Field Museum of Natural History Tours

Dinosaur bones, rare gems and real Egyptian mummies are among the displays at this family favorite.

The Field Museum is located just south of downtown in Chicago Park in a complex known as the Museum Campus. (The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are next door.) This museum has a collection of over 2 million objects (not all of them on display) that are related to archaeology, history and science. 

The prize possession is Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found. The fossil is 42 feet long, 13 feet high at the hip and more than 65 million years old. Sue is on display among a large collection of dinosaur skeletons in the Evolving Planet exhibit. Learn about the evolution of life over four billion years through bones, rocks and interactive displays.

Sue alone is worth a visit to the museum, but there's plenty more to keep you fascinated for at least half a day. There are several exhibits that explore Ancient civilizations, including Egypt and the Americas. Inside Ancient Egypt has 23 human mummies on display as well as mummified animals, tombs and shrines.

There's a huge collection of taxidermy animals spread out across three exhibits: Nature Walk, Mammals of Asia and Mammals of Africa. Among them are lions and elephants.

Gaze at rare diamonds and gems from around the world at the Grainger Hall of Gems some of which are 8,000 years old. The Underground Adventure shows what life is like for bugs under the ground. If you're curious about how a science lab works, explore several within the museum. Watch how scientists prep fossils or extract DNA at the McDonald's Fossil Prep Lab and DNA Discovery Center.

There are regular traveling exhibitions and special events, so check the Museum's official website and plan ahead. It’s open every day except Christmas Day. There are discounts for children and seniors.