In 2004, on the way home from a family visit at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, Lodi resident Dan Ingrum realized that it was exactly what the Central Valley needed- an Exploratorium-type of museum for our families, our community, and our future.  Inspired by one man’s dream, a small group of dedicated visionaries came together in 2005 in the hopes of building a hands-on science museum to help complement the education of our children today and for future generations. With limited time in classrooms dedicated to science, these visionaries believed it was the perfect time to establish an informal science education center to foster not only young scientists and engineers, but to improve the science literacy of the community at large.

Thus, the World of Wonders Science Museum was born!  With many dedicated hours and a belief in the vision of the WOW, this volunteer group raised over $600,000 just from the local communities.  In May of 2008, tenant improvements commenced on an empty 9,000 sq. ft. building and by September 2008, the building was ready to be filled with hands-on exhibits.

Today, the World of Wonders Science Museum is home to over 70 hands-on science exhibits. Many of the exhibits in the museum have been donated by local supporters or built by our past exhibit engineer, Jim Pyers.  The WOW, which opened its doors in March of 2009, also provides enriching science programming such as Field Study Trips, WOW on Wheels, Science Summer Camps, science-themed birthday parties, special event days at the museum, and even a unique WOW Science Store!

Adjacent to the hands-on museum, the WOW’s 1700 sq. ft. educational science classroom opened in 2014!  Once again, local communities came together to build the new addition.  The WOW would like to give a special thank you to Dr. KR and Robbie Hovatter of Scientific Specialties for their generous donation toward the construction of the expanded educational space