The Science Mill is so much more than a science museum. The interactive and hands-on museum is, without a doubt, one of the coolest places in the Hill Country.
From its historical background to its exhibits highlighting modern innovations of the future, here’s everything you need to know about this must-visit destination.
An Old Mill Becomes the Foundation for Science
Located at 101 S Lady Bird Lane in nearby Johnson City, Texas, the Science Mill celebrates its seventh anniversary this year. Its roots, though, go back much further. The museum gets its name from an 1880s mill that produced flour and grain for the community all those years ago. It eventually closed and was mostly dormant for decades until it fell under the ownership of the Science Mill non-profit which set out to renovate it and open it as a public museum in 2015.
The old silos and other historic structures from the mill can still be seen on the property, only now they house innovative technologies and dazzling exhibits.
Exhibits and Upcoming Events
Discovery is what the Science Mill is all about and there’s plenty for kids (and adults) to learn here. The museum houses around 50 different exhibits for guests to explore and channel their creativity and inner scientist. Exhibits range from the wacky banana piano to the mind-boggling 48-sided Scrambler puzzle. Other popular exhibits include a 25-foot race track, a 4D Jurassic virtual reality experience, and a Cell Phone Disco.
There are also several exhibits with live animals such as an African spurred tortoise, poison dart frogs, and axolotl salamanders.
In addition to the year-round exhibits, the Science Mill also offers Homeschool Day events. Homeschool Days is a program that allows homeschooled children and their parents to learn about various aspects of STEM through learning labs for K-12 students during their school day. Programs for the upcoming school year range from an exploration of food science to robotics and rocket propulsion.
What to Know Before Your Visit
Currently, the museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Sundays from noon to 4 PM.
Children under the age of 3 are free while admission for children 3-17 years of age is $9.50. Adult admission is $11 and senior admission is $9. The Science Mill does offer a military discount as well as individual family memberships. A family of four can enjoy unlimited visits for a year for just $100, so this can be a great deal for those rainy days when the kids are bored at home.
Guests can also grab a bite to eat during their visit at the on-site Lady Bird Lane Cafe. If you think you’re only going to get some deep-fried food that’s better suited to a truck stop, think again. It’s a farm-to-table cafe that uses local ingredients to create scratch-made sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
The Science Mill is just one of the nearby destinations that promises family fun with a unique Hill Country fair. If you’re looking for a home in the Hill Country visit Dripping Springs and connect with the Caliterra team to learn more about our home builders.
