Dynamic Earth

The first time you go to Sudbury, Ontario, you’re all but obligated get a photo at The Big Nickel. Depending on how often you go, this might be an obligation for every trip to Sudbury. At one time, this tradition was nothing but a roadside “world’s biggest” attraction. Now, thanks to Dynamic Earth, it’s at least a couple hours worth of earth science exploration.

Opening its doors in 2003, Dynamic Earth is an interactive earth science museum focused on highlighting the science and importance of mining to Sudbury and Canada. It’s part of Science North, also in Sudbury, but pays specialized attention to geology.

That specialization makes Dynamic Earth somewhat of a rarity. Natural history museums often incorporate earth science displays into their broader exhibits and other specialized geological museums tend to focus on dinosaurs. Giving first priority to rocks and mining is not something you find very often and it’s not a surprise to find such a beast in Sudbury.

Dynamic Earth, along with Science North, offers plenty of activities and events for the locals throughout the year. And not just for the kids, though plenty of the offerings are targeted to them. Adults are privy to several adults-only events. Some are even 50+.

If you’re visiting Sudbury, or traveling past, perhaps on your way west, I encourage you to stop at both museums. They’re both terrific science museums and possibly not something you’d expect to encounter in a city like Sudbury. Sometimes smashing stereotypes like that is worth a road trip.