Welcome to the World of Wonders Science Museum!

The mission of the World of Wonders Science Museum is to offer hands-on, science-based exhibits and programs to stimulate discovery for all ages.”

Learn about energy, electricity, magnetism, optics, and more at the World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum in historic downtown Lodi, California, where hands-on exhibits stimulate discovery for all ages.  The WOW is an engaging, educational, and inspirational science destination where both children and adults can learn about the world around them!

What the World of Wonders does for the region:

  • Inspires interest in STEM fields
  • Complements formal science education in the classroom
  • Serves as a school field trip destination
  • Provides a wonderful, family-oriented space
  • Stimulates our local economy
  • Contributes to future generations
  • Enhances our quality of life

While visiting the museum, please stop by the WOW Science Store where you’ll find exciting science gifts for everyone in the family.

History of the WOW

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 resident 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, WOW University, Science Summer Camps, science-themed birthday parties, SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE, special event days at the museum, and even a unique WOW Science Store!

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

Thank You to Our Dedicated Donors

Thank you to the following individuals, companies and organizations who have annually generously invested $1,000 or more in the WOW since 2011 to help further the mission of the World of Wonders Science Museum

K.R. and Robbie Hovatter
Scientific Specialties, Inc
General Mills Foundation

Pieter and Barbara den Hartog
Joseph and Susan Maley
James Pyers
Alexander Family (Dennis Alexander, Roberta Alexander,
Denise Arbios-Perak, Thomas Alexander and Andy Alexander)
Dart Family Foundation
Food 4 Less & Rancho San Miguel Markets
Jerry and Peggy Fry
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Security
Michael David Family Foundation
Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California Grantsmaking Program in partnership with Pacific Coast Building Products Foundation
Sally Greenley Snyde

Sheila Wishek


Keith and Cheryl Bewley

Bubco, Inc.
Charles and Shirlene Clark Family Foundation
Michael and Lisa Crete
Corey and Kimberly Daniel
Danz Jewelers
den Hartog International Farms, Inc.
Betty Greenley
Kohl’s
Randall and Charlene Lange
Lodi Association of Realtors
Lodi Gas Storage
Lodi Health
Lodi Rotary Club

Marshal Merriam
Mid-Valley Agricultural Services
Chris and Nora Olsen
Omega Nu Sorority
David and Corene Phillips
S&L Vineyards
Sandelin Family
San Joaquin Optometric Society
Snyde Vineyards
Stockton Sunrise Rotary
Jeff and Julie Thompson
Jeffrey and Susan Henderson
Vino Farms
Cynthia Wagner Weick
Wells Fargo Bank
Van Diemen Farms