The museum houses a fully articulated skeleton of a Dryptosaurus, a rare genus of tyrannosauroid dinosaur.
The collection includes significant artifacts from the Potawatomi people, highlighting their historical presence in the Des Plaines River valley.
The institution is named after Bess Bower Dunn, a local educator and advocate for the preservation of Lake County history.
It holds an extensive archive of regional maps and photographs dating back to the mid-19th century.
The museum building was specifically designed to meet LEED Silver certification standards for environmental sustainability.
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum, located in Libertyville, Illinois, serves as the primary repository for Lake County's natural and cultural history. It features an extensive collection of interactive exhibits that chronicle the region from the prehistoric era to the present day. Visitors can view a life-sized replica of a Dryptosaurus dinosaur and examine artifacts from the early Potawatomi inhabitants. The museum operates under the jurisdiction of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, integrating local ecology with historical narratives. Displays emphasize the geological evolution of the landscape and the industrial development of the surrounding communities. The facility is designed to engage families and researchers through hands-on educational stations and curated archival displays. It functions as a hub for community heritage, preserving thousands of documents and objects related to regional identity.
Beside the life-sized Dryptosaurus skeleton display in the main exhibition hall.
Download the museum's digital scavenger hunt app before arrival to enhance the interactive experience.
Plan your visit to coincide with the changing monthly educational workshops, which are frequently posted on the official website.
Utilize the adjacent forest preserve trails for a combined educational and outdoor excursion.
Do not overlook the outdoor trail system, as many visitors mistakenly limit their visit solely to the indoor galleries.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
