
World Museum of Natural History La Sierra University
A hidden gem on a university campus, this museum offers captivating exhibits of taxidermy, gems, minerals, and more from around the world.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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World Museum of Natural History La Sierra University
Best Time
Check hours for specific dates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on a university campus, this museum offers captivating exhibits of taxidermy, gems, minerals, and more from around the world.
"A fantastic museum! Not very big but packed with lots to see... A must see if you're a nature lover."

🎯 Verify Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be limited, often only open every other Saturday. Double-check their schedule online or by phone!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking on campus, making your visit hassle-free and budget-friendly.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 43 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World-Class Mineral Spheres
Gem and Mineral Collection
Marvel at one of the world's largest and finest collections of meticulously crafted mineral spheres.

Lifelike Taxidermy
Animal Exhibits
Experience incredibly lifelike taxidermy displays of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles from across the globe.

Dinosaur Skeletons
Paleontology Exhibit
A hit with kids, these life-sized dinosaur skeletons and interactive fossil digs bring prehistoric times to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Operating Hours
Campus Entry Point
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Anyone here live on / lived on W 78th?? Need any tips!
About to sign a lease but want to do a final vibe check on the area. Don’t want to dox myself but the building is in the 300’s W 78th. Any info about the area, neighbors, any infamous buildings (+ reasons) that I may not know about.. all is welcome. Thanks!!
🎯 Verify Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be limited, often only open every other Saturday. Double-check their schedule online or by phone!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking on campus, making your visit hassle-free and budget-friendly.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive fossil digs and life-sized skeletons are a huge hit with children.
💎 Admire Mineral Spheres
Don't miss the unique and meticulously crafted mineral spheres, a standout collection.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be limited, often only open every other Saturday. Double-check their schedule online or by phone!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking on campus, making your visit hassle-free and budget-friendly.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive fossil digs and life-sized skeletons are a huge hit with children.
💎 Admire Mineral Spheres
Don't miss the unique and meticulously crafted mineral spheres, a standout collection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the World Museum of Natural History for its impressive collections, particularly the unique mineral spheres and lifelike taxidermy. It's highly recommended as a family-friendly and educational destination, offering a peaceful environment to appreciate nature's wonders. Some visitors note that operating hours can be limited and require verification.
"What a fantastic museum! Not very big but packed with lots to see, including taxidermy amphibians & reptiles, birds, mammals, gems, minerals, petrified wood, and more from around the world! A must see if you're a nature lover. Free entry and parking. To get to the museum, make sure you enter through the main entrance into the campus. Enjoy!"
Robert M.003
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Family-Friendly Experience at the World Museum of Natural History!
My family and I had an absolutely fantastic time at the World Museum of Natural History! From the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the incredible exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging activities perfect for all ages.
Why We Loved It:
- Kid-Friendly & Educational: The dinosaur exhibits were a huge hit with my children—they loved the life-sized skeletons and interactive fossil digs! The museum does an amazing job making science fun and accessible.
- Stunning Displays: The gemstone collection, wildlife dioramas, and planetarium show were breathtaking. Even my teenager, who’s usually hard to impress, was fascinated!
- Hands-On Activities: The touch-and-learn stations kept our little ones entertained while teaching them about nature in a fun way.
- Clean & Well-Organized: The museum was spacious, easy to navigate, and had plenty of seating and rest areas—a big plus for families with young kids.
- Affordable & Worth It: The ticket prices were reasonable, especially considering how much there was to see. We easily spent a full day exploring!
This museum is a must-visit for families—whether you're locals or tourists. We left feeling inspired, educated, and already planning our next trip back. 10/10 recommend!
Tip: If visiting with kids, check the schedule for special family-friendly events or guided tours—they made our experience even better!
#FamilyFun #MustVisit #NaturalHistory #KidsLoveIt"
Frank
"The World Museum of Natural History contains outstanding systematic displays of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. Specimens prepared by sculpture and freeze-dry taxidermy are displayed in a lifelike manner.
Also on display is one of the world's largest and finest collections of mineral spheres. Rounding out the displays are gems and minerals, fluorescent minerals, meteorites and tektites, petrified wood, shells, American Indian artifacts, and contemplative stones (Suiseki)."
Eddie F.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the La Sierra University campus. Ensure you enter through the main campus entrance. Parking is available on campus and is free.
Information on public transportation routes to La Sierra University can be found on the university's official website or local transit authority sites. It's recommended to check routes and schedules in advance.
Free parking is available on the La Sierra University campus. Visitors should look for designated visitor parking areas once they enter the main campus.
Follow campus signage towards the museum. It's advisable to have a campus map handy or use a GPS app to navigate once you've entered the university grounds.
It's best to enter through the main campus entrance to ensure you are directed towards the museum efficiently. Access from other parts of the university might be less direct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for all visitors.
The museum's hours can be limited and may vary, sometimes only being open every other Saturday. It is crucial to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most current operating schedule.
Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's always a good idea to inquire about any reservation policies.
The museum occasionally hosts special family-friendly events and guided tours. Checking their schedule in advance is recommended to enhance your visit.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum, university campuses generally strive to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to discuss any specific needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a diverse range of exhibits including taxidermy animals, birds, mammals, reptiles, gems, minerals, petrified wood, meteorites, and American Indian artifacts.
Yes, the museum offers interactive displays, including dinosaur fossil digs, which are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Given its size, a visit can range from an hour to a few hours, depending on your interest level. Some visitors have spent a full afternoon exploring.
Absolutely! It's described as an amazing family-friendly experience with educational and engaging exhibits for all ages.
The museum is noted as being spacious with plenty of seating and rest areas, which is beneficial for families with young children or those who need a break.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have on-site dining facilities. Visitors may need to bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit.
It's generally advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food and beverages. Many museums allow water bottles but restrict other food items to designated areas or outside.
Being on a university campus, there may be dining options within La Sierra University. Additionally, the surrounding Riverside area offers various restaurants and cafes.
The area around La Sierra University in Riverside offers a variety of casual dining options, from fast food to local eateries. Exploring nearby shopping centers can also reveal dining choices.
University campuses often have outdoor spaces that might be suitable for picnics. Inquire about campus policies regarding picnicking.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for posted signs or ask museum staff. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted, but commercial use may be restricted.
The lifelike taxidermy displays, the intricate mineral spheres, and the dinosaur skeletons are often highlighted as visually striking exhibits perfect for photography.
Using flash photography is generally discouraged in museums as it can damage delicate exhibits over time and disturb other visitors. Always check for specific rules regarding flash.
Visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or immediately after opening, will likely result in fewer crowds, allowing for better photo opportunities.
Professional photography equipment, including tripods, may require special permission. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance if you plan to use such equipment.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit