Visit Burpee Museum of Natural History to learn about Rock River’s ecology and see many fascinating artifacts dating to prehistoric times. The museum is famous for its paleontological projects, including a “teenage” triceratops, whose bones were discovered in the badlands near Ekalaka in Montana.
Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur is the museum’s centerpiece exhibit. The display is one of the best examples of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Jane’s fully restored 21-foot (6.5-meter) skeleton is believed to be about 66 million years old. Learn about the expedition that led to this incredible discovery in the Hell Creek Formation, located in eastern Montana.
The realistic Carboniferous Coal Forest exhibit represents the local landscape, amphibians and insects as they would have appeared 300 million years ago. The prehistoric carboniferous coal forest is two stories tall and contains life-size replicas of giant insects. Listen to the sounds of a building tropical rainstorm as you explore this amazing display.
Learn about the history of Native Americans in The First People exhibit. The exhibit contains a full-size wigwam, a domed dwelling once used by Native American tribes. Climb into a traditional dugout canoe or hear Native American stories at the video kiosk near the exhibit’s exit.
Windows to Wilderness is a reproduction of a common Rock River Valley environment. The exhibit contains live and mounted wildlife in realistic landscapes. With many interactive components, Windows to Wilderness is popular with young visitors. Discover how the earth was formed in GeoScience, another museum highlight.
Burpee Museum of Natural History hosts events year-round, including discussions with experts and educational workshops. Find the museum next to Rock River in downtown Rockford, Illinois. It is open every day, excluding major holidays. All four floors of the museum have wheelchair and stroller access.
With outstanding permanent exhibits and alternating displays, Burpee Museum of Natural History is perfect for a morning or afternoon visit. In the evening enjoy a show at Coronado Performing Arts Center.
