Desert Discovery Center, Barstow

About Desert Discovery Center

Desert Discovery Center is a museum in Barstow, California, where visitors explore exhibits related to desert environments and regional history. The center features the Crazy Cactus Exhibition and displays focused on the Kelso Depot and San Bernardino County Museum collections. Families and school groups participate in hands-on activities including paper making and seed planting programs. The center organizes field trips to nearby desert locations such as El Mirage and Hole in the Wall, offering visitors direct experience with Mojave Desert landscapes and geology. Educational workshops cover topics ranging from Stone Age to Space Age history. The facility also hosts summer camps and arts festivals throughout the year. Youth after-school programs provide regular opportunities for students to engage with desert science and environmental topics. The center operates as a community resource supported by partnerships with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and local school districts.