Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is a history museum in Evanston, Illinois, displaying collections from five major cultural regions of North America: the Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Northwest Coast, and Arctic. The exhibitions present artwork and historical materials that document the diversity and heritage of these regions.

The museum was established in 1977 following a major donation of Native American art and materials from collectors John M. Mitchell and Betty Seabury Mitchell. This founding made possible the preservation and documentation of an extensive collection representing American Indian cultures.

The gallery spaces encourage hands-on learning through touch tables where visitors can handle authentic objects and examine materials that were central to daily life. This direct contact helps people understand how indigenous communities created and used these items.

The museum is housed in an easily accessible building and provides facilities for visitors with different mobility needs. Weekday visits often allow more time to explore the galleries at a comfortable pace.

The collection features carefully selected objects such as traditional Kachina dolls and Great Lakes ice fishing decoys that show regional craft techniques. These pieces reveal how different groups adapted to and used their natural surroundings.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1977

Fee: Yes

Address: Central Street

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday 10:00-15:00

Website: http://mitchellmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 42.06470,-87.71810

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40