Live Animal Expo!

NEW at Burpee!
April 11–12 • 10am–7pm

Meet incredible live reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates while exploring a wildlife marketplace, expert talks, and hands-on animal encounters throughout the museum.

Work At Burpee

Burpee has open positions! From Paleontologist to Research Associate to Educator to Visitor Experience, Burpee is ready to get to know you.  Are you ready to join our team?

All Positions Require:
  • A passion for the natural sciences
  • A positive attitude
  • Ability to pass a background check

Animal Encounters

Go beyond the exhibits and step into a 45-minute behind-the-scenes animal experience with Burpee’s team. Meet incredible reptiles and other fascinating creatures up close while learning how they live, eat, and help us understand the natural world. Bring your camera! These are moments you’ll want to remember. Each encounter includes museum admission and reserve in advance: tickets are limited and sell out.

Music On The Rock

Live Music. Wednesday Nights.
On the banks of the Rock River at Burpee, we present different artists each week! Relax and enjoy food and drink with friends and family at out beautiful outdoor theater from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Paleo Experience

Go “Behind-the-Scenes” and learn about Burpee Paleontology Lab!  For a rare behind-the-scenes look at how real fossils are prepared and studied, you can meet the scientists and volunteers working on fossils from the famous Hell Creek Formation, Morrison Formation Giants, and other field sites. This 45-minute guided experience includes museum admission and offers a closer look at the discoveries happening at Burpee every day. Tickets are limited each day, so advance reservations are secure your seat.

Plan Your Visit!

Skip the wait and buy your tickets online! Experience the museum’s collections and exhibits with ease—secure your general admission tickets today for a hassle-free visit.

Become a Member!

Enjoy the perks!

  • Unlimited general admission trips to Burpee
  • Free or discounted admission to ticketed exhibitions
  • Free subscription to Out of the Rock, our member magazine
  • So much more!

Welcome School Groups!

Fieldtrip Tours, Workshops, and Outreaches!

We can’t wait to bring your group face to face with a T. rex or a Tegu!  Plan your trip to Burpee with curriculum aligned activities for your students or bring us out to visit you with our mobile classroom!

Promotions & Events

Current Exhibits

Jane

Diary of a Dinosaur

Pleistocene

Ice Age in Illinois

Carboniferous Era

Coal Forest

Geology

The Earth Below Your Feet

Sprouts Learning Lab

A Child-Friendly Exhibit of Exploration

Homer

Homer's Odyssey

Scientists at Work!

Talk to scientists at the open window at the viewing lab

Donate To Burpee Natural History Museum

During this unprecedented time of COVID-19 limited attendance, limited classes, and loss of income, Burpee has a great need for your support.
Today we need your help more than ever to keep the doors open for our community. Your gift’s impact can change our future.