This little museum is right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is located in the heart of Lincoln Park, which is a very beautiful area. The museum itself is pretty small, but has a few interesting... More

This little museum is right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is located in the heart of Lincoln Park, which is a very beautiful area. The museum itself is pretty small, but has a few interesting nature exhibitions that really interest kids. My kids are always fascinated by the butterfly room and the millions of butterflies that swarm around. Its really cool and really sparks the interest of young children. I think this is a good place to stop by at for a couple of hours and then maybe explore the other surrounding places in Lincoln Park as well.
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Remember that line from an old Elton John tune? That's what came to mind when I visited their special butterfly room at this museum. It was awesome to see these gorgeous little butterflies happily... More

Remember that line from an old Elton John tune? That's what came to mind when I visited their special butterfly room at this museum. It was awesome to see these gorgeous little butterflies happily enjoying their space as tourists walked about. Watch out where you step because the little guys even like to relax on the floor of the room. The museum is very cool, and the guy at the front desk was so nice, I am talking beyond sweet and polite (you gotta appreciate that nowadays) and seemed to appreciate our visiting them. Some of the exhibits are fun and informative and the facility is very clean, roomy and airy. Buses stop at the door (Belmont and Sheridan Avenue routes) and you may get lucky with street parking, but they also have a lot.
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This museum was built a few years ago and looks more like a modern mansion than it does a museum. I say a mansion without any furnishings of course. The main attraction inside is the butterfly room.... More

This museum was built a few years ago and looks more like a modern mansion than it does a museum. I say a mansion without any furnishings of course. The main attraction inside is the butterfly room. They let you walk into a climate controlled inddor garden that is the home for butterflys of every spieces they could breed or find. These beautiful little creatures surround you as you walk thru. I just went a few days ago, I got what are hope are great photos from here. I would like to see them add some more exhibits, but what I did see was cool and educational. What most impressed me and would have impressed Frank Lloyd Wright is how the building is right next to the pond and how there are alot of glass ceilings and walls to show off the outdoor surroundings.
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I'm actually not a big fan of visiting museums or zoo's, etc. I took my daughter to the Peggy Notebart Nature Musuem & it actually kept my interest as well as hers. They have the butterfly haven... More

I'm actually not a big fan of visiting museums or zoo's, etc. I took my daughter to the Peggy Notebart Nature Musuem & it actually kept my interest as well as hers. They have the butterfly haven where you go into a room & there are hundreds of butterflies flying around the room, it is great because you can actually get close enough to see their little faces. They also have alot of educational activities mostly nature & economy related. Thursday are free (suggested donation).
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This museum isn't too large, but it is bright and airy. I spent about an hour there, you would probably spend more time with children, because there are a number of interactive exhibits for them. ... More

This museum isn't too large, but it is bright and airy. I spent about an hour there, you would probably spend more time with children, because there are a number of interactive exhibits for them. The butterfly room is an exciting experience, but not much else stands out.
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The Notebaert Nature Museum has quickly become a popular Chicago attraction. The museum is conveniently located close to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. The Butterfly Haven, Mysteries of... More

The Notebaert Nature Museum has quickly become a popular Chicago attraction. The museum is conveniently located close to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. The Butterfly Haven, Mysteries of the Marsh, River Works, the Wilderness Walk, the Extreme Green House, and the temporary exhibits (currently the Mega Mystery Animal Maze) make the nature museum a great place to spend the better part of the day, particularly for families with children. The Butterfly Cafe, open from 9-3, features lunch, snacks, and cuisine such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pizza.
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A less-frequented locale than the famous Field Museum or Chicago Art Museum, the Peggy Notebart museum is no less of a Chicago treasure. My very favorite exhibit is their exquisite butterfly house-... More

A less-frequented locale than the famous Field Museum or Chicago Art Museum, the Peggy Notebart museum is no less of a Chicago treasure. My very favorite exhibit is their exquisite butterfly house- an amazing indoor greenhouse filled with beautiful butterflies. Call ahead to find out if the butterflies are active at a particular time of day, you won't be disappointed as they land right on you and swirl around you! Rotating exhibits such as Grossology and Animal Grossology are some past-time favorites. The museum is well-priced and easy to do in an afternoon. It includes fun interactives for kids and interesting facts for adults. It is inconviently located in Lincoln Park, which is way over-crowded on a summer weekend. Parking is difficult on weekends, but not impossible.
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