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Museums #6 in Toledo, Ohio

Imagination Station

4.7 · 3,363 reviews
Energetic, educational, and loud.
Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed in the former site of the Portside Festival Marketplace.

2

It features a high-wire bicycle exhibit that allows visitors to ride a bike on a one-inch cable 20 feet above the ground.

3

The facility includes a dedicated 'Little KIDSPACE' designed specifically for children age five and under.

4

The museum's water display mimics the Maumee River watershed and teaches visitors about the ecology of the Great Lakes.

5

It offers regular 'Science After Dark' events that are restricted to adults over 21.

Overview

Imagination Station is a non-profit, interactive science center located in downtown Toledo along the Maumee River. The facility emphasizes hands-on learning through exhibits covering physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry. It features the KeyBank Discovery Theater, which utilizes 4K digital projection and 3D capabilities. The museum includes the 'Extreme Science Theater' for live, explosive demonstrations. Permanent installations focus on local geography and regional industries, including water quality studies related to Lake Erie. The building is designed to encourage STEM skill development for children through play-based challenges. It serves as a regional hub for science education and public programming in Northwest Ohio.

Photo spot

The high-wire bicycle area offers a unique perspective of the exhibit floor.

Insider tips

Check the schedule for daily live demonstrations, as these change frequently and are the museum's highlight.

Visit the interactive water feature last, as children often get their clothes damp while playing.

Check the website for 'Science After Dark' nights if you prefer a visit without large school groups present.

What to avoid

Attempting to see every exhibit in under two hours; the hands-on nature of the displays requires more time for engagement.

Good to know

Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the academic year.

Etiquette

Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are recommended for safe participation in physical exhibits.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds and field trip groups.
Address
Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604, United States
41.652, -83.532
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsHigh-wire cycle, Extreme Science Theater, Maumee River watershed table

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds and field trip groups..

The high-wire bicycle area offers a unique perspective of the exhibit floor.

Close by you'll find Fifth Third Field, Promenade Park, Toledo Museum of Art.