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Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

Write a Review Galesburg, Illinois Best for ages 1-12 Verified•Children's Museum

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

About Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

A 15,000-square-foot children's museum with a working Ferris wheel, water play, a real caboose, and STEM-packed exhibits.

Open since 1999, Discovery Depot is built to inspire wonder and excitement for learning, with two floors of hands-on exhibits for children aged 1 to 12.

What you'll see and do - Ride and explore the large-scale Ferris Wheel and Ferris Junction Village - Get creative in the Blick Art Studio - Splash at WAVES, the upstairs water feature, and experiment in the OSF Children's Hospital Science Classroom - Climb aboard a real caboose and play in the enclosed Kids Crossing playground

Attraction Details

Facilities

  • Wheelchair access

Events at Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

  • Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with Pinatas

    May 2, 2026

    Attendees can celebrate Cinco De Mayo by making pinatas ($1 with admission).

  • Sun Catcher Collages

    May 3, 2026

    Create beautiful flower sun catchers for free with admission.

  • Magic Flowers!

    May 9, 2026

    Enjoy a magical flower activity, free with admission.

  • Muffins, Mugs & Memories with Mom

    May 10, 2026

    A special morning for moms with muffins, mugs, and playful memories, priced at $1.50 with admission.

  • Science Saturday - Fizzing Flowers

    May 16, 2026

    Explore science through a fun fizzing flowers experiment.

  • Scratch Art!

    May 17, 2026

    Engage in creative scratch art creations for free with admission.

  • Celebrate 30 Years with Discovery Depot!

    May 21, 2026

    Celebrate 30 years with cupcakes, cards, crafts, and photo opportunities, free with admission.

  • It's Our Birthday! Hooray!

    May 23, 2026

    Receive 30% off admission all day long to celebrate 30 years in Galesburg.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Discovery Depot Children’s Museum.

Who it's for

Best for ages 1-12

Getting there

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum is at 128 S Chambers St, Galesburg, IL 61401. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

128 S Chambers St, Galesburg, IL 61401

This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum Reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Discovery Depot Children’s Museum worth visiting?

    The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum offers an engaging atmosphere for children and families to explore, learn, and have fun together, focusing on STEAM education and hands-on exhibits for ages 1-12. Since 1999, it has been inspiring wonder and excitement for learning through diverse programs, exhibits, and community partnerships.
  • What are the best things to see and do at Discovery Depot Children’s Museum?

    Visitors can explore 15,000 square feet of exhibits, including Ferris Acres, Gears and More, a farm area, and a village. Key attractions include a large-scale Ferris Wheel, Ferris Acres combine, Ferris Junction Village, Blick Art Studio, and the WAVES water feature area.
  • How much do tickets to Discovery Depot Children’s Museum cost?

    Admission starts at 13 USD. Please check the official site for detailed pricing information, as rates may change.
  • What are the opening hours at Discovery Depot Children’s Museum?

    The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM - 3 PM, Wednesday from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday from 10 AM - 3 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM - 3 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM - 3 PM. It is closed on Mondays. The last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing time, and some exhibits close 15-30 minutes early, so please check their official site for date-specific hours.
  • Is Discovery Depot Children’s Museum suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

    Yes, The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum is best for children aged 1-12. Exhibits are designed to encourage critical thinking and hands-on engagement for children in this age range.

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