
University of Nebraska State Museum Morrill Hall
Explore Nebraska's rich natural history, from colossal mammoths to live bee colonies, at this engaging university museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

University of Nebraska State Museum Morrill Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Nebraska's rich natural history, from colossal mammoths to live bee colonies, at this engaging university museum.
"Morrill Hall was an amazing experience! As adults, we took our out of town family to this museum & we LOVED it!"

Plan for 4 Floors!
Don't miss any exhibits; there are four floors packed with fascinating displays. :world_map:
Interactive Fun for All
Engaging exhibits make it fun for teens and adults, not just kids. :smiley:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Archie the Dinosaur
Entrance Hall
Stand in awe of Archie, a colossal Columbian mammoth skeleton, greeting you at the museum's entrance.

Fossil Halls
Various Floors
Explore the 'proboscidean capital of the world' with incredible fossil displays, including saber-toothed cats.

Interactive Bee Exhibit
Ground Floor
Witness a live observation hive and learn about the fascinating world of bees and their importance.

Nebraska Biodiversity
Various Floors
Discover the rich tapestry of life in Nebraska, from ancient fossils to modern-day flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Morrill Hall
Navigating the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Plan for 4 Floors!
Don't miss any exhibits; there are four floors packed with fascinating displays. :world_map:
Interactive Fun for All
Engaging exhibits make it fun for teens and adults, not just kids. :smiley:
Planetarium Option
Consider adding a planetarium show for an extra cosmic experience. :star2:
Saber-Tooth Cat Fascination
The Barbourofelis display is a must-see for fossil enthusiasts. :cat2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Plan for 4 Floors!
Don't miss any exhibits; there are four floors packed with fascinating displays. :world_map:
Interactive Fun for All
Engaging exhibits make it fun for teens and adults, not just kids. :smiley:
Planetarium Option
Consider adding a planetarium show for an extra cosmic experience. :star2:
Saber-Tooth Cat Fascination
The Barbourofelis display is a must-see for fossil enthusiasts. :cat2:
Bee Lab Buzz
Check out the live bee observation hive for a unique glimpse into their world. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Morrill Hall for its extensive and engaging exhibits, particularly its impressive fossil collections and interactive displays that appeal to all ages. The museum is noted for its cleanliness and the kindness of its staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and adults alike. While some visitors may not have time to see everything, the overall experience is highly positive, highlighting its value as a significant natural history museum.
"Had some time while attending a conference and stopped in to this museum. It is a pretty large museum for being a university natural history museum. There's a really great selection of exhibits and I found it really interesting, even as someone unfamiliar with what animals are native to Nebraska. I gained a really great understanding of Nebraska. The museum has done a good job being interactive without being too focused on children. Kids would really enjoy this museum but adults will too! There is a planetarium however I did not do this."
Spencer Owen
"Morrill Hall was an amazing experience! As adults, we took our out of town family to this museum & we LOVED it! We didn’t even get to go through it all because there was so much to see & we had a time limit because of previous engagements. In the end, there are so many exhibits to see, the staff members were very kind & helpful, & the facility was incredibly clean! To top it all off, there was a basket with free to use, tampons, pads, & small paper bags for sanitary products. This means a lot to me, as a female, this shows the level of quality these staff members show. Thank you Morrill Hall!"
Alyssa Penner
"Morril Hall has always been a favorite place for my family to go. Now my youngest grandson enjoys his visits. He is 3-1/2 so we go thru the exhibits pretty quickly and that's ok."
Rene' Chandler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Morrill Hall is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Visitors can typically find parking in nearby garages or lots, though it's advisable to check the university's parking regulations. Public transportation options are also available within Lincoln.
Parking near Morrill Hall can be challenging on campus. The university offers several parking garages and surface lots, but fees may apply. It's recommended to check the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's parking services website for the most up-to-date information on availability and costs.
Yes, Morrill Hall is located in the heart of Lincoln, making it accessible by foot from many downtown hotels and attractions. The walk offers a chance to see the city's charm.
If you're visiting Lincoln, driving to the UNL campus and utilizing campus parking is a common approach. Alternatively, ride-sharing services can drop you directly at the museum.
Lincoln's public transit system serves the university area. You can check the official Lincoln transportation website for specific bus routes and schedules that stop near Morrill Hall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Morrill Hall is generally affordable, with specific pricing for adults, seniors, and children. Check the official museum website for the most current admission rates and any potential discounts.
Morrill Hall is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Always verify hours on their official website before your visit.
While advance booking isn't always required, it's a good idea, especially for groups or during peak times, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Check the museum's website for online ticket purchasing options.
Information on free admission days is not widely advertised, but it's always worth checking the museum's official website or contacting them directly for any special promotions or community days.
The planetarium often requires a separate ticket or fee in addition to general museum admission. It's best to confirm this when purchasing your tickets or on the museum's website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the massive Archie mammoth skeleton, extensive fossil collections (especially proboscideans and saber-toothed cats), and the live bee observation hive. The museum also showcases Nebraska's biodiversity.
Absolutely! Children will love the interactive displays, the giant dinosaur fossils, and the bee exhibit. It's a great place for families to learn together.
To fully appreciate the exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you wish to see a planetarium show, add an extra hour.
Yes, the museum is designed to be engaging for all ages. Many exhibits offer interactive components that appeal to adults, providing a deeper understanding of natural history.
Morrill Hall boasts one of the most impressive collections of fossil proboscideans (mammoths, mastodons, and elephants) in the world, earning it this title.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Morrill Hall does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Visitors are advised to plan for meals before or after their visit, with many dining options available on the UNL campus or in downtown Lincoln.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries to protect the exhibits. There may be designated areas for consumption, but it's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and the surrounding downtown Lincoln area offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
Yes, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus has several dining halls and cafes that may be accessible to the public. These can be a convenient option for a quick bite.
Downtown Lincoln and the areas surrounding the university have numerous family-friendly restaurants, including pizza places, diners, and casual eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Morrill Hall, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage or ask museum staff if you're unsure.
Video recording for personal use is typically allowed, but again, without flash. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
The massive Archie mammoth skeleton, the detailed fossil displays, and the live bee observation hive are all highly photogenic. The architecture of the building itself is also quite striking.
Weekday mornings tend to have fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. Natural light can be good in certain areas, but be aware of the museum's lighting conditions.
Tripods and professional photography equipment are often restricted inside museums to prevent damage and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With four floors of discovery, you can easily spend a significant portion of your day here. The museum is designed to be educational without being overwhelming, making it a perfect outing for younger children and teenagers alike. Don't forget to check if the planetarium shows are running, as they offer an extra layer of wonder for the whole family.
🤓 Fossil and Paleontology Enthusiasts
Explore the saber-toothed cat exhibits and delve into the prehistoric ecosystems of North America. The detailed displays and informative context provided by the museum make it an incredibly rewarding experience for anyone fascinated by paleontology and the deep history of life on Earth.
📚 Students and Academics
The museum's extensive fossil collections provide valuable insights for paleontology and evolutionary biology research. It's a great place for students to gain a deeper understanding of Nebraska's natural heritage and the scientific processes that shape our world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wonders of Nebraska's Past
Beyond the mammoths, the museum features a remarkable array of fossilized creatures, including the fearsome Barbourofelis, a false saber-tooth cat. These exhibits provide a vivid glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. The interactive nature of many displays ensures that learning about these ancient animals is engaging for all ages, making it a standout experience for fossil enthusiasts.
Exploring these fossil halls is like stepping back in time. The detailed displays and informative panels help visitors understand the evolutionary journey of these magnificent creatures and the geological periods they inhabited. It’s a powerful reminder of the dynamic history of life on Earth, right here in the heart of Nebraska.
Biodiversity and Living Exhibits
A particularly captivating exhibit is the live bee observation hive, managed by the UNL Bee Lab. This allows visitors to witness the intricate workings of a bee colony up close, observing bees as they forage, communicate, and tend to their young. It's an educational and mesmerizing experience that highlights the crucial role of pollinators in our environment.
These living exhibits, combined with displays on local wildlife and plant life, create a comprehensive picture of Nebraska's natural heritage. They underscore the museum's commitment to educating the public about the importance of conservation and understanding the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.
A Family-Friendly Educational Hub
The museum's commitment to inclusivity is evident in thoughtful touches, such as the provision of sanitary products in restrooms, which has been highlighted as a sign of exceptional care and quality by visitors. This attention to detail contributes to a welcoming and comfortable experience for everyone.
With four floors packed with diverse displays, from colossal skeletons to live insects, Morrill Hall offers a rich and rewarding experience that fosters curiosity and a love for learning about the natural world. It’s a place where memories are made and knowledge is gained, making it a highly recommended stop for any family visiting Lincoln.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit