Frogs, snakes and tarantulas are among the live animals you might meet, while enormous frames of prehistoric beasts haunt the staged exhibits.
With its planetarium and fun and colorful displays, the North Museum of Natural History provides an entertaining way of learning. Its Live Animal Room allows kids to get close to reptiles and rodents, while its collections of skeletons and models offer a glimpse of the magnificent beasts that once roamed the planet. Find out about the cultural and natural history of the region and the world through these exhibits.
Learn about the inner workings of computers and mathematics in the Coding Corner and gaze up at the bone structure of a T. Rex in the Explore the Past exhibit. Browse the glass display cases and the interactive tree model in the Explore Nature Gallery. The STEAM Art Gallery has a range of temporary exhibits adorning its walls.
The Archaeology and Ethnography collections showcase the tools and works of art belonging to ancient cultures. Bring your little ones to the Live Animal Room, where they’ll be introduced to lizards, turtles and toads. See snakes and tarantulas safely within glass enclosures.
Continue through the Nano exhibit to learn about tiny particles of the world around us. See the taxidermy birds set up in the Ornithology Room and watch sensational shows in the planetarium. Purchase a stuffed toy or a microscope from the range of products available in the gift shop.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon. It closes a little earlier on Sundays. Purchase a ticket and ask for discounts for youths and seniors. Toddlers under age 2 can enter for free.
The North Museum of Natural History is in the southeastern corner of Buchanan Park, a little west of central Lancaster. From the city center, walk west for about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to get here in less than 25 minutes.
While you’re visiting this part of the city, be sure to see neighboring sights such as Franklin & Marshall College, the Hartman Green and the Prima Theatre.
