Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | Chicago

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a distinguished natural history and science museum located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2430 North Cannon Drive. It is operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences and serves as an important center for environmental education, conservation awareness, and public engagement with the natural world.

History and Background

Founded originally in 1857 as the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the institution evolved over time to establish the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in its current form, opening its doors in 1999. The museum was named in honor of Peggy Notebaert, a longtime supporter of Chicago’s environmental and educational causes.

Located adjacent to the scenic North Pond in Lincoln Park, the museum sits in a natural setting that complements its mission to foster understanding and stewardship of nature within an urban environment.

Mission

The museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity about the natural world and to foster conservation and environmental stewardship through hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and community involvement. It seeks to connect people of all ages with the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Chicago region and beyond.

Key Exhibits and Features

Judy Istock Butterfly Haven
This is the museum’s signature exhibit, a large glass-enclosed conservatory where visitors can walk among hundreds of live tropical butterflies. The habitat is carefully maintained to simulate a tropical environment, showcasing different butterfly species at all life stages—from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly. It serves both as a stunning visual experience and a teaching tool about insect life cycles, pollination, and biodiversity.

RiverWorks Exhibit
An interactive space that educates visitors about the complex water systems in Chicago and the Great Lakes region. It highlights water quality issues, urban watershed management, and the relationship between humans and natural water environments.

Wilderness Walk
This immersive exhibit recreates the natural habitats found in Illinois, such as prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Through realistic displays and native plants, visitors can experience the variety of ecosystems that once dominated the region.

Nature Trails
Surrounding the museum, outdoor walking paths provide opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife in a more natural setting, reinforcing lessons from the indoor exhibits.

Istock Family Look-in Lab
A behind-the-scenes area where visitors can watch museum staff caring for live animals and learn about scientific research and conservation practices.

Educational Programs

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers extensive programming designed to engage learners of all ages, with a focus on hands-on science education:

School Programs
Includes field trips, classroom visits, and outreach programs like Science on the Go and Nature on the Go, which bring nature education directly into schools.

Youth Camps and Workshops
Seasonal nature camps for children, designed to foster early interest in science and environmental stewardship through exploration and activities.

Teacher Training and Resources
Professional development workshops aimed at enhancing science education in classrooms.

Public Programs
Family days, guided nature walks, special lectures, and live animal encounters are regularly scheduled to engage the broader community.

Special Events and Community Engagement

Flight of Butterflies
A public art and conservation project involving large-scale butterfly sculptures created by local artists and community groups, displayed around the city to raise awareness about biodiversity.

Butterfly Release Ceremony
Visitors can participate in daily releases of butterflies into the Butterfly Haven, a symbolic and educational event promoting conservation.

Live Animal Presentations
Interactive sessions where visitors can meet and learn about native and exotic animals cared for at the museum.

Seasonal and Themed Events
Nature-themed festivals, holiday events, and workshops are frequently offered, fostering ongoing community involvement.

Visitor Information

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission Fees:

Adults: $9

Seniors (60+), Students: $7

Children (3–12): $6

Children under 3: Free

Illinois residents can visit for a suggested donation on Thursdays.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Location and Parking:
Situated in Lincoln Park, near the Lincoln Park Zoo and other attractions. Parking is available on nearby streets and in a Chicago Park District lot across Cannon Drive.

Importance and Impact

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum plays a vital role in Chicago’s cultural and educational landscape by bridging urban life with nature and promoting awareness of environmental issues. Through its exhibits and programs, it nurtures a connection between people and the natural world, encouraging responsible stewardship of ecosystems locally and globally.

The museum serves thousands of visitors annually, including school groups, families, tourists, and researchers, making it a cornerstone institution for natural science education in Chicago.

This detailed overview captures the museum’s history, mission, exhibits, programs, and community role, illustrating why it is a key destination for anyone interested in nature and conservation within Chicago.