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Museum of York County

Explore the Carolina Piedmont and its connections to the world at the Museum of York County!

History

History

What's Happening

What's Happening

Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

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

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 Museum of York County. The Settlemyre Planetarium opened at 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

/ Museum of York County
World Lion Day
Museum of York County
Did you know we had lions roaming in South Carolina during the Ice Age? Join us to learn about the American Lion who once lived in the Piedmont Region and about African Lions today. We…
Sat, August 8, 2026,  11:00 AM – 02:00 PM
/ Museum of York County
Carolina Skygazers Meeting
Museum of York County
The Carolina Skygazers Astronomy Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month, except December, at 7:30 pm. We would love to have you join us! The Museum doors open at 7 pm. Exhibits and…
Tue, August 11, 2026,  07:30 PM – 09:00 PM
/ Museum of York County
Our Sensational Sun
Museum of York County
Our Sun fuels almost all of the life on Earth with its bountiful light and heat energy. Join us to learn all about this beautiful star and how it creates the energy that sustains us…
Sat, August 15, 2026,  10:00 AM – 01:00 PM

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