Description: The North Carolina Natural Sciences Museum should most definitely be on your list of things to do while in Raleigh, as it will be sure to delight all the members of your family.
This hands-on science museum is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. The museum has been in existence since 1849. This expansive collection covers four stories. You can find everything here from dino bones, a waterfall, butterflies, and Willow, the only fossilized dinosaur in existence with a complete heart. In between the exhibits you can find classrooms and overlooks.
Level 4 is where you will find my favorite place, the Living Conservatory. Walk inside and you will be transported to a room filled with live butterflies, humming birds, and a sloth! Marvel as these winged beauties flit and flutter about and stop for the occasional photo op. You will find the Naturalist Center and the Terror of the South overlooks, which overlooks the dinosaur exhibit and offers looks at the surrounding buildings in Raleigh.
Level 3 holds the mountain cove and the tropical connection. The big draw here is the Terror of the South rotunda and the Prehistoric North Carolina gallery, which features bones from massive blue whales and other prehistoric creatures.
Level 2 offers a look at North Carolina natural mineral resources and the mountain to sea exhibit, which features live animals and a two-story waterfall. The Discovery Room offers hands-on exhibits for children. Level 1 highlights the natural treasures found thought the state.
The museum, in its new modern building, is an amazing adventure for everyone. Adults seem especially drawn to the butterfly pavilion and no one ever gets too big to be in awe of the remnants of some of the largest creatures who ever walked on the planet. The museum is proud to be the permanent home of Willow. Willow is a Thescelosaurus some 66 million years old. When the fossilized skeleton was discovered, it was found with a complete fossilized heart, something believed to be almost impossible to find. The fossil was found in 1993 in South Dakota. In fact, Willow has her own website at www.dinoheart.com.
The museum offers an extensive gift shop. It offers restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Make sure you have 51 cents with you, as they have one of those nifty penny machines. They do have a cafeteria on the premises. You can host your next big event here. They also have special birthday packages. They have a number of events throughout the year.
Admission is free, but please be generous and make a donation. Some special events require an admission fee.
Open Mon-Sat 9am –5pm (Living conservatory opens at 11am)
Sun noon-5 pm
Website:
www.naturalsciences.orgClose