Illinois State Museum, Prairie State Travel Guide

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Discover Illinois's natural history, art, and cultural heritage at this Springfield museum. Free admission!

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Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum in Springfield showcases the state's rich heritage through natural history, art, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can explore Illinois's past, from prehistoric fossils to contemporary art, with interactive displays and life-size dioramas.

A brief summary to Illinois State Museum

502 S Spring St, Springfield, Vinegar Hill, Illinois, 62706, US
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Illinois State Museum.

Visit the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum for interactive exhibits designed for children.
Check the museum's calendar for upcoming events, lectures, and workshops.
Allow ample time to explore the three floors of exhibits.
Take advantage of the free parking available at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Illinois State Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Illinois State Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Illinois State Capitol, walk one block southwest on Spring Street to reach the museum at 502 S Spring St. The museum is on the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets.
Public Transport

The Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides bus service to the Capitol Complex area. Check the SMTD website for routes and schedules. From a bus stop near the Capitol, it's a short walk to the museum.
Driving

From I-55, take the Clear Lake Avenue exit and head west. Turn south onto N 9th Street, then west onto E Edwards Street. The museum is at the corner of S Spring Street and E Edwards Street. Free parking is available in the lot on the southwest corner of Spring and Edwards Streets, and metered parking is available along Edwards Street. Free parking, including bus parking, is available at the State Capitol Complex Visitors Center Lot one block west of the Museum. Metered parking costs around $1.00 per hour.

Discover more about Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum, located in Springfield, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of Illinois. Founded in 1877, the museum has evolved into a leading institution with extensive collections and engaging exhibits. The museum's exhibits span 500 million years of Illinois's history, featuring fossils, Native American artifacts, and displays on pioneer life. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from ancient seas to Ice Age environments and prairies. Highlights include life-size dioramas of mammoths and Jefferson's ground sloth. Exhibitions also delve into the stories of Illinois's people, including Native American cultures and European settlers. Changing exhibitions showcase scientific research and the state's artistic heritage. The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum offers children interactive experiences like fossil digging and creating museum exhibits.The museum's mission is to promote discovery, learning, and appreciation of Illinois's heritage. It achieves this through its collections, research, and public programs. The Illinois State Museum also has a Research and Collections Center in Springfield, as well as branch locations including the Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and the Lockport Gallery in Lockport.