinating exhibits like the meteorite and live animals that capture their attention.

Most visitors find 1-2 hours sufficient to see the meteorite, explore the exhibits, and visit the tortoises. Some families may wish to spend a bit longer.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, the center itself does not have a full-service restaurant. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat at nearby establishments in Barstow.

Picnicking is often allowed in designated outdoor areas. Check with the center staff upon arrival for specific guidelines regarding outside food and beverages.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibit areas to protect the displays. Always be mindful of signage.

The Old Woman Meteorite itself is a prime photo opportunity. The outdoor tortoise enclosure also offers charming shots, especially with the desert landscape as a backdrop.

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