Discovery World

Discovery World science and technology museum on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee

SidewalkMD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Interactive science and technology center combining hands-on STEM exhibits, immersive innovation labs, and a world-class freshwater and saltwater aquarium.

General Information

Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Closed select holidays and special event dates
Recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before closing
Fees:
Adults: $24
Children (ages 3–17): $20
Seniors (60+): $20
College students & military (with ID): $18
Children 2 and under: Free
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed
Seasons:
All year
Location:
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website:
discoveryworld.org

From Milwaukee, WI: Take local streets or I‑794 toward the lakefront, follow signs for Harbor Drive and Pier Wisconsin, and continue north along the shoreline to reach Discovery World with nearby paid parking available.

Situated along the edge of Lake Michigan, Discovery World invites visitors into a vibrant realm where science, technology, and the natural environment intersect. Opened in its current lakefront facility in 2006, the museum was designed to ignite curiosity through immersive, hands-on learning. Inside, expansive exhibit halls explore robotics, engineering, music, energy systems, and digital innovation, while panoramic windows frame sweeping views of the harbor that reinforce the institution’s deep connection to the Great Lakes.

One of Discovery World’s defining features is the Reiman Aquarium, where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems come alive through touch tanks, tunnels, and close encounters with native Great Lakes species and tropical marine life. From sturgeon and stingrays to interactive labs and creative studios, the museum blends education with play, making complex scientific ideas accessible to learners of all ages. With its focus on exploration, sustainability, and innovation, Discovery World stands as a cornerstone of experiential learning and a must‑visit destination for families and curious minds.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Discovery World, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Discovery World building beside the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee
Discovery World building beside the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee
Dori, CC BY-SA 3.0 US, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Discovery World Museum on the edge of Milwaukee's lakefront
Discovery World Museum on the edge of Milwaukee's lakefront
Maydt4046, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Discovery World seen along the Milwaukee lakefront in summer
Discovery World seen along the Milwaukee lakefront in summer
Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted