Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Frommer's Review

Built into the rise of an ancient sand dune -- once the shoreline of Lake Michigan -- this museum bills itself as "an environmental museum for the 21st century." While that sounds pretty dull, most of the exhibits are very hands-on, making this a good stop for active kids (most exhibits are designed for children rather than adults).

Shaded by huge cottonwoods and maples, the sand-colored exterior, with its horizontal lines composed of interlocking trapezoids, resembles a sand dune. Rooftop-level walkways give strollers a view of birds and other urban wildlife below, and paths wind through gardens planted with native Midwestern wildflowers and grasses. Inside, large windows create a dialogue between the outdoor environment and the indoor exhibits designed to illuminate it. My favorite exhibit by far is the Butterfly Haven, a greenhouse habitat where about 25 Midwestern species of butterflies and moths carry on their complex life cycles (wander through as a riot of color flutters all around you). If you're traveling with little ones, I'd also recommend the Extreme Green House, a bungalow where kids can play while learning about environmentally friendly habits, and RiverWorks, a water play exhibit that gives children an excuse to splash around while building dams and maneuvering boats along a mini river. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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