Explore 500 million years of Illinois' natural and cultural heritage. Discover the diverse Illinois landscapes from a shallow sea home to monstrous sea life; to a land of ice where Mammoths walked; to a lush prairie where Bison roamed and American Indians built vast cities; to a frontier full of promise. The Illinois State Museum is home to three floors of exhibitions that tell the story of Illinois' land, life, people, and art. 
Visitors will learn about Illinois' natural past through interactive elements, thrilling audio and video effects, life-sized dioramas including the Mastodon and the giant Jefferson's Ground Sloth, and thousands of fossils and zoological specimens that tell the story of Illinois' changing landscapes. Other exhibitions tell the stories of Illinois' people including the American Indians who called the land home for over 10,000 years and the Europeans who settled the prairies of Illinois. Changing exhibitions highlight the latest scientific research and share Illinois' rich artistic heritage with exhibits of fine and decorative art by Illinois artists.
Youth can visit the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum to experience working at a museum through play. Interactive activities include digging for Ice Age fossils, collecting and studying specimens under a microscope, creating art and history exhibits, and more. Play Museum hours are Monday-Saturday 9 am - 3:30 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 3:30 pm. 

The Museum is also host to programs and events for all ages. Visit the Museum's calendar of events for more information.

This partner is part of our Explorer Passport as an Abe’s Hat Hunt sticker stop.  Click HERE to start exploring and find out where to get your free passport to 25 sites, attractions, museums and culinary adventures!

Click here for a virtual tour