The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Chicago, Illinois hosts a collection of nearly 250,000 specimens, including plants, animals, fossils, and minerals.
The Nature Museum’s array of unique programs (more than 100 distinct programs in all) offers workshops, tours, support, curricula, and training for teachers and their students, and the chance to watch nature come alive before their eyes!
Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences was Chicago’s first museum and only museum to specialize in the ecology and natural history of the Midwest from the Great Lakes to the prairies. On October 23, 1999, opened the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The Nature Museum serves as the cornerstone for all of the innovative scientific learning and environmental programs.
Permanent exhibits include Hands-on Habitat for budding naturalists ages 3 to 7, the renowned Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, Mysteries of the Marsh, The Extreme Green House, RiverWorks, and Wilderness Walk.
Houses the region’s only year-round butterfly haven. Over the course of a year, you may see as many as 250 species of native and exotic butterflies here. On any given day, you’ll see at least 75 different species.
Boasts one of the city’s best examples of eco-friendly building technology. More than 17,000-square feet of rooftop gardens, extensive water conservation systems, solar rooftop panels, exhibits and amenities constructed of recycled and renewable materials, and more.
Features a two-story house in the middle of the Museum that explains how everything we do is connected to nature.
Location: 2430 N. Cannon Drive – Chicago IL
Phone: (773) 755-5100
Hours of Operation:
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Last admission ticket sold one half hour before closing time.
The Museum is open every day except New Year’s day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Admission: Free admission