With the recent and unexpected funding terminations to the AmeriCorps program, we have lost a vital source of support that has long been essential to our educational efforts and we are scaling back our education programs and outreach activities. We remain committed to our mission and will continue doing all we can to serve our community with the resources available. Now more than ever, we invite you to support our work—whether by volunteering, donating, or helping us spread the word—as we adapt and continue striving to make a meaningful impact.

Tahoe Science Center on the north side of Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Science Center™

Dive deep into the lake without getting wet at Lake Tahoe’s only science center.

Explore the interactive exhibits, learn about the lake ecosystem, and why it's changing and find out how you can keep Tahoe blue.

  • Take a journey on our virtual research boat 
  • Be a scientist in our virtual ecology lab 
  • See native and invasive species in our aquariums
  • Create your own watershed in our interactive sandbox 
  • Get a front row seat for the formation of Lake Tahoe in our 3-D theater 
  • Engage with our interactive exhibits 
  • Schedule a tour of our green building 

When you visit the Tahoe Science Center, you learn the latest findings from the world-class UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, a global leader in research, education, and public outreach on lakes.

How was Lake Tahoe formed? Why is it blue? How is Lake Tahoe changing? How can I protect Lake Tahoe? Curious to learn more?

Exhibits

Click here to learn more about the Exhibits featured at the Tahoe Science Center

There's something for everyone...

  • For families looking for a fun and learning experience, there are interactive exhibits on the Tahoe Basin's important ecological challenges and an award-winning 3D movie, "Lake Tahoe in Depth." (Also available in Spanish)
  • For school groups, there are kid-friendly science curricula covering topics such as geology, ecology, and more.
  • For those interested in green homes and workplaces, there are working examples of sustainable design, construction, and landscaping in our LEED Platinum building.
  • For lifelong learners there is an evening lecture series, check out the events calendar for a list of upcoming events.

Hours and Reserved Tour Times

The UC Davis Tahoe Science Center is open to the public for guided tours with advance timed tickets. Cost is $5 - $10 per person. 

Labor Day through Memorial DayMemorial Day through Labor Day
Tuesdays - Fridays
11am and 12:30pm		Tuesdays - Fridays, Saturdays by request
11am and 12:30pm
Self-guided hours
1:30pm - 4:30pm		 
Holidays and Closures:
  • Winter Break (Last week of December and January 1)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday of January)
  • Presidents' Day (Third Monday of February)
  • Cesar Chavez Day (Last Friday of March)
  • Juneteeth (June 19)
  • Independence Day (4th of July weekend)
  • Thanksgiving (4th Wednesday-Friday of November)

Self-guided Tours

Click here to learn about self-guided Science Center tours.

Virtual Tahoe Science Center

Click here to start your free online virtual tour with your family today! Tahoe Science Center Virtual Tour Series videoes are available on the UC Davis YouTube Channel. There are currently seven virtual tour videos as part of this playlist along with many more specialty videos available on our channel. Subscribe to the UC Davis Tahoe channel to receive updates as new videos are being added.

Location 

201 Country Club Dr.
Incline Village, NV 89451

Located on the first floor of the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences building (directions) on the campus of University of Nevada, Reno at Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada. Reserve your tour time today!

Parking
Parking:

Free parking is available with a Temporary Visitor Parking Permit in a designated "UC Davis" parking spot. 

Please arrive 10 minutes in advance of your tour time and park in a marked "UC Davis" parking spot. Look for a blue UC Davis sign. At the front desk of the Tahoe Science Center, a volunteer docent will be available to provide you with a temporary parking permit to be displayed on your front dashboard. A printed copy of your ActivityTickets receipt can also be used as a parking permit. 

Paid parking in a non-UC Davis spot is always available through University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) parking. Please be sure to follow UNR rules and regulations and park accordingly.

Acknowledgements 

UC Davis wishes to acknowledge the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time, ideas, talents, and resources toward the creation of TERC's Tahoe Science Center.

The Tahoe Science Center™ and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center™ are trademarks of the Regents of the University of California.