Photo: John Potter
Photo: Jerald Rhodes
Photo: Fouad Elazaka
University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall
★4.7(1,191 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers are mesmerized by the massive dinosaur displays, while elementary and middle schoolers appreciate the detailed fossil exhibits, mummy artifacts, and interactive science elements. Teenagers interested in paleontology, archaeology, or natural sciences will find the collections fascinating.🧡 Saved by 16 families
About
The University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall brings natural history to life with towering dinosaur skeletons, authentic Egyptian mummies, and impressive wildlife exhibits that captivate curious minds. This hands-on museum offers an educational adventure where kids can explore everything from ancient fossils to native Nebraska wildlife, making it a perfect rainy-day destination or learning-focused outing in Lincoln.
Highlights
- ✓Archie the Mammoth,a massive Columbian mammoth skeleton that's a Nebraska icon
- ✓Elephant Hall featuring enormous prehistoric mammals and impressive fossil displays
- ✓Egyptian mummy exhibits with authentic artifacts and detailed cultural information
- ✓Mueller Planetarium shows (check schedule for family-friendly programming)
- ✓Hands-on Discovery Zone with fossil replicas kids can touch and explore
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9:00 AM on weekdays to beat school field trip groups that typically arrive mid-morning.
- 2.Start on the fourth floor with the dinosaurs,it's the biggest draw for kids and you'll want them fresh and engaged for the museum's star attraction.
- 3.The museum is located on the UNL campus, so use the metered parking on 14th Street or the visitors lot just south of the building,parking can be tricky during university events.
- 4.Download the museum's mobile guide or ask about scavenger hunt sheets at the front desk to keep younger kids engaged throughout the visit.
- 5.Plan your visit on a Wednesday or Thursday for the quietest experience, avoiding weekend crowds and Monday closures.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings from 9:00-11:00 AM offer the calmest experience before field trips arrive. Sundays (12:00-5:00 PM) work well for families who need weekend options, though expect more visitors. Avoid the first hour on Saturdays when it's busiest.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable (free for UNL students, nominal fees for others,check current rates). No café on-site, but you're welcome to visit the nearby UNL campus dining options. The museum is fully accessible with elevators to all floors.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours except Mondays (closed). The museum is an ideal indoor activity during Nebraska's cold winters or hot summers. Check their website for special holiday programming and themed events throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
The Oven (Indian cuisine in the Haymarket District, about 1 mile away) offers a lunch buffet with mild options kids enjoy. Runza, a Nebraska staple with kid-friendly sandwiches and burgers, has a location nearby on campus and throughout Lincoln.
More Activities Near Lincoln
Museum
Morrill Hall
$
Morrill Hall brings science to life through captivating planetarium shows, immersive OMNIMAX films on a giant screen, and hands-on exhibits that encourage curious minds to explore. Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, this interactive science museum offers families an engaging blend of natural history, astronomy, and educational entertainment that makes learning an adventure.
Museum
Lincoln Children's Museum
★4.7$$❤️345
Lincoln Children's Museum is a hands-on paradise designed specifically for young learners, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage exploration through play. With dedicated spaces for water play, creative art studios, and physical climbing structures, this museum keeps preschoolers and elementary-aged children engaged for hours while parents appreciate the educational value woven into every activity.
Museum
Pioneer Auto Museum
★4.6$$❤️179
Pioneer Auto Museum offers an impressive journey through automotive history with over 275 vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles that captivate car-loving kids and adults alike. Beyond the classic vehicles, the museum features fascinating memorabilia collections including antique toys, musical instruments, and Americana that bring the past to life in ways children can actually see and appreciate.
Museum
Sheldon Museum of Art
★4.6$❤️93
The Sheldon Museum of Art offers a wonderful introduction to visual arts for children of all ages right on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. With specially designed family programs, interactive exhibits, and a diverse collection of American art, this free museum makes cultural exploration accessible and engaging for young visitors without overwhelming them.