Learn About the Arizona Sonora Desert

If you're interested in learning about life in the desert - in a beautiful desert setting - the best place to begin is with a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson.

Cactus and other succulents are in abundance a the museum. Credit: Canva
Cactus and other succulents are in abundance a the museum. Credit: Canva
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Don't let the name fool you. If you're expecting grand works of art in a sterile, stuffy setting, you're in for a surprise. This isn't just a museum, but more of a zoo. It's also an aquarium, a botanical garden, a natural history museum, and an art gallery.

If you love nature and wildlife, you should schedule a visit - and maybe even consider getting an annual pass, because you'll want to return again and again.

Animals and Plants at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

The museum hosts over 230 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants that live in the Sonoran Desert. Spend the day learning about the history, culture and conservation of this our amazing region.

Sonoran Desert Toad Credit: Canva
Sonoran Desert Toad Credit: Canva
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One of the nicest things about the Desert Museum, as locals refer to this unique place, is that it's home to such a wide variety of exhibits, events and activities catering to all ages and interests.

Learning at the Desert Museum

They have daily live animal shows and demonstrations with trained handlers. The desert habitats and animal enclosures are world-class and defy the label of zoo - giving visitors and up close and personal feel, but in a safe environment.

Get close, safely, with desert wildlife like coyotes. Credit: Canva
Get close, safely, with desert wildlife like coyotes. Credit: Canva
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There are hundreds of animals and plants on display in this unique ecosystem, from coyotes and mountain lions to hummingbirds and cacti.

The museum also offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.

A Mountain Lion. Credit: Canva
A Mountain Lion. Credit: Canva
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Accessibility at the Desert Museum

There are many impressive things about the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, but a commitment to accessibility sets this place apart. The wide, gently sloping sidewalks make navigating a stroller or a wheelchair easy.

Service Dogs are welcome at the museum. Credit: Canva
Service Dogs are welcome at the museum. Credit: Canva
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Service animals are welcome, and the museum has accommodations for hearing and visual disabilities, too. For complete information, check out this link.

The Musuem is very accessible. Credit: Canva
The Musuem is very accessible. Credit: Canva
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Get Tickets In Advance to the Desert Museum

You can pick up tickets before you go, by stopping by their website. Cost of admission is $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, $19.95 for youth, and free for children under 3.

The road to the Arizona Sonora Desert Musuem is a little winding. Credit: Canva
The road to the Arizona Sonora Desert Musuem is a little winding. Credit: Canva
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There are also discounts for military member and Arizona/Sonora residents. The museum is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except in the summer when it closes at 2:00 p.m.

Plan your visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum:

Sonoran turtle. Credit: Canva
Sonoran turtle. Credit: Canva
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