Burpee Museum of Natural History Tours

Burpee Museum of Natural History showing interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views


Explore four floors of natural history exhibits, including one of the best-preserved and most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world.

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.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Burpee Museum of Natural History

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
416 S Main Street, Rockford, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
700 W Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL
Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG

Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG

3 out of 5
7550 E State Street, Rockford, IL
Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Alpine Inn Rockford

Alpine Inn Rockford

2.5 out of 5
4404 East State Street, Rockford, IL
Alpine Inn Rockford
Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

2 out of 5
7712 Potawatomi Trail, Rockford, IL
Econo Lodge
Clayton House Motel

Clayton House Motel

2.5 out of 5
4800 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL
Clayton House Motel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rockford

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rockford

2.5 out of 5
7651 Walton Street, Rockford, IL
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rockford
Motel 6 Rockford, IL

Motel 6 Rockford, IL

2 out of 5
4850 E State Street, Rockford, IL
Motel 6 Rockford, IL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Burpee Museum of Natural History

While visiting the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, you can enjoy nearby activities such as golfing at local courses, exploring the Discovery Center, and visiting the Randall Oaks Zoo. Additionally, there's entertainment and ice skating options to enhance your experience, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots are CherryVale Mall, Pepper Creek Gift & Flower Shop, and Quilter's General Store, all located 9.7km from Burpee Museum of Natural History. If you're up for a drive, check out the charming boutiques and unique stores in nearby downtown Rockford for more options.

Recreation

Enjoy the energetic atmosphere at BMO Harris Bank Center, just 966m from Burpee Museum, where you can catch a game or event. For a more relaxing experience, visit Weis Morris Day Spa Salon, 8.0km away, for rejuvenating body treatments in a serene setting.

Adventure

Hurricane Harbor Rockford, a thrilling waterpark located 11.3km from the Burpee Museum, offers family-friendly entertainment and adventure with exciting slides and wave pools. For a high-speed experience, visit Sugar River Raceway, 41.8km away, where you can race go-karts in a fun, competitive atmosphere.

Nightlife

The Coronado Performing Arts Center, just 483m from the Burpee Museum, offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating shows. For family fun, visit The Cherry Bowl and Skateland, both around 6 and 8.0km away, respectively, where adventure and entertainment await for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Burpee Museum of Natural History

During your visit to the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, history museums, and botanical gardens. These sites are perfect for outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences. Be sure to check out nearby attractions, local sights, and the best resorts to enhance your trip and enjoy the rich history and natural beauty that the area has to offer.

  • Anderson Japanese Gardens: A serene escape just 3.2km from the Burpee Museum, Anderson Japanese Gardens features stunning landscapes, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. It's perfect for families, romantic strolls, or quiet reflection amidst nature.
  • Rockford Art Museum: Located only 161m away, this museum showcases a rich collection of regional and contemporary art. With its cultural ambiance, visitors can explore diverse exhibits and engage with the local art scene.
  • Discovery Center Museum: Also 161m from the Burpee Museum, this interactive children's museum offers hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity in kids and families alike, making it a fun cultural experience for all ages.

Best time to go to Burpee Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit Burpee Museum of Natural History can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Burpee Museum of Natural History falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Burpee Museum of Natural History falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January20.8°F (-6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.5°F (-4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Burpee Museum of Natural History

To save money on your trip to the Burpee Museum of Natural History, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by budget and eco-certification, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Explore free activities around Rockford, and utilize public transport to keep travel costs low. Plan your visit during off-peak seasons to enjoy the best rates and offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Burpee Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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