The University of Iowa’s Museum of Natural History is a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon exploring the history of Iowa. Founded in 1858 and located in Macbride Hall, it is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River. The facility is open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours, and admission is always free.
Extant (still existing) animals of Iowa. — photo by Britt Fowler
This Devonian exhibit shows the major organisms found in the fossil record of the Cedar Valley limestone of eastern Iowa. More than forty species seen in this diorama are numbered and identified for you. — photo by Britt Fowler
Pennsylvanian fossil display. — photo by Britt Fowler
Rusty the sloth — photo by Britt Fowler
The William and Eleanor Hageboeck Hall of Birds, where you can find everything from sparrows to Bald Eagles also has some interactive, educational games. — photo by Britt Fowler
This cyclorama is over 100 years old and depicts the Laysan Island, Hawaii. Apparently 100 years ago, a cyclorama was a big deal. — photo by Britt Fowler
This human ancestry display has tons of cool skulls. — photo by Britt Fowler
Paleolithic man. — photo by Britt Fowler
A day in the life of an early native inhabitant of Iowa. — photo by Britt Fowler
The museum holds regular events, which can be found on their website. Interested in volunteering? There’s a place for you! 
