Illinois State Museum | Springfield

The Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is a major public institution that explores the state's natural history, anthropology, and cultural evolution. Established in 1877, the museum is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and serves as both an educational center and a research facility.

Location
502 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62706

Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum (children’s area) closes at 3:30 PM daily

Closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

Admission
Free to all visitors

Parking

Free parking in the lot at Spring and Edwards Streets

Additional free bus and visitor parking nearby

Metered parking available on Edwards Street

Permanent Exhibits

1. Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments
Covers 500 million years of Illinois' geological and ecological evolution. This exhibit includes fossil displays, interactive elements, and life-size dioramas of extinct animals like mastodons and giant ground sloths.

2. Peoples of the Past
Explores Native American history in Illinois. Highlights include reconstructed scenes of village life, ceremonial displays, pottery, stone tools, and cultural artifacts from prehistoric cultures such as the Hopewell and Mississippian peoples.

3. At Home in the Heartland
This exhibit illustrates 300 years of everyday life in Illinois through personal stories and domestic artifacts. It features furniture, household items, and accounts of social and technological changes in Illinois homes.

4. Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum
A hands-on children’s museum offering interactive learning stations like a fossil dig, microscope bug lab, and mock science labs. It promotes exploration of natural history and archaeology for children aged 3 to 10.

5. Morton D. Barker Paperweight Collection
A world-renowned glass paperweight collection featuring primarily 19th-century French designs. Includes pieces from makers like Baccarat, Clichy, and Saint Louis, highlighting intricate techniques like millefiori and lampwork.

Research and Collections

Located in Springfield, the Research and Collections Center supports scientific research and manages millions of specimens and artifacts. Key departments include:

Anthropology

Botany

Geology

Zoology

Decorative arts and history

The center also supports fieldwork and statewide archaeological and paleontological projects.

Museum System Branches

Dickson Mounds Museum (Lewistown, IL)
Built near an important Native American archaeological site. Features burial mound interpretations, cultural exhibits, and walking trails.

Lockport Gallery (Lockport, IL)
Focuses on Illinois art, with rotating exhibits showcasing regional artists and historical themes.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible

Wheelchairs and strollers are available at the entrance

All restrooms are accessible and have baby changing stations

Assistive listening devices, tactile displays, and alternate format materials are available for visitors with sensory impairments

Visitor Tips

Plan for at least two hours to explore the main exhibits

Ideal for families, school field trips, and travelers interested in natural or cultural history

Special events, educational programs, and temporary exhibits are hosted throughout the year

The Illinois State Museum offers an in-depth, engaging view into the story of Illinois—past and present—through exceptional exhibits, expert collections, and family-friendly programming.