The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is the perfect place to experience and learn about nature in the city. It is the product of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and was Chicago’s first museum dedicated to educating Chicagoans about nature and science. The Museum distinguishes itself by providing up-close interaction with live nature, as well as interactive educational exhibits. Its eco-friendly building features outdoor nature trails, a green roof, solar panels, and natural light sources. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a great place to learn about new ways to connect with and preserve the natural world.

Permanent Exhibits Include:

Nature's Lunchbox - Sponsored by Dominiks this exhibit helps kids learn about food's life cycle from the farm, to the market and on to the composit bin.

The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven - Get up close with thousands of dazzling butterflies of over 75 species in the beautiful greenhouse filled with pools of water, flowers, and tropical trees.

Birds of Chicago - Learn about native birds of all kinds. Over 115 on display from the large Midwest turkey and the common blue jay to the endangered prairie chicken.

River Works - Learn about Chicago's rivers and waterways and how they support plants, animals, and humans. Splash through this exciting interactive exhibit

Mysteries of the Marsh - Did you know that wetlands house nearly two-thirds of the endangered species in Illinois? Find out more on why these scarce species are important to our everyday lives. Learn about the significance of Blanding's turtles, water scorpions, stick bugs, black widow spiders, and more.

Wilderness Walk - Take a stroll through three re-created Midwest environments: a prairie, dune, and savanna. Live and preserved animals as well as audio and visual displays guide you through this educational exhibit.

Micole Birdwalk - View the variety of birds that live on North Pond while on a nature walk. Listen to bird calls through kiosks along the trail and during migration watch the birds fly out through the Chicago skyline.

Extreme Greenhouse - Learn how everything in nature is connected by stepping inside the a full sized bungalow located in the middle of the museum.

For a list of special and educational events, visit the Nature Museum.