Children's Museums

Imperial Valley Desert Museum

Name: Imperial Valley Desert Museum
Address: 11 Frontage Rd, Ocotillo, CA 92259, Ocotillo, CA, US
Telephone: (760) 358-7016
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (208 reviews)

📍 11 Frontage Rd, Ocotillo, CA 92259

📞 (760) 358-7016

🌐 www.ivdesertmuseum.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	10 AM–4 PM

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About Imperial Valley Desert Museum

Imperial Valley Desert Museum is a children's museum in Ocotillo, CA. The museum features a notable exhibition on Salvation Mountain, created by artist Leonard Knight, which attracted visitors to an opening event and represents local artistic and cultural significance. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 208 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum
Location: Yuha Desert, Ocotillo, CA
Focus: Indigenous and historic artifacts of Southern California deserts
Admission: Adults $5, Children FREE
Hours: Wed-Sun 10 AM-4 PM (Closed Mon-Tue)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The museum features a notable exhibition on Salvation Mountain, created by artist Leonard Knight, which attracted visitors to an opening event and represents local artistic and cultural significance
⭐Offers free admission for children 18 and under with adults paying only $5, making it an exceptionally affordable educational destination
⭐Provides overnight accommodations through the Harvest Host boondocking program, allowing visitors to stay on the property while accessing museum exhibits and stargazing events
⭐Operates seasonal hiking programs only during Fall and Spring months, avoiding summer heat in the Imperial Valley desert, with outdoor trails featuring interpretive information about desert plants and animals
⭐Specializes in Indigenous artifacts and Native American cultural collections from the Imperial Valley region, with local indigenous pottery available in the gift shop made in traditional styles

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit on a weekday morning, especially Sunday mornings, for a nearly empty museum where staff may offer personalized tours and education about exhibits at no extra cost.
💬Plan outdoor trail walks for fall or spring seasons when temperatures are comfortable; skip summer hiking programs due to extreme desert heat, and wear appropriate footwear as some trail sections are uneven or washed out.
💬Children get free admission (18 and under) while adults pay only $5, making this an exceptionally affordable family outing; the gift shop offers budget-friendly items starting at $1 (fossils) and supports local artisans.
💡Don't miss the special stargazing events with telescopes provided; however, be aware that light pollution from nearby towns and windmills affects visibility, so check event details before planning a dedicated stargazing visit.
💡Engage with staff upon arrival—they are knowledgeable and friendly, and may provide enhanced educational experiences about the indigenous artifacts and local history, especially during quieter visit times.