Burpee Museum of Natural History Tours

Burpee Museum of Natural History showing interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Burpee Museum of Natural History featuring interior views


Explore four floors of natural history exhibits, including one of the best-preserved and most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world.

Visit Burpee Museum of Natural History to learn about Rock River’s ecology and see many fascinating artifacts dating to prehistoric times. The museum is famous for its paleontological projects, including a “teenage” triceratops, whose bones were discovered in the badlands near Ekalaka in Montana.

Jane: Diary of a Dinosauris the museum’s centerpiece exhibit. The display is one of the best examples of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Jane’s fully restored 21-foot (6.5-meter) skeleton is believed to be about 66 million years old. Learn about the expedition that led to this incredible discovery in the Hell Creek Formation, located in eastern Montana.

The realistic Carboniferous Coal Forest exhibit represents the local landscape, amphibians and insects as they would have appeared 300 million years ago. The prehistoric carboniferous coal forest is two stories tall and contains life-size replicas of giant insects. Listen to the sounds of a building tropical rainstorm as you explore this amazing display.

Learn about the history of Native Americans in The First People exhibit. The exhibit contains a full-size wigwam, a domed dwelling once used by Native American tribes. Climb into a traditional dugout canoe or hear Native American stories at the video kiosk near the exhibit’s exit.

Windows to Wildernessis a reproduction of a common Rock River Valley environment. The exhibit contains live and mounted wildlife in realistic landscapes. With many interactive components, Windows to Wilderness is popular with young visitors. Discover how the earth was formed in GeoScience, another museum highlight.

Burpee Museum of Natural History hosts events year-round, including discussions with experts and educational workshops. Find the museum next to Rock River in downtown Rockford, Illinois. It is open every day, excluding major holidays. All four floors of the museum have wheelchair and stroller access.

With outstanding permanent exhibits and alternating displays, Burpee Museum of Natural History is perfect for a morning or afternoon visit. In the evening enjoy a show at Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Plan a trip to see Burpee Museum of Natural History

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Staybridge Suites Rockford by IHG
Candlewood Suites Rockford by IHG

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Burpee Museum of Natural History

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
416 S Main Street, Rockford, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
700 W Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL
Riverview Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG

Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG

3 out of 5
7550 E State Street, Rockford, IL
Holiday Inn Rockford by IHG
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford

3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Clean 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, located on the northwest side of Rockford.

Clean 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, located on the northwest side of Rockford.

Rockford
Clean 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, located on the northwest side of Rockford.
Alpine Inn Rockford

Alpine Inn Rockford

2.5 out of 5
4404 East State Street, Rockford, IL
Alpine Inn Rockford
Cerro Vista Estate/Indoor Pool/Hot Tub/Game Room

Cerro Vista Estate/Indoor Pool/Hot Tub/Game Room

Rockford
Cerro Vista Estate/Indoor Pool/Hot Tub/Game Room
Cozy home in Rockford 
Sleeps 8

Cozy home in Rockford Sleeps 8

Rockford
Cozy home in Rockford Sleeps 8
Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

2 out of 5
7712 Potawatomi Trail, Rockford, IL
Econo Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Burpee Museum of Natural History

While visiting the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, you can enjoy various nearby activities such as golfing at local courses, exploring the Discovery Center, or visiting the Randall Oaks Zoo. Additionally, you can partake in entertainment options and even go ice skating to make the most of your vacation experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Burpee Museum, visit CherryVale Mall, just 6 miles away, offering entertainment and a variety of stores. Also, check out Pepper Creek Gift & Flower Shop and Quilter's General Store, both located 6 miles from the museum for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

BMO Harris Bank Center, located 0.6 miles from Burpee Museum, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Weis Morris Day Spa Salon, 5 miles away, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments. Rivets Stadium, 8 miles away, also provides a vibrant sports experience.

Adventure

At Hurricane Harbor Rockford, 7 miles from Burpee Museum, enjoy thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fun-filled family day. For a rush of adrenaline, head to Chicagoland Skydiving Center, 27 miles away, where you can experience the thrill of skydiving amidst stunning views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Burpee Museum at the Coronado Performing Arts Center for a romantic theater show just 0.3 miles away. For more adventure, head to The Cherry Bowl or Skateland, both offering exciting arcade fun, located 6 and 5 miles away, respectively.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Burpee Museum of Natural History

When visiting the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois, you can explore a variety of attractions nearby, including urban parks, history museums, and botanical gardens. These points of interest offer a perfect blend of outdoor family activities and city experiences. Don't miss the chance to discover local attractions and nearby sights, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with history and nature.

  • Anderson Japanese Gardens: Immerse yourself in tranquility at Anderson Japanese Gardens, a beautifully landscaped botanical garden located 2 miles from the Burpee Museum. Its serene setting features traditional Japanese design elements, koi ponds, and lush greenery, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.
  • Rockford Art Museum: Just 0.1 mile from the Burpee Museum, the Rockford Art Museum showcases a rich collection of American art, featuring both contemporary and historical pieces. The museum provides a cultural experience with rotating exhibitions and engaging programs that highlight local and national artists.
  • Discovery Center Museum: Also 0.1 mile away, the Discovery Center Museum offers a hands-on experience for children and families. With interactive exhibits and engaging activities, it fosters curiosity and learning, making it a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Burpee Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit Burpee Museum of Natural History can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Burpee Museum of Natural History falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Burpee Museum of Natural History falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January20.8°F (-6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.5°F (-4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Burpee Museum of Natural History

To save money during your visit to the Burpee Museum of Natural History, plan your trip between November and January when lodging prices are lower. Consider booking your stay for a Monday, the least expensive day. Use Expedia to customize your travel preferences and explore eco-certified hotels. Look for package deals that combine flights and accommodations, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. For the best savings, sort by price and keep an eye out for flexible booking options and hot deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Burpee Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Burpee Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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