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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Best Lodging Options Near Cleveland Museum of Natural History

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The Glidden House

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Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center

Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland University Circle/Medical Center

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InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG

InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG

4 out of 5
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InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle

Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle

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Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle
InterContinental Cleveland by IHG

InterContinental Cleveland by IHG

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InterContinental Cleveland by IHG
Luxurious 9 BR Movie Theater Duplex Near CWRU!

Luxurious 9 BR Movie Theater Duplex Near CWRU!

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Luxury 4 BR Near Cleveland Clinic, UH & CWRU!

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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

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers a variety of engaging activities, including fascinating museum experiences and natural history tours that cater to enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy live music events and explore the vibrant arts scene nearby, featuring theater and opera performances. This combination of cultural attractions makes it a perfect destination for museum buffs and those looking to enjoy a rich entertainment experience in Cleveland.

Shopping

The shopping experience near the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is vibrant and diverse. West Side Market, only 5 miles away, offers a lively atmosphere with local vendors. Legacy Village, 6 miles away, and Pinecrest Plaza Shopping, 8 miles away, are great for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out additional options beyond this range.

Recreation

Experience the energy of Progressive Field, just 4 miles away, for a thrilling sports event. Enjoy a concert at Severance Hall, only 0.4 miles away, for a delightful evening of music. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit StoneWater Golf Club, located 8 miles away, for a round of golf.

Adventure

At Upper Edgewater Park, 7 miles from the museum, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere. Experience the excitement of winter sports at Brandywine Ski Resort, 16 miles away, and Boston Mills Ski Resort, 17 miles away, both offering fantastic skiing and outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Experience Cleveland's nightlife with a visit to JACK Cleveland Casino, where romance and city vibes await just 4 miles away. For a cultural evening, check out Agora Theater & Ballroom, only 2 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment. Don’t miss Cleveland Arcade, an adventure hub 4 miles from the museum!

Find the best attractions near Cleveland Museum of Natural History

When visiting the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, explore nearby historic and modern colleges, as well as music museums that enhance the cultural experience. This area offers a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of attractions, including the Cleveland Museum and its natural history exhibits. Don’t miss out on immersing yourself in the rich history and science presented at the museum, making it a perfect stop for culture enthusiasts and families alike.

  • Case Western Reserve University: This historic university, located 0.4 miles away, offers a blend of stunning architecture and vibrant campus life. Explore its beautiful grounds and appreciate the academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and culture.
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Situated 4 miles away, this iconic music museum celebrates the history of rock music. With interactive exhibits and memorabilia from legendary artists, it’s a must-visit for music enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the genre's rich culture.
  • Cleveland Museum of Art: Just 0.2 miles from your location, this art museum boasts an extensive collection of artworks from around the world. Enjoy its beautiful galleries and engaging exhibitions that highlight various cultures and art movements.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 money during your visit to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, consider traveling in the off-peak months from December to February, when hotel prices are lower. Aim for a Monday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider package deals for added savings. Joining the One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts. For transportation, take advantage of Cleveland's public transport system, which offers affordable options to get around the city, making it easy to explore without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can narrow down your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near 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.