Illinois Natural History Survey, Natural history museum at University of Illinois, Champaign, US.
The Illinois Natural History Survey is housed in the Forbes Natural History Building and holds millions of specimens that show the biological diversity of the state. The collections include plants, animals, and other organisms that help researchers study nature across Illinois.
The institution was founded in 1858 and started with natural history exhibits in University Hall. It later grew into a research facility dedicated to scientific study of the state's plants and animals.
The museum plays a role in environmental education by sharing scientific findings and connecting people with research about Illinois wildlife. Visitors can see how scientists work to understand and protect the state's natural systems.
During a visit, you can explore the collections and see how scientific research works in practice. It is good to allow enough time based on your interests to get through the different exhibits and displays.
The facility operates seven specialized field stations across different parts of Illinois. The Forbes Biological Station near Havana focuses specifically on waterfowl research and their habitats.
Location: Champaign
Inception: 1858
Part of: University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Website: http://inhs.illinois.edu
GPS coordinates: 40.09292,-88.23979
Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06
State Farm Center
496 m
Memorial Stadium
773 m
Foellinger Auditorium
1.8 km
Main Library
1.6 km
University of Illinois round barns
1.5 km
Activities and Recreation Center
921 m
Business Instructional Facility
1.4 km
Astronomical Observatory
1.8 km
University of Illinois Experimental Dairy Farm Historic District
1.3 km
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity House
1.7 km
Delta Upsilon Fraternity House
1.5 km
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity House
1.7 km
Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity House
1.3 km
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House
1.5 km
Kappa Sigma Fraternity House
1.7 km
Alpha Phi Fraternity House-Beta Alpha Chapter
1.8 km
Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity House
1.3 km
McFarland Memorial Bell Tower
1.5 km
Krannert Art Museum
1.2 km
Gregory Hall
1.7 km
Mumford Hall
1.7 km
Temple Hoyne-Buell Hall
1.4 km
Flagg Hall
1.2 km
The Armory
1.5 km
Turner Hall
1.7 km
Clark Hall
1.3 km
David Kinley Hall
1.5 km
Harding Band Building
1.5 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes