For a hands-on look at natural history specimens, the Discovery Zone is the place to be. Don't miss the Insect Zoo, the largest in the western United States. Here there are plenty of fossils and dinosaurs, gems and minerals, impressive animal dioramas and rotating special exhibits. Children can take fossil rubbings from a realistic-looking rock wall; examine water drops under a microscope; observe live animals such as snakes, fish and lizards and get nose to nose with a stuffed lion, tiger and bear.
Jurassic Park, the well-attended movie, made millions of people aware of the treasures like DNA buried deep within amber. In August of 1999, The Natural History Museum was the beneficiary of a private collection by a local businessman of 275 pieces of rare amber from the Baltic and Dominican regions that contain ancient insects 40 million years old. The amber pieces range in size from a foot long to the size of a nickel with the collection being valued at well over $350,000.
Got dinosaurs on your mind? You won't go away empty handed here. The dinosaur collection is the most popular attraction at the museum. Dinosaur exhibits include the museum's hallmark, the "Dueling Dinosaurs," complete skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops posed in battle, a cast of complete skeleton of a Mamenchisaurus, the largest-necked dinosaur ever discovered, and one of the few and finest Tyrannosaurus rex skulls on view anywhere. Dramatic models of an Allosaurus and Carnotaurus are also on display.
The Gem and Mineral Hall showcases the largest gold exhibit in the world, highlighting 300 pounds of natural gold and gold mining artifacts, equipment and memorabilia. Hixon Gem Vault is home to priceless treasures including star rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
Home to one of the world's rarest sharks, Megamouth, a 14.5 foot long male, the first of its species to be placed on view at any museum. Elusive and unique among sharks, this bruiser is only the eleventh example to be discovered since 1976.
Animated birds, three walk-through habitats and 27 separate learning stations are featured in the popular Schreiber Hall of Birds. More than 500 birds from around the world are on display.
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