Cleveland Museum of Natural History Tours

Cleveland Museum of Natural History which includes modern architecture
Cleveland Museum of Natural History showing a garden and fall colors
Cleveland Museum of Natural History showing signage
Cleveland Museum of Natural History which includes fall colors and a park
Cleveland Museum of Natural History showing a garden and a statue or sculpture


Meet Lucy, the world’s oldest human skeleton and Happy, a enormous dinosaur skeleton before experiencing a simulated earthquake and playing the birdsong piano.

Trace a timeline of the universe and discover how the earth and our galaxy was formed. See some of the rarest dinosaur skeletons in the world and some of the 3,000 ancient human skeletons that are preserved here. Be dazzled by the bright colors of rubies and emeralds in the gemstone exhibit and study stars in the planetarium before exploring the wildlife enclosure.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History was founded in 1920 by the businessman and philanthropist Cyrus S. Eaton. The museum is recognized as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the U.S. and has a collection of over four million specimens.

A good place to start is the Reinburger Hall of Life. Learn how the universe was formed and touch a volcanic rock or even create your own rocks using interactive computer programs. At the entrance of the the Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life you’ll meet the museum’s prize exhibit, the 3.2-million-year-old skeleton known as Lucy. Some 40 percent of all her bones were found and preserved. Also greet Happy, a 70-foot (21-meter) long dinosaur skeleton. It is one of the few sauropods on display in the world.

In the Wade Gallery of Gems and Jewels, some 1,500 rubies, diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones are on display. See a moon rock collected by one of the Apollo spacecrafts in the 60s before going on a bit of a space journey yourself in the Schafran Planetarium.

Head to the lower level to visit the Discovery Center with hands-on exhibits such as the birdsong piano. On the same floor is a comprehensive exhibition of the geology and wildlife of the Ohio area.

Venture outside for a walk around the Wildlife Center and Wood Garden with bobcats, eagles and deer among its animals.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of downtown Cleveland in the University Circle. Parking is available and several buses and rapid trains serve the area. It is open daily throughout the year, with the exception of major public holidays. There is an admission fee.

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Kimpton Schofield Hotel by IHG
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Beachwood

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Reviews of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 5%
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5/5 - Excellent

RTB

Limited Parking, Parking was available on the street about 1/2-3/4 miles away or at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens across the way.

5/5 - Excellent

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hubs and son enjoyed the auto and aviation section

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Best Lodging Options Near Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic by IHG

Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic by IHG

3 out of 5
8650 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic by IHG
The Glidden House

The Glidden House

3.5 out of 5
1901 Ford Dr, Cleveland, OH
The Glidden House
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center

Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center

3 out of 5
1914 East 101St St, Cleveland, OH
Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center
The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton

The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton

4 out of 5
10660 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH
The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG

InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG

4 out of 5
8800 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle

Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle

3 out of 5
2021 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle
Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown

Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown

2.5 out of 5
6955 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH
Tru By Hilton Cleveland Midtown
InterContinental Cleveland by IHG

InterContinental Cleveland by IHG

4.5 out of 5
9801 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH
InterContinental Cleveland by IHG
The Cleveland Cornerstone: 7BR + 4 BA + Ultimate Basement w/ Gameroom

The Cleveland Cornerstone: 7BR + 4 BA + Ultimate Basement w/ Gameroom

Cleveland
The Cleveland Cornerstone: 7BR + 4 BA + Ultimate Basement w/ Gameroom
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 Cleveland Museum of Natural History

When visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, don't miss out on nearby attractions like art galleries, theaters, and opera performances. For a more enriching experience, consider arranging group visits to explore the museum's fascinating exhibits together. Enjoy learning about natural history while taking advantage of the vibrant cultural scene around the museum.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots include West Side Market, just 5 miles away, offering local goods and city vibes. Legacy Village, 6 miles away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. Pinecrest Plaza Shopping, located 8 miles away, combines business and leisure for a fun shopping experience.

Recreation

At Progressive Field, enjoy the thrill of live sports just 4 miles away, immersing yourself in the energetic atmosphere. Severance Hall, located 0.4 miles from the museum, offers captivating musical performances that soothe the soul. For outdoor enthusiasts, StoneWater Golf Club, 8 miles away, provides a serene golfing experience.

Adventure

Upper Edgewater Park, located 7 miles from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, is a vibrant waterpark perfect for family fun and adventure. For winter sports enthusiasts, Brandywine Ski Resort, 16 miles away, offers exciting skiing experiences, while Boston Mills Ski Resort, 17 miles away, features thrilling ski slopes.

Nightlife

After exploring the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, enjoy a vibrant night at the Agora Theater & Ballroom, just 2 miles away, for a mix of culture and entertainment. For some adventure, head to the Cleveland Arcade, 4 miles away, or catch a show at the Cleveland Play House, also 4 miles away.

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

Find the best attractions near Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers a rich blend of cultural experiences, perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. Explore nearby historic and modern colleges, as well as music museums that enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Whether you're interested in natural history or simply want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Cleveland has a variety of attractions that cater to every traveler's interests.

  • Case Western Reserve University: Located only 0.4 miles from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, this historic university features stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Explore its rich cultural atmosphere, with opportunities to attend lectures or enjoy events that showcase innovation and scholarship.
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: A short 4-mile trip brings you to this iconic museum celebrating the history of rock music. Discover fascinating exhibits, memorabilia, and the stories behind legendary artists, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
  • Cleveland Museum of Art: Just 0.2 miles away, this premier art museum boasts an impressive collection spanning centuries and cultures. Enjoy free admission and special exhibitions that highlight its commitment to art education and community engagement.

Best time to go to Cleveland Museum of Natural History

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

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
May58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cleveland Museum of Natural History

To save on your trip to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, consider visiting between December and February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options and consider package deals to combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. For public transport, explore walking, and take advantage of free activities in the area to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cleveland Museum of Natural History are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to 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 Cleveland Museum of Natural History is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cleveland Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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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