University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall — Attraction in Lincoln

My visit to Morrill Hall in Lincoln, Nebraska was an incredible journey through time and science. The museum is a treasure trove, truly FILLED with so much history that you could spend an entire day getting lost in the exhibits. From ancient fossils to fascinating cultural displays, every corner offers a new opportunity for discovery. ​The highlight of my trip was definitely the planetarium, which is absolutely amazing. The shows are so immersive and beautifully produced, taking you on a breathtaking tour of the cosmos. It's not just a passive viewing experience; it's a a mind-expanding adventure that leaves you with a profound sense of awe and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. ​What makes Morrill Hall stand out is its commitment to engaging visitors of all ages. There are so many activities for kids and adults alike, from hands-on exhibits that let you dig for fossils to interactive displays that explain complex scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way. It's a place where families can learn and explore together, creating lasting memories. ​And after all that exploring, I was so glad I took the time to visit the on-site coffee place. If you happen to go, I can't recommend the iced volcano drink enough—it's to die for! It was the perfect, refreshing treat to cap off a fantastic day of learning and adventure. ​Morrill Hall is more than just a museum; it's a community hub that fosters curiosity and a love for science. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to see what new exhibits and shows they...

The entrance is somewhat boring because a pillar is blocking some exhibits. There are a pair of elephants hidden by an archway and bench. Although the elephant evolution room is great. There is a chronoclogoical order to the exhibits. I personally love the art of the background - the textures and pastel colors are something I haven't seen before but I really like them (good job Elizabeth Dolan)!

I felt that the Palezoic era exhibits could have had a few more species tags. Sometimes I didn't know what I was looking at. There was drawers of these animals with their scientific name.

The evolution hit on important basic concepts with famous examples. There was no cool diorama exhibit but the activities were great.

The new floor has many great exhibits! Everything is in an order. There are not many taxidermied animals. I would suggest that kids are taken here last since I think I saw only 3 activities but if your kid loves tunnels this floor is for them!

I personally loved the first floor. I love dioramas. These were all done well with fake plants, painted backgrounds, and scientific name of the species. It's great having a hall that showcases the species native to the area. It helps me learn what to...

The bronze mammoth sculpture that guards the entrance to UNSM hints at what awaits you inside - other institutions may hold similarly extensive collections of archaic elephant fossils, but I don't remember seeing a whole exhibition gallery dedicated to them, let alone its being the central hall of the museum.

Impressive as they are, elephants are not the only attraction of this place. The exhibitions here are as diverse as those in natural history museums in bigger cities, and what sets UNSM apart is its regional focus: the culture, ecology, and prehistory of Nebraska. No matter which topic you are interested in, you can learn about it from the informative exhibits here.

Built in 1927, this museum is showing its age: the website looks as if it were from the last century; and the lighting and labels on the first to third floor leave a lot to be desired. Even the modernized top floor is a bit short of gallery spaces. But these shouldn't discourage you from visiting, instead, UNSM deserves a spot in any Lincoln to-do list. For the variety and quality of exhibitions it provides, the admission fee is...