discovery park

When we visited the train was not running, the buildings were open for a private group and there was not really much going on. Just got to walk around the grounds

Very informative about history, geology, biology of area. Could offer more educational programs if funds allowed.

Discovery Park is at the base of Mt. Graham in Safford, AZ. If you sign up in advance, from here you can take a guided van trip up to the top to see 3 incredibly large telescopes. The Large Binocular Telescope is the largest in the world, and is a joint venture of Italian, German and US universities. Tour us up a windy road, interesting in itself, and if you are an astronomy fan you'll be fascinated by the telescopes. Call in advance, they only do tours in the late spring, summer and early fall. Discovery Park itself is a small but interesting space museum

This place is free to visitors! Let me say that again, THIS PLACE IS FREE TO VISITORS!!!!! Are you kidding me? There is so much to do here and it doesn't cost anything! This is a must see if you are visiting Safford! There is a flight simulator with so many different journeys to take. And yes, it's free! There is a small museum that is fun to see. The museum even has old, I mean old telescopes.There is a 20" telescope that they use on stargazing nights and the public is invited! Yep, you guessed it, free!There is a pond with water fowl and foot bridges, and a four resident Great Horned Owls (I have pictures)! Hawks come to visit. There are acres and acres of trails to walk! There are recreated mud huts of what the Mogollan tribes who once used to live in our area would have lived in. There is so much to see and do at Discovery Park and it is all made possible by grants. This is a wonderful place to bring your family, your kids, or those just young at heart!

The park seemed to be a work in progress, but it had a lot to offer and it was free. The people who opened the museum for us were very friendly, and took the time to show us around and introduce us to some of the animals that call the park home.

Free entrance into a science lovers dream. Lots of info about space and telescopes. Ride a space shuttle to Pluto and back. Go on a Saturday and get a chance at using the largest telescope open to the pubic in the USA. Fantastic staff who spent over an hour answering my sons questions. Definitely will come back to this one.

Good spot for birdwatching - thanks to staff we were able to spot a pair of nesting great horned owls! Displays inside were well done.

If astronomy interest you, check this place out. Also, nice grounds with trails to walk. Didn't see it but heard they have a birding platform too.

If you are in the area, or even if not, this is quite a jewel and a great surprise! Great for kids and adults. You can't go wrong. Enjoy!