Milwaukee’s very own Discovery World has been named one of the top science museums in the country, according to the latest rankings from USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The museum, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, secured the sixth spot on the list, highlighting its significant contribution to science and technology education.
With a focus on both technology and freshwater sciences, Discovery World offers a diverse range of hands-on exhibits across its 120,000-square-foot facility.
The museum also features the Reiman Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Wisconsin. (And, they recently added sea urchins and sea cucumbers to the Invertebrate Touch Tank!)
The list, compiled from votes by readers and recommendations from an expert panel, celebrates museums across the United States known for their engaging exhibits and exceptional educational programs.
Discovery World’s place among the top science museums recognizes its importance as a resource for science education in the Milwaukee area and beyond.
The rankings feature several notable museums across the country, highlighting the diverse and rich landscape of science education available to the public.
Among them:
- The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, ranked 10th, focuses on innovation through its interactive exhibits and STEM education programs.
- The Exploratorium in San Francisco, taking the 9th spot, offers over 650 exhibits in its public learning lab, encouraging visitors to explore science in a hands-on environment.
- The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, positioned at 8th, is known for its interactive science and technology exhibits, aiming to inspire a passion for learning among all visitors.
- Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, ranked 7th, provides a community-oriented space where scientific challenges encourage curiosity and innovation.
- Saint Louis Science Center, 5th place, offers a variety of interactive experiences, from full-scale Mars rover replicas to live STEM demonstrations.
- Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, ranked 4th, features galleries dedicated to minerals, fossils, and the science of motion, along with a digital planetarium.
- Michigan Science Center in Detroit, taking 3rd place, is known for its dynamic STEM learning environment, featuring more than 220 hands-on activities.
- Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, ranked 2nd, provides a broad range of exhibits, including a significant dinosaur gallery and Ohio’s largest planetarium.
- The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York, tops the list at number 1, offering a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences on its 115-acre campus.
Congratulations, Discovery World!
To learn more about Discovery World and program and events they offer, head to discoveryworld.org.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
