Field Museum of Natural History
- Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago
- Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm, closed on Christmas
- Admission: Adults: US$15, Children (3-11yrs): US$10
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good for Kids,
Must-Do Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
Museum
With more than 20 million artifacts, the Field Museum of Natural History is an engaging museum filled with both interactive and imaginative displays. The big attraction is the Tyrannosaurus rex named "Sue," a 13 foot (4 meter) tall, 41 ft (13 m) long beast who menaces the grand space with ferocious aplomb. The most complete T-Rex ever discovered, it takes its name from Sue Hendrickson, the fossil-hunter who found the 90 percent complete skeleton in South Dakota in 1990.
Dinosaurs loom large in the Field Museum. At the Evolving Planet exhibit, you can also watch staff paleontologists clean up fossils, learn about the evolution of the massive reptiles, and even learn about Homo sapien's evolutionary ties to the extinct beasts. Away from the prehistoric giants, the “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit recreates an Egyptian burial chamber on three levels. The mastaba (tomb) contains 23 actual mummies. The bottom level, with its twisting caverns, is especially worthwhile. Those reeds growing in the stream are real.
Other displays worth your time include “Underground Adventure,” a vast exhibit exploring the habitats of animals and insects that live underground, and the “Pawnee Earth Lodge,” which allows visitors to explore a complete dwelling of the Great Plains tribe.
Latest Reviews
Review by Sally T, May 2013
Doing what: Chicago Segway Tour
We took the 2 hour hour tour and had a great time. The weather was very cold and windy, but it was still a lot of fun. Our tour guide Gus, was very personable, interesting and also went above a beyond in many ways. I highly recommend this tour especially is Gus is your guide.
Review by sarahr208, May 2013
Doing what: Chicago Segway Tour
A great way in which to get a feel for what Chicago has to offer with lots of fun. An excellent guide who was friendly and was knowledgeable. I would recommend anyone gives it a go.
Review by Digisha B, May 2013
Doing what: Chicago CityPass
The city pass gave us easy access and enough flexibility to spread out all the different places over five days. Had a great time! Wish we would've gone to the art museum instead of the planetarium, but you have the option!
Practical Info
The Field Museum of Natural History is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive. Both buses and El lines get you here. Nearby attractions include the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, which are all within walking distance.
You can easily spend a whole day at the museum. You have a few different dining options, including a dining room with view of Lake Michigan. Be sure to check out The Sue Store, which sells a mind-boggling assortment of dinosaur-related items. On the weekends, the museum hosts dinosaur-themed storytellings.
