2026 Kentucky Geological Survey Geoscience Open House
Event Details
The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) is hosting its 26th annual geoscience open house on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., inviting students, families, teachers, and earth-science enthusiasts to explore the many wonders of Kentucky’s geology.
Time & Location
The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in and around the Mining and Mineral Resources Building on the University of Kentucky campus (310 Columbia Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky 40506).
Free, Open to All
The open house is free and open to the public. K-12 students, parents, teachers, and anyone with a curiosity about earth science are encouraged to attend.
Interactive Demonstrations & Exhibits
Displays and hands-on activities will include:
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- A volcano demonstration, where a simulated eruption captures the drama of volcanic processes.
- A stream table, showing sediment transport, erosion, and deposition in action.
- A sandbox topography display (augmented reality sandbox) that lets visitors mold landforms and “see” how water would flow over and around them.
- An earthquake display or simulation, giving a window into seismic processes.
- Collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, and meteorites, including specimens from Kentucky and beyond.
- Displays on geologic hazards (e.g. landslides, floods), radon, karst features, and other geoscience topics.
- Use of specialized instruments such as scanning electron microscopes to explore rock textures and microstructures.
Collaborating Departments & Groups
The open house is organized by KGS in partnership with UK’s Earth and Environmental Sciences, UK’s Mining Engineering, UK Nursing, the Kentucky Paleontological Society, the Blue Grass Gem and Mineral Club, and other campus and community organizations.
Public Engagement & Education Mission
The objective is to raise awareness of geoscientific processes and natural resources, to foster public appreciation for earth sciences, and to connect the community with researchers and educators.
Why It Matters
Kentucky has a rich and complex geology — from fossil-bearing formations to karst systems to mineral resources. Events like the KGS Open House help bridge the gap between research scientists and the public, making concepts such as erosion, water movement, earthquake activity, and landslides accessible and relevant.
Moreover, by offering interactive learning experiences, the open house can spark student interest in STEM fields, support teachers with hands-on materials, and contribute to an informed public that better understands environmental challenges and geologic risk (e.g. radon, landslides). Past events have drawn crowds of families, curious students, and professionals alike.
Looking Ahead & Tips for Attendees
Parking: Campus parking is open for the event. Attendees may park at the Parking Structure #2 (301 Hilltop Avenue), Boone Center lot (320 Columbia Avenue), Columbia Avenue West lot (420 Columbia Avenue), and Columbia Avenue East lot (440 Columbia Avenue).
Arrive Early: Though the event spans two hours, arriving early gives more time to visit all exhibits before peak crowding.
Bring Students & Teachers: This event is especially useful for K-12 classes and homeschool groups — many past attendees have used scavenger hunts or attendance certificates to enhance the educational value.
Ask Questions & Explore: The heart of the open house is conversation — talk with geologists, students, and demonstrators. Use the exhibits as a springboard to dig deeper into local geology.