Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a nature museum in Lincoln Park that houses exhibitions about regional wildlife, environmental science, and research collections spanning more than a century. The building contains multiple display areas where visitors can learn about the natural history and current ecology of the Chicago region.

The museum was founded in 1857 as the Chicago Academy of Sciences and moved to its current location in Lincoln Park in 1999. This relocation was made possible through major financial support that led to the institution's new name.

The museum teaches visitors about the natural world of the Chicago region and how different plants and animals depend on each other in local habitats. Guests can see how nature functions as an interconnected system that shapes daily life in the area.

The museum is easily accessible in Lincoln Park and welcomes visitors of all ages. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends, allowing more time to enjoy the exhibitions at your own pace.

The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is an enclosed greenhouse where hundreds of butterfly species fly freely among plants and water features in a warm, humid environment. Visitors can watch these insects up close and learn about their life cycles.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1857

Address: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +(773)7555100

Website: http://naturemuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 41.92670,-87.63520

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04