About
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum sits on the western edge of Tucson, Arizona, at 2021 N Kinney Rd. Despite its name, it is less a conventional museum than a combination of zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden, all devoted to the Sonoran Desert that surrounds the city. It is often called ASDM.
What you will see
Much of the visit happens outdoors, along paths that wind through desert landscape. The museum's focus is the living Sonoran Desert, so the collection is built around:
- Live animals native to the region, displayed in exhibits meant to show how they live in their habitats.
- Desert plants, arranged in botanical displays that show the variety of cacti, shrubs, and other flora found in the Sonoran Desert.
- Educational programs that explain the desert's ecology and the wildlife and plants that depend on it.
Is it worth the trip
The museum suits visitors interested in nature, wildlife, and desert plants, and it works well for families with children who enjoy seeing animals up close. Because so much of it is outdoors, plan for walking and for the Arizona weather, and allow enough time to move slowly along the paths.
For a fuller day, the museum's location on the west side of Tucson puts you within reach of the wider desert landscape the city is known for. To confirm opening hours, admission, and current programs before you go, call +1-520-883-2702.