Missouri Institute of Natural Science

This was a very interesting place. The staff was friendly and informative. A lot of artifacts from dinosaur bones to mining equipment. There were many different minerals to view. You can even buy some for yourself. There is a place to go mining for minerals and fossils. The hike up is pretty long but it was well worth it. The cost is free but you can donate to help keep them open. Overall it was a great place!

So so cool! I went with my little kids (4 and 2) and a baby. I was worried that they wouldn't be excited about it, but they loved it! There is a huge triceratops and tons of other little fossils. The volunteers were super helpful and very knowledgeable. The only thing that I would mention is that we weren't able to go to the fossil hunting because it is up on a big bluff and a little dangerous with little kids. If you want to bring little kids fossil hunting, make sure to bring enough people to watch them by the bluff! Other than that, super fun! We will definitely go back!

Missouri Institute of Natural Science in Springfield, Missouri! I loved it! The first section is dinosaur fossils. Some still in the original casting when it was being unearthed and transported. Second section was a huge collection of quartz, minerals and precious stones. It was my favorite part with all the different quartz. Some I've never seen before now. The third section was marine life fossils. That was pretty cool as well. I've always been more interested in the prehistoric marine life than dinosaurs. One that caught my eye was a massive fossilized stromatolite which are one of the very first lifeforms on the planet. When you're done there you can walk around the property looking for fossils and keep what you find. I actually found a few of the most common in the area. In the last pic you'll see the "body parts" of a underwater, worm-like creature that I can't remember the name of right now, lol. There's also a cave at the bottom of the property that you can explore. I didn't do this one because the trail was steep with wet surfaces and loose rocks. I really didn't want to get hurt in anyway. But, differently recommend the experience! #mysteryladystravelingfeet #caveexploring #gypsylife #naturelovers #springfieldmo #travelwithme #newexperiences #fossil #dinosaur #NeverTooLate #Missouri #museums #naturalhistory #quartz

Wonderful place with free dinosaur and ice age wonders from free! You can also go dig for fossils from free as well! Staff were very explanatory on all the exhibits and gave us an absolutely wonderful experience and I recommend everyone to go check it out. We will be back soon!!

I liked this place . I'm a person that enjoys Gem, fossils and Dinosaurs this place had it all . It is a learning place . It is free to get in .

Fascinating exhibits, super friendly and helpful staff. Had a fantastic time here. Museum was completely free and they have reasonably priced gifts.

Absolutely amazing!! Never in a life time did I think I would see anything of my favorite dinosaur, the Therozinosaurus… then I came here, and I got to info dump on the person talking to us!! It was so cool!!! The second time, I came with my dad, and I had memorized everything from the first time I went, and I think I impressed the person working that day because of all my knowledge! Made me feel so cool to be in a place like that, plus, you got to LOVE Henry!

This place is worth your time. I can’t wait to go back to visit again. It’s free admission, but donations are appreciated. They have a little dinosaur play corner for toddlers. My daughter liked it so well she didn’t want to let me move towards the back where they keep the cave and mineral items. There were so many cool things to look at and learn. I regret not going sooner. I’m so grateful places like this exist. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who keep this place open.