Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences was the first museum in Chicago, and is the only museum to specialize in the ecology and natural history of the Midwest. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum opened in October 1999. The Nature Museum offers daily programs, events, and activities that help people discover the science of nature and the nature of science. Interactive and permanent exhibits include:

C. Paul Johnson Family Water Lab
Explore a 40-foot interactive model of an urban river. Discover how the river supports plants, animals, and humans, and the impact of the people who live along its banks.

The Extreme Green House
Join the Green family on a tour of their house, and learn, through live animals and hands-on exhibits, how we are all connected to the environment.

Hands-on Habitat
Now, in addition to learning all about the prairie and wetlands, little explorers climb the Tree of Life to discover how trees grow, and find out about the creatures that call trees home.

Wilderness Walk
Look at the past and present ecology of the Midwest and see how human settlement has changed the landscape.

Judy Istock Butterfly Haven
Walk through a year-round habitat for hundreds of native Midwestern and international butterflies and learn about butterfly biology.

Istock Family Look in Lab
For the first time ever, see what's involved in the care and maintenance of our dozens species of animals. Observe water snakes diving, tadpoles swimming, ferocious water bugs crawling and more.

Educational Outreach
Over the past five years, the Academy has worked in more than one quarter of Chicago's Public Schools. The Nature Museum continues to offer the public scientific learning programs for adults and children. Our Internet learning programs reach students, teachers, and families across the state and around the world.

Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum web site