📍 2430 N Cannon Dr, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois 60614
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, is a vibrant destination dedicated to connecting people with the natural world.
Operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the museum opened its current glass-enclosed facility in 1999 thanks to the generosity of Peggy and Dick Notebaert. Inside, visitors can explore an array of immersive exhibits, including the renowned Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a lush 2,700-square-foot greenhouse filled with over 1,000 free-flying butterflies from around the world. Other highlights include interactive nature play areas for children, detailed dioramas showcasing the birds of Chicago, and outdoor nature trails that replicate local ecosystems.
The museum also features rotating art and science exhibits, sustainable living demonstrations, and educational programs for all ages, from summer camps to citizen science projects. As both a public attraction and a center for conservation research, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum blends hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and scientific exploration, making it a treasured urban gateway to nature in the heart of the city.
