Draper Natural History Museum

The Draper Natural History Museum offers an immersive journey through Wyoming's natural world that captivates young minds. With lifelike wildlife taxidermy displays and fascinating paleontology exhibits, kids can get up close to grizzly bears, wolves, and prehistoric creatures they've only read about in books. The educational displays are interactive and designed to engage young explorers while teaching them about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

• ✓Life-sized grizzly bear and wolf dioramas showing realistic habitat scenes
• ✓Interactive wildlife ecology displays that teach about predator-prey relationships
• ✓Impressive paleontology collection featuring fossils from prehistoric Wyoming
• ✓Naturalist cabin where kids can handle pelts, skulls, and other natural artifacts
• ✓Seasonal wildlife photography exhibits showcasing Greater Yellowstone animals

1. 1.Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience, allowing kids to explore exhibits at their own pace without crowds
2. 2.The museum is part of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West complex with five museums total,plan at least a half day if kids want to explore other sections
3. 3.Download the museum's audio guide or ask about family-friendly scavenger hunts at the entrance to keep kids engaged
4. 4.Bring a camera,kids love photographing themselves next to the life-sized animal exhibits
5. 5.The museum store has excellent educational books and nature-themed toys perfect for extending the learning at home

Weekday mornings between 8:00-10:00 AM offer the calmest experience before tour groups arrive. Summer months (June-August) are busiest due to Yellowstone tourism, so early arrival is crucial during peak season.

The museum is part of the larger Buffalo Bill Center of the West, so one admission ticket grants access to all five museums in the complex. The facility is fully accessible with strollers, and there's a café on-site for snacks and lunch breaks.

Open year-round with consistent hours seven days a week. Winter months (November-March) offer smaller crowds and easier parking. The museum occasionally hosts special wildlife programs and ranger talks during summer months.

Irma Hotel Restaurant (2 blocks away) offers classic American fare in a historic setting with a kid-friendly menu. Pat O'Hara Brewing Company, just a few blocks down Sheridan Avenue, provides casual dining with burgers, pizza, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.