Background

Burpee Museum of Natural History: Where Curiosity Comes to Life

Explore dinosaurs, ancient ecosystems, and natural history at the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois. A world of discovery awaits!

4.7

The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, offers a journey through time and nature, featuring world-class exhibits like 'Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur,' showcasing the most complete juvenile T. rex skeleton ever found, and 'Homer' a sub-adult Triceratops. With four floors of engaging displays, the museum captivates visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Burpee Museum of Natural History

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line and ensure a hassle-free visit.
  • Check the museum's event calendar for special events, workshops, and discussions with experts.
  • Visit the Fossil Preparation Viewing Lab to watch museum staff work on specimens from recent dinosaur discoveries.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Discovery Center Museum and Rockford Art Museum for a full day of exploration.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available in the museum's main lot or the Riverfront Museum Park.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Rockford, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is accessible via the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). Several bus lines stop near the museum, including Bus 10 or Bus 11. Get off at the stop closest to N Main St and walk north for about 0.5 miles to reach the museum. The bus fare is approximately $1.00, but check the RMTD website for the latest rates and schedules.

  • Walking

    From downtown Rockford, head north on N Main St. Continue for about 1.5 miles. The Burpee Museum of Natural History will be on your right at 737 N Main St.

  • Car

    From any location in Rock River Valley, head towards Rockford. If driving from downtown Rockford, take N Main St northbound. Continue on N Main St for about 1.5 miles. The Burpee Museum of Natural History will be on your right at 737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103. Parking is available on-site and is usually free.

Unlock the Best of Burpee Museum of Natural History

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Burpee Museum of Natural History

Located along the Rock River in downtown Rockford, the Burpee Museum of Natural History inspires a lifetime of learning about the natural world. Established in 1941 and opened in 1942, the museum's complex includes 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. The museum's four floors of exhibits feature a diverse range of natural history topics. The 'Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur' exhibit showcases 'Jane,' the world's most complete and best-preserved juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Visitors can also explore 'Homer's Odyssey,' featuring Homer, a sub-adult Triceratops. Other exhibits include the Carboniferous Coal Forest, a Pennsylvanian coal forest with simulated thunderstorms, and the Ordovician Sea, which depicts what Rockford looked like millions of years ago. The museum also features exhibits on the region's natural history, such as Windows to Wilderness, which focuses on the Rock River Valley's wildlife, and The First People, which explores the history of Native Americans in North America. Visitors can also observe ongoing research in the Fossil Preparation Viewing Lab and explore the Sprouts Learning Lab, a child-friendly exhibit with interactive displays. The Geoscience exhibit displays rocks, minerals, and the geology of the region. The Burpee Museum hosts various events throughout the year, including PaleoFest in March and Wednesday Night Music. The museum is located near the Discovery Center Museum and Rockford Art Museum, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring the area.

Popular Experiences near Burpee Museum of Natural History

Popular Hotels near Burpee Museum of Natural History

Select Currency