San Bernardino County Museum — Attraction in Redlands

We went there to go see the cosmic nights. What I read online was they were going to have astronomers outside with telescopes to watch the lunar eclipse. They were just a bunch of people sitting outside and a lot of people have brought their own telescope. It doesn't look like anyone from the museum was working the event. So it was not as it was described on line. But since we paid $10 each to get into the museum we enjoyed looking at all the exhibits. One exhibit the science area had a lab that you could look at. Apparently it had a microscope and you were able to look at different gemstones underneath the magnifier. We did not get to use it because there was a little boy using it and it look like he was drawing the Jim Stone he was looking at but he was also goofing around. And said it was at 8:30 p.m. we went outside did check the cosmic event to see if anything was going on and people were actually leaving. So we went back into the museum and looked at the Route 66 display. They had different old cars from an old Bel Air to like the crank engines all the way to animal carried travel. We did get to see how the pickers for the Orange Groves got paid for packing boxes you actually had to turn a crank to move the conveyor belt and they have a timer so you can see how long it took you to do all four steps that was picking the fruit dumping the fruit onto the conveyor belt loading it into the crate putting it down the roller rack been putting the crate into the train car. That was fun and it was kind of hard. Overall we ended up having a good time just from visiting the museum not anything to do with the...

The museum is a good way to kill a couple of hours. We went specifically for the "Bugapalooza" event this time. We stood outside in line for two hours to see four types of bugs.

About halfway through the line, I asked the kids if they wanted to leave, and they all said no. When we finally got to the tables, the Madagascar hissing cockroach got stuck in one of their hair, the tarantula had a bout of stagefright, and the millipedes crawled all over them, so I asked if it was worth it. They all said, "YES!"

The museum had a nice update a few years ago. It's not a grand museum with a vast array of exhibits, but it has a variety of things to capture your attention - a display of "ancient relics" such as landline telephones and typewriters, an expansive insect collection (even when it's not "Bugapalooza"), a variety of taxidermied species, a section on rocks and minerals that is surprisingly beautiful and informative, and a thoughtful installation on e-waste.

There is a display about early California with a citrus sorting game, a few classic cars, some info about industry and electricity, and a section on indigenous people and crafts.

The people who work there are nice, the place is clean, and there is a little picnic area in the front. They have drinking fountains, but I wish I had brought my own water bottle because there was nowhere to buy a drink. Every time I've been here, it's never been too crowded and all-in-all, it's not a bad place to...

The San Bernardino County Museum, located in Redlands, California, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural and cultural history of San Bernardino County and the surrounding region. Established in 1952, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits that highlight the area's rich heritage, including its geology, archaeology, history, and cultural diversity.

The museum features various exhibits that include Native American artifacts, historical displays about the development of the region, and collections related to local industries such as agriculture and mining. One of the museum's notable attractions is its extensive collection of fossils, highlighting the prehistoric life that once inhabited the area.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the San Bernardino County Museum hosts rotating exhibitions that cover specific themes or topics, as well as educational programs, workshops, and special events aimed at engaging the community and fostering an appreciation for local history and culture.

The museum's outdoor spaces include a beautiful garden and a historic train station, adding to the overall visitor experience. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the area, the San Bernardino County Museum offers an enriching experience that connects people to the history and natural environment of the region. If you need more information about visiting hours, ticket prices, or specific exhibits, just...