Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center

7621 Granite Hill Dr, Riverside, CA 92509, USA

Address:	7621 Granite Hill Dr, Riverside, CA 92509, USA
Phone:	+1 951-685-5818
Site:	jmdc.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Kim C

First time visitor here. Park was good but the older man named Wess had a very condescending attitude. Not once but three times chewing you out for where you cant go like he is scolding a 9 yr old. I wouldve left almost as soon as I had arrived but I didnt want to ruin it for my stepson. Its pretty bad when the kid asks you why the old man was so rude to us instead of just telling us nicely. I was far too stunned and nice and didnt stand up for myself at the time or take time to report him. Maybe he is a volunteer or even in charge? Either way it is unbecoming and unnacceptabIe for someone representing the facility. I dont understand why some people have to give attitude instead of politely explaining. Especially when no visible signs or gates blocked off the area and I had already corrected my mistake once I realized it BEFORE he even confronted me and I was appologetic. Maybe he had just had a bad day? Hopefully this isnt typical behavior of their staff member. Maybe a map at the entrance, more signs, gating off restricted paths and a map handout would be helpful showing the accessble areas and the paid guided tour info. The website stated 10 dinosaur exhibits and certain areas were free of charge but I found most were not granted without a paying guide. The interactive diaplay inside the museam was not working but the rest of it was very informative and well displayed with cool fossils and minerals. The young guys and gals doing school field trip guides and working around in and around the center seemed very cheery and helpful. What I saw of the garden area and nurserey was very impressive, the variety and prices. I know they are undergoing some renovations so maybe things will improve. Im willing to give it another chance and not let the rudeness of one person ruin the experience of the park itself.

Grace Sela

A bit of a strange experience. We couldnt really figure out what we were supposed to do once we arrived. The museum was closed for electrical repairs without any indication of this on the website but the gift shop was still open. They have lots of little rocks for sale for $1+ and we had fun looking at all of them. The rest of the place seemed pretty deserted besides a couple other families looking lost and some day campers that we felt sorry for. There is a little pool for red ear sliders and up by the gift shop some tortoises. The paths were accessible only through a tour for $9 earlier than we arrived. We spent 20 minutes taking pictures by the dinosaur statues and in the gift shop with a 6 and 3yo. I wouldnt recommend this place for small children. Esp in the summer.

Tiffany Valencia

I wouldnt have named this place as a "cultural center"; its more like a regional natural history center. On display and for retail are many beautiful varieties of crude and polished mineral rocks, fossils and stones, some made into jewelry and novelties. Very helpful staff; I was even offered to hold an adult bearded dragon and "teenaged" rosey boa constrictor, which was a very sweet female who felt soooo smooth. Her meaty body absorbed all of the heat out of my hands and cuddled closer for more while the staff member talked with me about her interesting story here, as well as the other reptiles that were rehabilitating or kept as pets. We didnt save enough time to walk the nurseries, but plan on coming back soon to do so.

Jose M Aguirre

This is a very beautiful place as well educational there was something I was not aware of. but very awesome to know this is my first time here and will not be my last. My kids enjoy this place and also brought out the creativity within them as they continued wanting to explore the mountains surrounding us how awesome is that.. and I would like to give a special thanks to all of those volunteering here as well working and it was a very beautiful and special Memorial to see at your Museum thank you for sharing your secrets

Reena M

Nice little spot to walk around in.. has a little museum with educational sections. I think the best part is the Gift Shop! Really awesome place to find one of a kind items... a bunch or crystals, gems, arrowheads, and a ton of rock - related things. Really cool if youre into rocks and rock accessories. Ive purchased an amethyst necklace and a meteor necklace

Ryan H

Very nice place to visit. The gift shop is lovely and the museum is very interesting. If you are in the area i suggest checking this place out. They also offer tours which includes rock collecting. Your is $10 per person. I would have loved to take the tour but we didnt have enough time on this trip.they just added a tortoise exibit as well.

tenzoteam

I am a local from jurupa valley and I was curious about this place. My experience was not good at all. I was told by one staff member that I cant be there.Then the staff member accuse me of vandalism. With no proof, only his assumption.I felt as if I was not welcomed to experience the attractions. I strongly do not recommend this place.

Natasha Shustraya

Its a lot of work was done for last year. But still need to be done more. Place is great as a people who work there. This place amazing collection of cactus for sale. Small museum. Little zoo: turtles, lizard, snakes and bugs.. and a lot of iron dinosaurs. Great place for picnic when not too hot.

Kirsten Murphy

This is where my husband and I got married. We picked this place because even though its a huge place, there are different locations inside that made the evening more intimate and special. JMDC is perfect for hiking, learning about rocks, animals, even dinosaurs! The staff is great too!

Scott Seward

Went here on a field trip with my son. We had a great time. The tour guide was funny and kept the kids interest. There are lots of examples of various types of minerals, as well as some taxidermy, gardens, gift shop, and more. Highly recommend taking your family here.

Brandy Zzyzx

Fun location to experience southern California natural history. Animals, plants, rocks, minerals and fossils on display in the Museum. Large gardens with many desert plants. Gift shop with interesting items for natural science lovers. great for people of all ages.

Robert Vasquez

This place is totally rad. I drove by this place my whole life without ever going in. I am glad that I finally went with my children for a Birthday Party. Totally cool and so much fun and learning for the kids. Highly recommended =o)

Audrey L

Liked this place because of all the dinosaurs I was able to see and take pics of but i will be going back to go see the dinosaurs I missed because they said I needed a guide to go higher up to see more dinosaurs.

jordan backstrom

Its was a fun free place to take my kiddo I loved walking around and seeing the dinosaurs that were made out of metal. The animals they had for the kids to see were the favorite for the kids.

Jonatan Rodriguez

Ive been there so many times! Its very fun as well for the kids because in the museum they have many animals from their hills in little cages for the peoples amusement.

Pius Hsu

A wonderful place for kids and family. They have museum and large garden. Also, it is a great place to learn about rocks. The museum has a many collection fossils.