Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Address:	2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Phone:	+1 773-755-5100
Site:	naturemuseum.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Marcus & Julie Chiu

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is not just a fun, educational, interactive museum, but was THE perfect wedding venue for us last year! It easily accommodated all 150+ of our guests and kids, who absolutely LOVED the museum, the butterfly haven, the outdoor terrace and cocktail hour space, etc. We couldnt have asked for anything better. You can do an indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception, with minimal decoration since the museum itself is already so naturally beautiful, bright and vibrant! Working with Mary Kehoe was a dream come true. She did so much to make our wedding soooo beautiful and perfect! All the months leading up to this day too, she was right there and ready to help us in any way she could, and especially in the weeks before, she was so supportive: answering all our questions, assuring us of everything, letting us stay in after-hours, walking us and our families/friends multiple times through the entire site, introducing us to all the security guards and staff to help us be more comfortable with everything on that day....all the while with a beautiful smile on her face and the most encouraging spirit. This was such a blessing to us!! And even though Mary wasnt scheduled to work our event that night, she made sure to stop by just to double check on things and ensure that EVERYthing was perfect...and it was. Im sure she is like this (and is so busy) with all her brides and grooms, but I truly thank her for making us feel like the only- and most special- ones, every time I talked to her. I hope you can also consider the Nature Museum as an alternative to the typical hotel or banquet hall for your reception. And if not for your wedding- at least make a visit and check out the awesome butterfly haven! ;)

jane val

This Museum is great for kids and adults alike. Always love to visit The Butterfly Haven, one of the coolest things to do at a museum. Lots of butterflies, the kids (and adults) love when they land on you. They always have lots of hands on exhibits for children and if adults want to join in too, thats allowed. Yes, there is always a lot of children around, on weekdays a lot of field groups from schools invade the museum, but, there is plenty for everyone here to see and do. The museum, specifically Butterfly Haven also has an adults-only fun evening event the last Tuesday of every month. It’s a unique chance to stroll around the museum with no kids in sight and take advantage of a cash bar serving local beer and wine. Dont miss the trails outside the building for an extra outing with you family! #CityExperts @GoogleLocalCHI #PartyonLG

A Private User

I have visited this beautiful museum many times and always enjoyed myself. We even have a family membership now! Many of the exhibits are kid-friendly, but interesting and informative for adults as well. You learn about ecosystems, wildlife, the natural world and how/why to protect the environment - its very positive, not preachy. The small cafe even serves local and organic snacks and drinks. Dont miss walking through the butterfly room upstairs where all sizes and colors of them fly free in a rainforest setting, or the praying mantis feeding times! Rotating special exhibits can be small but usually good. Definitely your moneys worth. You can combine your trip to the museum with a bike ride or walk, since its back doors open up to the North Pond, and the museum grounds have a lovely restored prairie. Really an idyllic place.

Justin Maresh

Five stars for the gardens and location. Even if you dont pay to enter the museum, the gardens around it are one of the most serene places in Chicago. While in the area, you can also visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory. Five stars for the museum if you are going with children. Most of the exhibits are perfect for children. I have had great times here with my family. Three stars if you are an adult looking for a science museum to spend an afternoon. Everyone can appreciate the incredible butterfly room, however many science oriented adults are likely to explore the rest of the exhibits rather quickly. This museum only sells snacks. I suggest crossing the street to the free Lincoln Park zoo if you are hungry after your visit.

Vincent Sartor

This place is the perfect compliment to a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I would do the Zoo first, in the morning, to avoid the hottest part of the day, and then head over to cool Nature Museum. The highlight of this Museum is the live butterfly garden filled with dozens of exotic butterflies and moths. We got here on Thursday at 1:00 just in time to see the water snake eating in its bowl of fishes. The docents we interacted with were friendly and knowledgeable, they really seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Many of the exhibits of deceased animals are done better across town at the Field Museum, but this place has a friendly neighborhood feel to it.

Lu Yao

What a little nature haven in the city of Chicago! I just came for the first time to look at the place as my wedding venue, and I fell in love! Ambience: its peaceful and serene. Perfect for an outdoor picnic on a sunny day! Or go upstairs and check out the butterfly room - make sure to bring your camera with a macro lens! Parking: there is free street parking or else expensive parking in the lot across the street. Best way is to just take the 151 bus! This is a kid friendly museum - in fact, its catered toward children, but adults can learn quite a bit here too!

Craig Spiderr

One of the best places for Children in the city. There is so much to do. There is a large and interesting childrens play area. Large focus on conservstion and sustainable pra tices. One of the largest butterfly habitats in the country. Amazing to go to the habitat in the winter and feel the warm air and see the butterflies. They have yoga classes there in the winter. The admission fees are also fair and cheap for the area. Parking can be very difficult during the summer. It is almost best to use their pay lot of the pay lot near Lincoln Park conservatory.

Pam Schwetz

My favorite part is the butterfly section! You can walk in this big area with butterflies flying free. Tons of butterflies in all sizes and colors and when you leave there are mirrors so that you can make sure you dont have any hitchhikers on you. Lots of neat interactive activities for kids and a summer camp. Close to Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Beach and The Conservatory so its a fun spot to hit thats near other attractions. Theres also a nature walk with native plant around the outside thats really cool.

D Pham

Ever had butterflies flying all around you with reckless abandon? Then come check out the nature museums butterfly habitat. I had a blast ooh-ing and ahh-ing at all the amazing, beautiful little flying creatures. And after exiting that room, I also got a chance to see pre-butterflies in their cocoon stage. It was absolutely breathtaking! The rest of the museum is great and informative. They have a few amazing outdoor spaces. I love museums and this is one of the best ones in the world. Go check them out!

Gabriella Israel Grinberg

Just a lovely and well-thought out museum. Its perfect for children, but adults will also find it delightful, entertaining and educational as well. My sister and I bought a city bus tour pass that included the zoo and museum link, and thats how we were able to get to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, as its a little bit too far to get to on foot. My favorite part of the museum is definitely the indoor butterfly garden. If youre traveling with small children, this is a must!