UC Davis Tahoe Science Center
Explore Lake Tahoe's geology & environmental science. Interactive exhibits & donation-based tours reveal vital research.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
UC Davis Tahoe Science Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lake Tahoe's geology & environmental science. Interactive exhibits & donation-based tours reveal vital research.
"A hidden gem with fascinating exhibits and knowledgeable docents, highly recommended for all ages!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth info! Docents share great insights. Call ahead or book online.
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Tours are donation-based. Bring cash to support vital research and education.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Watershed Sandbox
Main exhibit area
Engage with a dynamic sandbox that simulates water flow and watershed dynamics. Fun for all ages!
Lake Tahoe Clarity Research
Exhibits and presentations
Discover cutting-edge research on Lake Tahoe's water clarity and ecosystem health. Learn about zooplankton and historical data.

Geology of Lake Tahoe
Exhibits and guided tours
Uncover the fascinating geological history that shaped the stunning Lake Tahoe basin. Docents provide expert insights.
3D Educational Videos
Theater area
Immerse yourself in captivating 3D films that bring the science of Lake Tahoe to life. Engaging visuals for all visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Donation-Based Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth info! Docents share great insights. Call ahead or book online.
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Tours are donation-based. Bring cash to support vital research and education.
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
You'll want to explore exhibits & watch videos. Plenty to learn!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Hands-on displays & interactive sandbox engage all ages. Kids love it!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth info! Docents share great insights. Call ahead or book online.
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Tours are donation-based. Bring cash to support vital research and education.
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
You'll want to explore exhibits & watch videos. Plenty to learn!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Hands-on displays & interactive sandbox engage all ages. Kids love it!
🔬 Learn About Clarity
Discover research on Lake Tahoe's water clarity & ecosystem. Fascinating data!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center as a hidden gem offering fascinating insights into Lake Tahoe's geology and environmental science. Many highlight the engaging exhibits, particularly the interactive sandbox, and the valuable information provided by knowledgeable docents on guided tours. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention instances of unwelcoming staff interactions, though these appear to be exceptions.
"We highly recommend this gem of a place. We were lucky enough to have 3 docents give us an in depth tour full of great information and gracious vibes. We took our high school seniors and freshman and they enjoyed it too. My favorite part was learning about the geology from the docents and the 3D video."
Lynn Wheeler
"This is a hidden gem. We visited the beautiful UC Davis/ UNR Campus in Lake Tahoe to check out the Science Center. We spent about 2 hours viewing videos, walking around the center and speaking with the curators of this massive Tahoe Lake water improvement facility. We learned that daily these scientists monitor the Lake's quality and clarity. It is a fascinating facility and I recommend everyone make an effort to visit. They have guided tours if you choose to take advantage of hugely informing background detail. Call for appointments or drop in and take a look around. I guarantee you will enjoy your visit."
Brent McGinty
"What a wonderful experience! We learned so much about the geology and water science of Lake Tahoe. We came with 9 kids ages 9-18 and all the kids were engaged and interested in the presentations. Highly recommend!"
Tyra Taff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The UC Davis Tahoe Science Center is located on the Sierra Nevada University campus in Incline Village, Nevada. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available. If you're coming from South Lake Tahoe, you can take Highway 28 East. From Reno, take I-580 E to US-395 S, then NV-431 W to NV-28 W.
Public transportation options to Incline Village are limited. You may need to rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The Science Center typically operates Tuesday through Friday, with tours often available at 11 am and 12:30 pm. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours and tour schedules, as these can vary.
Yes, you can do a self-guided tour. However, a guided tour with a docent is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit, as they provide in-depth information and answer questions.
Parking is generally available at the Sierra Nevada University campus where the Science Center is located. Follow campus signage for visitor parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Science Center itself is free, but guided tours are donation-based. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can to support the center's research and educational programs. Bringing cash for donations is recommended.
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you get a spot and can benefit from the docent's expertise.
The Science Center welcomes groups, including school groups. It's advisable to contact them directly to arrange group visits and tours, ensuring they can accommodate your party and provide a tailored experience.
The exhibits are designed to be engaging for all ages, from young children to adults. The interactive sandbox and 3D videos are particularly popular with younger visitors, while the research displays appeal to older audiences.
Typically, pets are not allowed inside the Science Center, except for service animals. Please check their specific policies or contact them directly if you have questions about bringing a service animal.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive watershed sandbox, the exhibits on Lake Tahoe's water clarity research, the geological displays, and the engaging 3D educational videos. Docent-led tours offer the most comprehensive experience.
Most visitors spend around 2 hours at the Science Center to fully explore the exhibits, watch the videos, and participate in a guided tour. You might want to allocate more time if you have a particular interest in environmental science.
Absolutely! The watershed sandbox is a major hit with kids, allowing them to manipulate water flow. Many other displays are designed to be interactive and educational for younger visitors.
You'll learn about Lake Tahoe's unique geology, its watershed, the ongoing research into water clarity and ecosystem health, and the efforts to preserve this natural wonder.
The Science Center is generally accessible. Exhibits are designed with various visitors in mind. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's best to contact the center in advance to ensure they can accommodate you.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Science Center. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disrupt exhibits or tours.
The interactive watershed sandbox can make for fun, dynamic photos. The exhibits themselves, especially those with visual data or models, can also be interesting subjects. The surrounding campus might offer scenic views too.
The watershed sandbox offers a unique opportunity for creative shots. Visualizations of water clarity data and geological models can also be photogenic.
For personal photography, tripods are usually fine, but it's best to check with staff if you plan on using extensive professional equipment, as this might require special permission.
Filming videos for personal use is generally allowed. However, if you plan to film for commercial purposes or extensive documentation, you should contact the Science Center for their media policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Docent-led tours can be adapted to be engaging for children, and the 3D videos offer a captivating visual experience. While some scientific concepts might be more complex, the overall atmosphere is welcoming and educational for all ages. Plan for about two hours to explore comfortably.
🎓 Students and Educators
Consider booking a guided tour for your group to receive in-depth explanations from knowledgeable docents. The center's focus on Lake Tahoe's ecosystem and water quality research makes it an excellent field trip destination or a place to gather inspiration for educational projects.
🌍 Environmental Enthusiasts
The donation-based tours offer a chance to directly support this vital research. Engaging with the scientists' findings and understanding the delicate balance of the lake will deepen your appreciation for this natural treasure and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Lake Tahoe's Water Clarity
Key to this research is the study of zooplankton, tiny aquatic organisms that play a crucial role in the lake's ecosystem. Recent findings have shown periods of improved clarity, partly attributed to shifts in zooplankton populations. The Science Center provides accessible explanations of these complex scientific findings, making them understandable for the general public.
By visiting the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center, you gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of Lake Tahoe's environment and the vital scientific work being done to protect it. The interactive exhibits and informative presentations offer a compelling look at the challenges and successes in preserving this iconic natural resource.
The Geology of Lake Tahoe
Docents at the Science Center are particularly adept at explaining the geological story of Lake Tahoe. They often use models and visual aids to illustrate how the basin was formed and how the lake itself came to be. Understanding the geology provides crucial context for appreciating the lake's depth, its surrounding topography, and the unique environmental conditions it experiences.
Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the fault lines, ancient lava flows, and glacial moraines that define the Tahoe region. This geological perspective enriches the understanding of the lake's ecosystem and the challenges it faces, highlighting the long-term processes that have created this extraordinary natural wonder.
Engaging Educational Experiences
Beyond the sandbox, the center offers a variety of exhibits and presentations. The 3D educational videos provide immersive experiences, bringing the science of Lake Tahoe to life with stunning visuals. Docent-led tours are a cornerstone of the educational offering, providing expert-guided insights into the lake's ecosystem, geology, and research efforts.
These educational programs are crucial for fostering a sense of stewardship for Lake Tahoe. By connecting visitors with the science behind the lake's health, the center aims to inspire action and promote conservation. Events like the TERC CIRC 4 kayaking journey also highlight their commitment to public engagement and fundraising for scientific research.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit