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University of Iowa Museum of Natural History: A Journey Through Time and Nature

Explore natural history at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History: Free admission, diverse exhibits, and a journey through time!

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The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, established in 1858, invites visitors to explore Iowa's natural and cultural heritage. Located in Macbride Hall on the University of Iowa's Pentacrest, the museum features diverse exhibits from ancient fossils to taxidermied mammals, offering an engaging experience for all ages.

A brief summary to University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week for a less crowded experience, especially if you're visiting with children.
  • Check the museum's website for upcoming events and special exhibits to enhance your visit.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's diverse collections and exhibits.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and consider making a donation to support the museum's mission.
  • Utilize the passenger drop-off zone on Jefferson Street, west of Clinton, for convenient access, especially if traveling with children or individuals with mobility issues.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), head north on N Madison St toward E Jefferson St. Turn right onto E Jefferson St, then turn left onto N Clinton St. Macbride Hall, home to the museum, will be on your left. This is a short walk, approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    The Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and UI Cambus all have stops near the museum. The Downtown Interchange is half a block away, south of the Pentacrest. The Macbride Hall, Clinton & Iowa, Clinton & Jefferson, and Pappajohn Business Building stops are all less than a block away. A typical bus fare ranges from $1 to $2.

  • Parking

    Several parking ramps are available near the museum. The Iowa Memorial Union parking ramp and the City of Iowa City's Capitol Street Ramp are recommended. Metered street parking is available but limited to 1-2 hours. Hourly rates in the ramps vary, typically costing $1.70 per hour.

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Discover more about University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, the second oldest museum west of the Mississippi River, has been captivating visitors since 1858. Founded by the Iowa General Assembly as a repository for the State Natural History and Geological Surveys, the museum has evolved into a dynamic center for learning and exploration. Housed in Macbride Hall, at the heart of the University of Iowa campus, the museum's collections boast around 140,000 objects, showcasing Iowa's geological and cultural history, biological diversity, and environmental science. Explore exhibits spanning four floors, including the popular Mammal Hall, the William and Eleanor Hageboeck Hall of Birds, and Iowa Hall. Don't miss the Laysan Island Cyclorama, a 360-degree view of the bird fauna of Laysan Island in the early twentieth century. The Biosphere Discovery Hub highlights the interactions between humans and their environment, raising awareness of man-made environmental concerns. The museum also features major research collections such as the Kallam Collection of prehistoric stone tools, the Talbot and Jones Bird Collections, the Frank Russell Collection of Inuit and Native Arctic artifacts, and the Philippine Collection of ethnographic materials from the 1904 World's Fair. The museum's mission is to inspire understanding, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. With its extensive collections and engaging exhibits, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History offers a memorable experience for families, students, and tourists alike.

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