Western Science Center, Hemet

About Western Science Center

The Western Science Center is a natural history museum in Hemet, California, where visitors explore exhibits centered on ancient life and scientific discovery. The museum's signature feature is the Pacific Mastodon, which anchors the "Valley of the Mastodons" experience. Guests engage with hands-on activities and attend workshops led by museum scientists through the 60 Minute Science program. The center hosts Science Saturday events featuring topics like the science of bees and honey, along with interactive demonstrations. School groups participate in field trips designed for educational exploration. Evening programs called Science Under the Stars offer stargazing and scientific observation opportunities. Opened in 2006, the Western Science Center serves as one of the largest natural history museums in Riverside County, drawing visitors from California's Inland Empire and surrounding regions. The museum combines exhibits about the region's prehistoric past with contemporary science education and programming.