Museum of the Earth Ithaca
Explore 4.5 billion years of Earth's history with fossils, interactive exhibits, and stunning glass marine life models.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Museum of the Earth Ithaca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 4.5 billion years of Earth's history with fossils, interactive exhibits, and stunning glass marine life models.
"A great little detour! Peaceful, quiet, and a great place to learn about NY's prehistoric past."
💖 Support the Museum
Consider donating to help save this unique institution from closure. Every contribution makes a difference! :heart:
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
The museum is compact but packed with info. Perfect for a focused visit or a quick educational stop. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mastodon Skeleton
Main Hall
Marvel at an astonishingly complete 97% preserved Mastodon skeleton, a true relic of New York's prehistoric past.
Right Whale Skeleton
Atrium
Gaze up at the impressive suspended skeleton of a Right Whale, a breathtaking centerpiece in the museum's atrium.
Blaschka Marine Life Models
Special Exhibits
Discover intricate, hand-blown glass models of marine life, showcasing the artistry of master artisans from 150 years ago.
Interactive Science Exhibits
Various Galleries
Engage with hands-on displays exploring Earth's history, topography, and hydrology, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
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Planning Your Visit
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Plan Your Visit Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💖 Support the Museum
Consider donating to help save this unique institution from closure. Every contribution makes a difference! :heart:
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
The museum is compact but packed with info. Perfect for a focused visit or a quick educational stop. :stopwatch:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits and fascinating fossils make it a great indoor option for families, especially on rainy days. :child:
🚗 Easy to Access
Located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY, it's a convenient stop for those exploring the Finger Lakes region. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
💖 Support the Museum
Consider donating to help save this unique institution from closure. Every contribution makes a difference! :heart:
⏳ Allow 30-60 Minutes
The museum is compact but packed with info. Perfect for a focused visit or a quick educational stop. :stopwatch:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits and fascinating fossils make it a great indoor option for families, especially on rainy days. :child:
🚗 Easy to Access
Located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY, it's a convenient stop for those exploring the Finger Lakes region. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museum of the Earth a fascinating and well-done stop, particularly appreciating the Mastodon and Right Whale skeletons and the unique Blaschka glass models. While some note it's on the smaller side and could be more interactive, it's praised as a peaceful, educational experience for families and science enthusiasts alike, though its future is uncertain due to funding needs.
"Fascinating Stop on Our Way Home
My wife and I stopped by the Museum of the Earth on a Sunday afternoon while heading home from the Finger Lakes region. It turned out to be a great little detour!
The museum is on the smaller side, but very well done. We spent about an hour walking through and really enjoyed the peaceful, quiet atmosphere—there were only a few other visitors at the time, which made it easy to take our time and explore.
Two highlights for us were the massive Right Whale skeleton suspended overhead and the incredibly well-preserved Mastodon, which was discovered in Hyde Park, NY and is an astonishing 97% complete.
It’s a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and learn more about New York State’s prehistoric past. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area or passing through!"
Thierry Croizer
"The Museum of the Earth, though modest in size, offers an impressively comprehensive look at the planet’s geological and evolutionary history. Exhibits cover fossils, climate change, and New York State’s own natural heritage in a clear and accessible way. Visitors can expect to spend 30–60 minutes, depending on the depth of engagement with the interactive displays and informative videos. While compact, the museum provides a rich educational experience that appeals to both casual visitors and those with a deeper interest in Earth sciences."
ÜNSAL TIRBAN
"As usually, me and my nine years old son enjoyed the permanent exposition - always learning something new about our planet and New York State in the past. And then we had great time at the mollusk exhibition and Blaschka's glass figures. Great unique place!"
Boris Dzikovski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of the Earth is located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. It's easily accessible by car and is a convenient stop for those traveling through the Finger Lakes region.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the museum for visitors.
Absolutely! It's a great stop for a day trip from cities like Syracuse or Binghamton, offering a unique educational experience.
The closest major airports are Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
While public transportation options might be limited directly to the museum, it's worth checking local Ithaca transit schedules for routes that may get you close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the museum's official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on museum of the earth ithaca hours.
Admission fees can change, so please refer to the museum's official website for current pricing details. Consider donating to support their operations.
It's recommended to check the museum's website for online ticket purchasing options, which can sometimes save time.
Inquire directly with the museum about potential discounts for students, seniors, or group visits.
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits and fascinating fossils that are very engaging for children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the incredible Mastodon skeleton, the suspended Right Whale skeleton, and the beautiful Blaschka glass marine life models.
Most visitors spend between 30 to 60 minutes exploring the exhibits, making it a perfect stop for a few hours.
Yes, the museum offers hands-on exhibits that explore Earth's history, topography, and hydrology, making learning fun for younger visitors.
Absolutely! With 7 million fossil specimens, it's a treasure trove for anyone interested in paleontology and geology.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and quiet, especially during off-peak hours, allowing for a relaxed exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The suspended Right Whale skeleton in the atrium and the detailed Blaschka glass models are particularly photogenic.
The sheer scale of the whale skeleton and the delicate artistry of the Blaschka models make for stunning Instagram content.
Lighting varies by exhibit, but generally, it's conducive to photography. The atrium with the whale skeleton is well-lit.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing great shots, but a DSLR can offer more flexibility for detail shots of fossils and models.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🤓 Science Enthusiasts & Paleontology Buffs
🏛️ Culture & Art Lovers
These stunning, hand-blown glass creations are a rare glimpse into historical scientific artistry and are as beautiful today as they were over a century ago. The Right Whale skeleton also serves as a striking visual centerpiece, blending natural history with a sense of awe-inspiring beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Museum's Mission and Future
Community Support is Crucial
Travelers and locals alike are encouraged to visit and donate to the Museum of the Earth.
Exploring the Collections: Fossils and Artistry
Beyond the impressive fossil record, the museum also showcases exquisite Blaschka marine life models. These intricate, hand-blown glass creations, dating back 150 years, are a testament to the artistry of master artisans and offer a unique perspective on the beauty of the underwater world.
The museum also features exhibits on topography, maps, and hydrology, providing a comprehensive look at Earth's physical features and processes. 
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