Wonder, Discovery, and a Hidden Gem in Our Backyard
By Greg Woodman
Walk through the doors of Discovery Space, and you’re instantly met with a scene that stops you in your tracks: kids laughing, learning, building, and experimenting — fully immersed in the joy of discovery.
There are hands-on exhibits everywhere — colorful, tactile, and designed to spark curiosity. From wind tunnels to weather stations, from engineering puzzles to creative play areas, every station invites kids to explore, problem-solve, and engage.
And then, just down the hall: Pearl the stingray.
Yes — a real stingray, part of the beautifully curated Marine Life Center, surrounded by aquatic ecosystems that are as educational as they are mesmerizing. Watching a group of young learners light up with questions and fascination — that’s when it hit me. This isn’t the Discovery Space I thought I knew.
A Visit That Surprised Me
A friend recently invited me to stop by Discovery Space, and I said yes — not thinking much of it. I remembered the old location from years ago and assumed I had a pretty good idea of what I’d see.
But what I walked into? I wasn’t expecting that.
The space was alive — kids building rockets, solving puzzles, explaining their experiments with excitement and confidence. It wasn’t quiet or formal. It was joyful. Hands-on. Bursting with creativity.
And as I stood there watching, something clicked.
This wasn’t just a science center. It was a launchpad — for ideas, for curiosity, for confidence.
What I saw left me inspired — and honestly, proud. Proud that something this forward-thinking, this meaningful, is happening right here in our community.
Discovery Space Is More Than a Place — It’s a Mission
Beyond the exhibits, Discovery Space reaches deep into our region, offering STEM programs in rural communities, delivering hands-on learning to kids who might otherwise never get these experiences.
And none of this is accidental. The incredible leadership team behind Discovery Space has a vision — not just to teach kids science, but to help them see themselves as builders, inventors, and creators.
Then Came The Rivet
Walk a few steps further and you’ll stumble into something extraordinary: The Rivet, a makerspace bursting with energy. I saw people making everything from custom coffee mugs to live-edge tables to prototype parts for new business ventures.
This place is equal parts workshop, art studio, and startup incubator — and it’s open to everyone.
For just $40 a month, members get access to high-end equipment, creative support, and a community of doers. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, learning to laser-cut, or finally tackling that big idea you’ve always had — this is your space.
A Shout-Out to the Visionaries
What makes all of this truly work are the people running it. The teams behind Discovery Space and The Rivet aren’t just managing programs — they’re building a future for State College, one child, one maker, one idea at a time.
Their leadership, creativity, and passion are turning this corner of town into a destination — not just for locals, but for anyone who wants to see what a thriving, forward-thinking community looks like in action.
Rediscover What’s Right Here
So here’s my challenge: if, like me, you’ve driven past Discovery Space or The Rivet a hundred times without stopping — go in. Bring your kids. Bring your grandkids. Take a class. Talk to the people. Ask about what’s coming next.
You’ll walk out like I did: amazed, inspired, and grateful.
State College is changing. And that’s a good thing.
Let’s not miss it. And by the way, have you been to Millbrook Marsh lately?
