Our Mission

To ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.

Afternoon Explorations

The wait is almost over! Afternoon Explorations returns September 17, and we can’t wait to welcome our members and visitors back to Roper Mountain. Revisit some of your favorite places, see what’s happening in the Rainforest and Marine Lab, wander the Dinosaur Adventure Trail, explore the Living History Farm, and enjoy an afternoon of discovery together. And for all of our Nature Exchange traders who have been collecting and saving special finds over the past several weeks, now is the time to gather those natural treasures and bring them along to trade for points at Nature Exchange! Whether you’ve been counting the days until you could return or you’re ready to discover something you haven’t explored before, the gates are about to open for another season of Afternoon Explorations. 
We’ll see you on the Mountain beginning September 17!

FRIDAY STARRY NIGHTS

Fueled by Fluor

Cosmic Adventure 
September 4, 11, 18, 25 
4:30 p.m.

Details and Tickets  

Solar Superstorms

September 4, 11, 18, 25 
6:00 p.m.

Details and Tickets  

A Race Through Space

September 4, 11, 18, 25 
7:30 p.m.

Details and Tickets  

Members: If you are unable to attend your scheduled showtime, please contact us at 864-355-0805 by 2:00pm Friday so your reserved seats can be made available to other patrons.

New Paths Enhance Access and Experience 

Visitors have enjoyed improved access to several of Roper Mountain’s most popular natural attractions with the addition of 2,700 feet of new, 8-foot-wide asphalt path. The improved trail provides a smoother, more accessible route connecting visitors to the Dinosaur Trail, pond, Wildwood Natural Play Area, and Arboretum.

The project included excavating and removing the existing asphalt in some sections, preparing low areas with compacted fill dirt, and adding and compacting stone where needed to create a stable trail base. New asphalt was then installed over the prepared trail and compacted to the proper density for a durable, smooth surface.

This significant trail improvement will make it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy these unique amenities while providing a comfortable, long-lasting pathway through the natural areas.

Roper Mountain is on the go, again! 
Check out the newest addition to the Science on Wheels fleet. Want to know where you can see the Roper Mountain van? You can learn more here. 

Our new fiber optics exhibit, funded by AFL and constructed by local woodworker Jean Arden, is just days away from completion.

We want to take a moment to extend our sincere thanks to Jean for generously contributing an incredible amount of time, talent, and expertise to this project.

The final design includes access to the interior for repairs, as well as, a window on the side that allows students to see the light traveling through the cables.

The result is a unique, interactive experience that beautifully combines engineering, craftsmanship, and science.

We are excited to see the exhibit in action when students begin entering Symmes Hall for lessons this month. We are confident it will be a meaningful and engaging addition to their experience.



Thank you to AFL for funding this project and to Jean for making this vision a reality through her incredible craftsmanship and dedication.

Our volunteer spotlight this month goes to Jax Espinosa! Jax started volunteer in 2025 and accumulated over 315 service hours since that time!

Here are some of his answers to the questions we asked.

1.  What made you want to volunteer at Roper Mountain? "What made me want to volunteer at Roper Mountain is the amazing community and experiences. Everyone is always super kind and welcome everyday and made me feel a part of that awesome community."
2. What's your favorite part of volunteering at Roper Mountain? 
   "My favorite part of volunteering would be getting to interact with all the guests from all different age ranges and learn something new everyday."
3. What are you future career plans?
   "My future career goals are to graduate form a 4 year college and grow my knowledge in science and nature to have a deeper impact on the world."

He concluded with, "Overall Roper Mountain is always a positive experience for me and I look forward to it every year."

We are so grateful to have Jax as a leader on our team. It's been fun to see how he's grown over the past two summers and the value that he adds to our team. 

This month we spotlight Vulcan Materials Company and BOSCH for their continued support.



Vulcan has provided financial support for schools located in high poverty communities in the Upstate to attend Roper Mountain free of charge, and has been actively involved in our STEM Days of Summer program. Their support helps us further our vision of becoming a national leader in science education.

The BOSCH Community Fund has provided support for a number of exhibits around the Roper Campus, including the Island classroom, axolotl exhibit, and Hall of Giants in Harrison Hall. This year, they have provided support for new pre- and post-visit resources for teachers, which are available on our website: Pre and Post Visit Resources


Thank you to Vulcan Materials and BOSCH for your continued support, helping us fulfill our mission to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.

Members receive 10% off all t-shirt and hat purchases. Mention that you are a member to receive your discount.

PLUS earn an additional 25 points each time you wear your t-shirt to Nature Exchange!

Walmart Spark Good Program 

Walmart recently launched Walmart Spark Good Round Up where customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the change to their favorite charity. We would love for you to choose Roper Mountain Science Center as your charity to receive these donations every time you shop on Walmart.com. Just select us from the drop down menu when you checkout!

Give Back to Roper Mountain

Help Roper Mountain continue to inspire learning and create unforgettable experiences with a donation! Visit our Donors Page to make your gift today.

Spread The Word About Roper Mountain 

Visit our Facebook page, TripAdvisor page, Google listing and/or Yelp page to leave a review and help us spread the word about our public and school programming.

We welcome your feedback. Email Roper Mountain to share your thoughts.