>Explore Yellowstone Photo Gallery
The Museum of the Rockies wants to inspire children to think in new ways, open their minds, and thrive on the adrenaline charge of learning something new. To help achieve this goal the Museum will build a new Children’s Discovery Center called EXPLORE YELLOWSTONE that invites our youngest visitors to lead with their imaginations, explore without limitation, and learn through hands-on discovery.
The goal of EXPLORE YELLOWSTONE will be to introduce children to the wonders of Yellowstone National Park in a hands-on, immersive environment that empowers children to discover a lifelong passion for nature, science, and the Yellowstone experience.
EXPLORE YELLOWSTONE will connect children to this local, natural ecosystem that is recognized around the world as a treasure that must be preserved. Children will explore aspects of the Yellowstone ecosystem, thus helping them build an understanding of the larger natural world.
Children will enhance their understanding of Yellowstone by experiencing it in ways they might not be able to in the actual Park. Kids will be able to pretend to camp, fish, hike, and be Yellowstone employees. They can track animals, visit animal dens, watch geysers erupt, and spot forest fires. Ideally, a visit to this center would be coupled with a visit to Yellowstone National Park itself.
The Museum will partner with Yellowstone National Park in this endeavor. The research, educational opportunities, and expertise of the National Park Service will be used to enrich the educational experiences of our children.
Bringing this vision to life will cost $2.5 million as part of the Museum of the Rockies current Capital Campaign. This money will fund the planning, development, and building of the exhibit including renovation and construction costs.
There are many exciting naming opportunities available in the Children’s Discovery Center. For more information, contact Shelley McKamey, Dean and Director, at smckamey@montana.edu or 406.994.6342.