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Museums #4 in Rockford, Illinois

Burpee Museum of Natural History

4.7 · 1,054 reviews
Educational, academic, and family-oriented.
Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, United States
Interesting facts
1

Jane the T. rex is one of the most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered.

2

The museum contains a 'Homer's Odyssey' display featuring an exceptionally rare, near-complete Triceratops skeleton.

3

The Burpee Museum is located on the banks of the Rock River, utilizing a site that includes a restored Victorian-era home.

4

The facility maintains an active paleontology research program, often involving local university collaborations.

5

The museum's geology collection includes fluorescent minerals that are highlighted in specialized interactive displays.

Overview

The Burpee Museum of Natural History is home to Jane, a world-famous juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil discovered in Montana. The museum houses four floors of exhibits covering paleontology, geology, and regional wildlife. The Paleo-Lab allows visitors to observe professional paleontologists actively cleaning and preparing fossils. The museum features the 'Homer's Odyssey' exhibit, showcasing a Triceratops specimen. Cultural collections include artifacts representing Native American history in the Rock River Valley. The museum facility incorporates the historic Mandeville House, which dates back to the mid-19th century.

Photo spot

Directly in front of the juvenile T. rex 'Jane' exhibit.

Insider tips

Check the daily schedule upon arrival to catch live demonstrations in the Paleo-Lab.

Allow extra time for the 'First Nations' exhibit to understand the detailed history of local indigenous groups.

Visit the gift shop for educational materials and fossils sourced by reputable suppliers.

What to avoid

Rushing through the bottom floors; many visitors overlook the extensive historical and cultural exhibits by focusing only on the dinosaurs.

Good to know

Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Etiquette

Photography is permitted for personal use, but flash and tripods are generally restricted in exhibit areas; remain quiet near active research labs.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, particularly during the school year, to avoid peak weekend crowds.
Address
Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, United States
Website
42.277, -89.088
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsJane the juvenile T. rex and Homer the Triceratops
Research featureVisible Paleo-Lab for fossil preparation

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, particularly during the school year, to avoid peak weekend crowds..

Directly in front of the juvenile T. rex 'Jane' exhibit.

Close by you'll find Discovery Center Museum, Coronado Theatre, Anderson Japanese Gardens.