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Western Science Center

  • Natural history museum
  • Regional draw
  • Hemet

Western Science Center introduces the natural history of Southern California’s Inland Empire near Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet.

DirectionsOfficial site
Western Science Center

Fossils recovered during the reservoir project form an important part of its story, including the remains of large Ice Age animals.

Allow time to connect the fossil displays with the landscape outside: the museum explains discoveries made in this very region. Check current exhibitions and family programs before visiting, since workshops and special activities may require separate arrangements. The center is a useful companion to a broader day exploring the Hemet area, rather than simply a stop for seeing one large specimen.

Visitor details reviewed October 18, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.

Image credit: Westerncenter / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.