Museum · North Side
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
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The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, offers an immersive experience into the natural world of the Midwest. As you enter, you're greeted by the stunning Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a glass-enclosed greenhouse where hundreds of free-flying butterflies flutter around you. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the region's wetlands and prairies to urban wildlife and sustainability. Interactive displays, such as the hands-on science lab and the river diorama, engage visitors of all ages. The museum also features a living green roof and a restored wetland outside, demonstrating sustainable practices. With its focus on local ecology and hands-on learning, it's a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts looking to understand the environment of the Chicago area.
Don't miss
- Walk through the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a tropical paradise with hundreds of butterflies.
- Explore the hands-on science lab and participate in interactive experiments.
- Visit the restored wetland and green roof to see sustainable urban ecosystems.
- Check out the dioramas of Illinois habitats, including prairies, forests, and wetlands.
- Attend a live animal encounter to meet resident reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
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How travelers rate it
Getting there
Know before you go
- Allow at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and butterfly haven.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash in the butterfly haven to protect the insects.
- Great for kids, the museum has many interactive exhibits and a dedicated play area.
- Check the schedule for live animal shows and guided nature walks in the adjacent park.
A bit of history
The museum opened in 1999 as a successor to the Chicago Academy of Sciences, which was founded in 1857. It continues the Academy's mission of environmental education and conservation, housed in a modern, eco-friendly building in Lincoln Park.
Common questions
Is the butterfly haven open year-round?
Yes, the butterfly haven is open all year, but butterfly activity may be lower in winter.
Can I bring food?
There is a café on-site, but outside food is not allowed in exhibit areas.
Is there parking?
Limited street parking and paid lots are available nearby.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided visits are the norm, but docent-led tours can be arranged for groups.
How long does it take to see everything?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours.
Is the museum suitable for toddlers?
Yes, there is a special area for young children with hands-on activities.
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