Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Discover Chicago's natural wonders at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, featuring a stunning butterfly haven and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free for Illinois residents!
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Best Time
Free for Illinois residents!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Chicago's natural wonders at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, featuring a stunning butterfly haven and interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A lush greenhouse filled with butterflies and interactive exhibits makes this a must-visit for families."
🎯 Free Thursdays for IL Residents
Illinois residents get free admission on Thursdays! Plan your visit accordingly.
🦋 Butterfly Haven Magic
Butterflies are most active in warmth. If one lands on you, it's good luck!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Judy Istock Butterfly Haven
Second floor
Step into a lush greenhouse filled with exotic butterflies fluttering all around you. A true oasis!
My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago Exhibit
Gallery space
An immersive photo display showcasing Chicago's natural beauty and changing seasons. Engaging and artistic.
Interactive Kids' Play Areas
Various locations
Designed for curious minds, these areas feature nature-themed play, water features, and bug exhibits.
Live Animal Exhibits
Various locations
Discover local wildlife, including turtles, frogs, snakes, and even quails in the butterfly haven.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Thursdays for Illinois Residents
Butterfly Haven Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Thursdays for IL Residents
Illinois residents get free admission on Thursdays! Plan your visit accordingly.
🦋 Butterfly Haven Magic
Butterflies are most active in warmth. If one lands on you, it's good luck! 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, especially in the butterfly haven.
💧 Water Play Areas
Bring a change of clothes for the kids if they plan to enjoy the water play areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Thursdays for IL Residents
Illinois residents get free admission on Thursdays! Plan your visit accordingly.
🦋 Butterfly Haven Magic
Butterflies are most active in warmth. If one lands on you, it's good luck!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, especially in the butterfly haven.
💧 Water Play Areas
Bring a change of clothes for the kids if they plan to enjoy the water play areas.
📸 Capture the Moments
The museum offers great photo opportunities, especially in the butterfly garden.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical butterfly haven and the engaging, interactive exhibits perfect for children. The museum's focus on local nature and its convenient location near Lincoln Park Zoo are also frequently praised. While generally a hit with families, some note that older children might find it less captivating than younger ones, and staff interaction could be more prominent.
"We loved the butterfly house and the portion with the turtles abs frogs. Taxidermy projects were interesting. Lots of interacting things for kids to do. Right next to North Pond if you want to take a leisurely walk after the museum. Lots of turtles in North Pond. Staff was not very interactive."
Sarah Wertz
"This was such a beautiful place. I’m not sure why I hadn’t been any sooner. It was like the DuPage children’s museum but for nature when you enter on the lower level, they had a really cool ecosystem or irrigation exhibit that the kids loved playing in the water, there’s three levels the butterfly garden I believe is on level two so many different animals not in the sense of a zoo, but in terms of nature, turtles snakes, etc. the butterfly garden was beautiful. It was huge and we saw quails in there as well. I’ve never seen them in person. There is a bus that you can take all the way down, but I booked spot here and walked about 5 to 7 minutes and it’s right across the street from Lincoln Park zoo."
Alexis Simmons
"I come here with my boys as often as possible (oldest is 4 1/2y). Always a fun time! Several distinct play spaces and two separate water play areas. The permanent displays are always fun to walk through and the downstairs reptiles and amphibians always keep the boys entertained. The butterfly garden upstairs is incredible, especially during the winter it's such a great spot to feel like you're outside and warm.
There's a large gallery on the 2nd floor that changes every few months, and it's always excellent. Sometimes it's more play oriented, sometimes more live animal (like the large reptile exhibit a while back), and sometimes more art gallery. Today, it's a very cool combo of exhibits, the highlight being a spot to color butterflies, digitally scan the coloring paper, and the butterfly comes to life on the wall. One of the coolest combinations of hands on craft and tech and art.
Overall, highly, highly recommend. It's definitely heated towards younger kids, but there's still something there everyone would enjoy!"
Paul Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, in Lincoln Park. It's accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes nearby. Parking can be found on the street, though it might be limited.
Street parking is available near the museum, but it can be competitive, especially on busy days. Some visitors suggest using the Kids Museum Passport for potential parking benefits.
Yes, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is conveniently located across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo, making it easy to combine visits.
Absolutely! Several Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus lines stop near the museum, offering an easy and affordable way to reach it. Check the CTA website for specific routes and schedules.
Taking a bus or rideshare can be convenient with children. If driving, factor in time for parking. The museum's proximity to the zoo also makes it a great starting point for a family day out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially on holidays.
General admission is around $15 for adults. However, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission every Thursday. Check their website for current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday. This is a popular time for local families to visit.
It is recommended to reserve tickets online in advance, especially for free Thursday visits or during peak times, to ensure entry and save time.
Yes, children typically require tickets, though pricing may vary by age. The museum is very family-friendly with many interactive exhibits for younger visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a major highlight, offering a tropical escape year-round. Don't miss the 'My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago' exhibit and the interactive play areas for kids.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families with young children, featuring interactive play spaces, water play areas, and engaging exhibits like the butterfly garden and Nature Cat. +1
You can see a variety of live animals, including turtles, frogs, snakes, and quails. The butterfly haven is home to numerous exotic butterfly species.
Yes, the museum has outdoor walkways for observing local wildlife and is situated near North Pond, which is also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
The First Flight Butterfly Release happens daily at 2 PM in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. It's a fascinating event to witness.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or snack bar offering light refreshments. However, options might be limited, so some visitors prefer to bring their own snacks or plan a meal nearby.
Yes, the museum is located in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, which offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit various tastes and budgets.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally a good idea to check the museum's guidelines regarding outside food and beverages. Many museums allow small snacks and water bottles.
Museum cafes often serve sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. It's best to check the museum's website or call ahead for the most current menu information.
Lincoln Park has many family-friendly restaurants. You can find casual eateries and cafes that cater to families with children, making it easy to grab a bite before or after your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially in the butterfly haven and exhibits. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the animals and exhibits.
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven offers stunning opportunities with colorful butterflies. The 'My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago' exhibit also provides unique photographic subjects.
For professional photo shoots or commercial use, you'll likely need to contact the museum in advance to obtain permission and potentially a permit.
Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Flash photography is often discouraged, especially in areas with live animals.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the indoor exhibits, especially the butterfly haven. A macro lens can be great for capturing butterfly details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes for the water play areas and comfortable shoes for exploring. With free admission for Illinois residents on Thursdays and its location near the Lincoln Park Zoo, it's an accessible and budget-friendly option for a family day out.
🦋 Butterfly Enthusiasts
+1 You can spend hours observing their delicate flight patterns and vibrant colors. Don't miss the daily butterfly release at 2 PM, a truly enchanting spectacle.
The museum also features exhibits that delve into the life cycle and importance of butterflies, offering a deeper understanding of these beautiful insects. 🌱 Nature Lovers & Eco-Conscious Visitors
Its commitment to education and conservation makes it a meaningful visit for anyone interested in the natural world. The museum's location in Lincoln Park also allows for further exploration of urban nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Butterfly Haven
+1During your visit, keep an eye out for the daily First Flight Butterfly Release at 2 PM, a captivating event where newly emerged butterflies take to the air. If you're lucky, a butterfly might even land on you – a moment many consider a sign of good luck! The haven is particularly magical during the colder months, offering a warm and colorful respite from the winter chill.
To make the most of your butterfly encounter, aim for warmer times of day when the butterflies are most active. The sheer variety of species, like the Paper Kite butterfly and Idea leuconoe, is astounding, offering endless opportunities for observation and photography.
Interactive Learning for Young Explorers
+1One popular exhibit, based on the PBS animated show 'Nature Cat,' invites children to complete tasks and use tools to navigate different environments, fostering a sense of adventure and problem-solving.
Another innovative exhibit allows visitors to digitally color butterflies, scan their creations, and watch them come to life on a large wall display – a fantastic blend of art, technology, and nature. These interactive elements make the museum a fantastic destination for families, ensuring that even the youngest visitors remain captivated and entertained. The museum's focus on learning through play makes it a valuable educational experience disguised as fun.
Exploring Chicago's Natural Heritage
The museum's exhibits often highlight local flora and fauna, encouraging visitors to appreciate the biodiversity within their own city. Beyond the permanent displays, the museum features rotating galleries that explore various aspects of nature and science. These exhibits can range from immersive photo displays, like 'My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago,' to interactive installations focusing on live animals or art.
The museum's location in Lincoln Park also provides opportunities to connect with nature beyond its walls. Its proximity to North Pond offers a chance to observe local waterfowl and other wildlife, extending the nature exploration experience.
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