My Favorite Museums II

During the time I have been writing these articles, I have toured some of the larger natural history museums in my area. But there are other museums that I have visited in the past that I really enjoy and would like to share with you.

The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana, is a small, regional museum. It is not specific to natural history, so you will find interesting permanent displays about the history of Montana as well as regular travelling exhibits that are featured in the museum's main hall. The natural history hall was renovated in 1996 and provides plenty of information about Montana's ancient residents. With paleontologist Jack Horner as the museum's Curator of Paleontology, you will see plenty of great dinosaur finds. If you visit at the right time of year (spring and fall), you can also catch a great laser light show in the museum's state-of-the-art planetarium, and you can always get a great astronomy presentation there.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is fairly small when compared to natural history museums in other large cities. It does not have a large number of dinosaur skeletons on display but has a lot of information about geology in its Walk Through Time. On the Walk, you can ride the Evolator to learn about how the earth has changed over millions of years and walk through a lush jungle of plants and dinosaurs. The volcano is the favorite part for my three young sisters-in-law, who love to jump over the "lava" and consider the display to be as exciting as a funhouse.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado, is one of the largest natural history museums in the United States. The first thing you see when entering is the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex poised to attack. The museum recently opened its new Hall of Dinosaurs, which I could spend several hours in, but don't miss the great dioramas of mammals or the regular traveling exhibits. The Denver Zoo is close by, so be sure to schedule at least one day for the museum and another for the zoo for a great visit to Denver.

It is a great idea to become a member of your local natural history museum. Membership usually includes free or reduced admission to the museum and special events (often invitation to members-only events), as well as a discount at the museum gift shop. You will usually receive a calendar of upcoming events and often a monthly or quarterly publication of museum research. Some museum publications such as Natural History, published by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and Smithsonian, published by the Smithsonian Institution, are quite lush. Some museum memberships also offer a reciprocal membership to other museums. Membership is a great way to learn more about the natural world and to support your local museum.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic