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Illinois State Museum and its collection

Illinois State Museum
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The Illinois State Museum is a comprehensive showcase of the life, land, people, and art of the State of Illinois. The museum's focus is on the state's cultural and artistic heritage, providing visitors with a deep understanding of Illinois's history and its people. Exhibits range from natural history to local fossils and mining, household displays from different historic periods, dioramas of Native American life, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, and a collection of glass paperweights.

Locations of the Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum has its main location in Springfield, with three additional satellite locations. These include the Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, the Lockport Gallery in Lockport, and the ISM's Research and Collections Center, also in Springfield. Each location offers unique exhibits and collections, providing a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Dickson Mounds Museum

The Dickson Mounds Museum, one of the satellite locations of the Illinois State Museum located in Lewistown, is an archaeological museum dedicated to Illinois's Native American history. The museum offers a variety of exhibits including hands-on displays, dioramas, photos, and artifacts that depict area cultures from the Ice-Age to the 19th century. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of the Native Americans in Illinois.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Archaeology Ethnology Geology Historic house Religion

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#8 Free museums in Springfield #8 History & Anthropology in Springfield #4 Nature & Natural History in Springfield #8 Historic houses in Springfield #50 Free museums in Illinois #86 History & Anthropology in Illinois #28 Nature & Natural History in Illinois #8 Archaeology museums in Illinois #13 Ethnology museums in Illinois #3 Geology museums in Illinois #71 Historic houses in Illinois #10 Religion museums in Illinois #154 Geology museums in United States

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Illinois State Museum
502 S Spring St
IL 62706 Springfield
Illinois

Images of Illinois State Museum

Visitor information Illinois State Museum

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 16:30
Tuesday
9:00 – 16:30
Wednesday
9:00 – 16:30
Thursday
9:00 – 16:30
Friday
9:00 – 16:30
Saturday
9:00 – 16:30
Sunday
12:00 – 16:30

Admission

0+Free

Admission: FREE

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Illinois State Museum.

Location & Map

502 S Spring St, Springfield

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Illinois State Museum have been found.

Illinois State Museum Reviews

Illinois State Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Illinois State Museum in Springfield offers visitors a comprehensive look at the natural and cultural history of Illinois. Many reviewers appreciate the museum's extensive exhibits on local geology, Native American history, and Illinois wildlife. The Changes exhibit, which covers the state's history from the ice age to modern times, is often highlighted as informative and well-designed.

    Visitors generally find the museum's displays to be educational and engaging, particularly for families and school groups. The life-size dioramas of Illinois ecosystems and prehistoric animals are frequently mentioned as impressive features. The museum's collection of fossils, including mastodon bones, is another popular attraction.

    While most reviews are positive, some visitors note that certain areas of the museum could benefit from updates or more interactive elements. A few mention that the museum might feel a bit dated in some sections, but this doesn't significantly detract from the overall experience for most.

    The museum's size is considered adequate by most visitors, allowing for a thorough exploration in a few hours. Many appreciate that admission is free, though donations are encouraged. The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable.

    Overall, the Illinois State Museum is viewed as a valuable educational resource that provides a solid overview of Illinois' natural and cultural heritage. While it may not be the most cutting-edge museum, it offers a wealth of information and artifacts that appeal to visitors of all ages interested in state history and natural sciences.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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