The center is physically located adjacent to a 4.5-million-year-old fossil site discovered during highway construction in 2000.
The paleontological site on-campus has yielded fossils of tapirs, red pandas, and the largest concentration of Alligator crickets ever discovered.
The facility features a specialized 'Tesla theater' for high-voltage electricity demonstrations.
The museum is co-located with the East Tennessee State University Natural History Museum.
The exhibits often rotate to include seasonal STEM challenges and engineering design projects.
The Hands On Discovery Center is a science-focused interactive museum located on the campus of the East Tennessee Fossil Site in Gray, Tennessee. The center features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the nearby Gray Fossil Site, which is a significant Pliocene-era paleontological excavation. Visitors engage with hands-on science and technology exhibits designed primarily for children and families. The facility integrates STEM education with local geological history, including a replica of the fossil dig site. It serves as a community hub for experimental learning through tactile, experiment-based displays.
The replica tapir skeleton or the giant 'Gray' the Red Panda mascot displays.
Combine your museum visit with a guided tour of the active fossil excavation site next door.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for live science demonstrations happening in the theater.
Bring socks, as many of the active play areas require them for entry.
Do not overlook the outdoor fossil-sifting area, which many visitors skip in favor of indoor exhibits.
Closed on Mondays.
Socks are required for the indoor play equipment; running is generally discouraged in gallery spaces.
