Museum of York County
Explore the Carolina Piedmont and its connections to the world at the Museum of York County!
Explore the wild wonders of nature with our award-winning exhibitions and programs that explore a variety of natural history topics. With more than 2,000 specimens at your fingertips, the Naturalist Center allows visitors to explore their interests hands-on. Experience a journey back in time to encounter the strange, gigantic, fierce, and fantastic beasts that once roamed the Carolinas in Ice Age Carolinas: Exploring Our Pleistocene Past. In the Settlemyre Planetarium, travel the cosmos from the comfort of your seat with state-of-the-art digital projection and new programs. A playful learning space awaits our youngest visitors in Tot Town. Educational gardens, a Nature Trail, and a picnic area offer outdoor experiences. The Museum Store offers items of interest for all ages.
Exhibits
See what permanent and changing exhibits are currently on display at the Museum of York County.
Settlemyre Planetarium
Learn about the Carolina Skies and beyond the Milky Way with a variety of scientific shows!
Naturalist Center
With more than 2,000 specimens, learn about animals from the Piedmont and across the globe.
Nature Trail & Gardens
Explore the flora of the Carolina Piedmont with our garden and nature trail located behind the Museum.
History
The Museum of York County in Rock Hill, South Carolina, originally the Children’s Nature Museum of Rock Hill, opened in 1950 as a result of a community effort led by the Junior Welfare League, to create a cultural opportunity for area children. With the Stans African animal collection acquisition in the late 1950s, a larger space was necessary. The new building, which the museum now occupies, opened in 1965 and featured dioramas showcasing the African collection. In 1976 the Children’s Nature Museum of Rock Hill became the Museum of York County. The Settlemyre Planetarium opened at the Museum of York County in 1977. In 1978, the museum became repository for the Vernon Grant collection of illustration art by the originator of Snap!® Crackle!® Pop!®.
What’s Happening
15
Nov.
Sensory Saturday
We invite families with children, teens, adults, and seniors who have sensory processing needs to come to the Museum before it opens to the general public to explore our exhibits and experience a special planetarium show! The Museum will have light and sound reduction, fewer guests, and a social narrative will be provided ahead of the date.
15
Nov.
Pokémon Nature
Did you know that many Pokémon are inspired by real plants and animals? We are taking some of our favorite Pokémon and comparing them to their real-life counterparts! Come learn about animal life cycles and how they are similar to Pokémon evolution. See if our real-life animals have special moves like Pokémon. Finally, use your imagination and create your own Pokémon! Come join us and be the very best trainer around!
22
Nov.
Big and Small Moon
On November 20, 2025, we will experience a “micromoon,” a new Moon that occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth. Join us to learn why the Moon sometimes appears to be larger and sometimes appears to be smaller and the importance of these changes for astronomers!
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