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Burpee Museum of Natural History: Rockford's Natural World Gateway

Explore award-winning exhibits, including Jane the T. Rex, and discover the wonders of natural history at Rockford's Burpee Museum!

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The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, ignites curiosity about the natural world through interactive exhibits and impressive fossil collections, including 'Jane,' the juvenile T. rex, and 'Homer,' the teenage Triceratops. Founded in 1941, the museum offers an engaging experience for all ages, blending education and entertainment.

A brief summary to Burpee Museum of Natural History

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events, including 'Music on the Rock' and PaleoFest, to enhance your visit.
  • Visit on Tuesdays for donation day and pay what you can for admission.
  • Explore the museum's green roof for a unique view of Rockford's first rooftop garden.
  • Combine your visit with the neighboring Discovery Center Museum and Rockford Art Museum for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Riverfront Museum Park, walk north along N Main St. The Burpee Museum will be on your left in approximately 2 blocks. The entrance is clearly marked.

  • Public Transport

    The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides bus service to the area. Check the RMTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several routes stop near the intersection of N Main St and Chestnut St, a short walk from the museum.

  • Driving

    From I-90, take the US-20 BUS/E State St exit toward downtown Rockford. Follow E State St to N Main St. Turn right onto N Main St, and the museum will be on your right. Parking is available in the museum lot or the Riverfront Museum Park lot, connected via an underground tunnel.

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Discover more about Burpee Museum of Natural History

The Burpee Museum of Natural History, located along the Rock River in downtown Rockford, Illinois, has been inspiring visitors since its opening on May 24, 1942. Originally a Works Progress Administration project, the museum has evolved into a dynamic center for natural history education and exploration. The museum's complex comprises four buildings: the Manny Mansion, the Barnes Mansion, the Solem Wing, and the Water Lab. The Solem Wing, built in 1998, is the main public area, housing exhibits, meeting rooms, laboratories, a gift shop, and the Mahlburg Auditorium. Burpee Museum boasts a diverse range of exhibits. The most famous is 'Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur,' showcasing the world's most complete and best-preserved juvenile T. rex skeleton. Complementing Jane is 'Homer,' a sub-adult Triceratops fossil discovered in Montana. Other exhibits include 'The Carboniferous Coal Forest,' 'The Ordovician Sea,' 'Geoscience,' 'The First People,' and 'Windows to Wilderness,' which focuses on the Rock River Valley's ecology. The Fossil Preparation Viewing Lab offers a behind-the-scenes look at fossil preparation. Visitors can explore four floors of exhibits with interactive and educational components. The paleontology exhibits on the first floor take visitors through key moments in Earth's history. The second floor features the Geoscience exhibit, with rocks, minerals, and regional geology. The third floor includes the 'Windows to Wilderness' exhibit on Rock River Valley biology and the 'First People' exhibit, which explores different Native American cultures. Burpee Museum isn't just a place to observe; it's a place to participate. The museum offers special events, classes, and even opportunities to join dinosaur expeditions.

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