Missouri Institute of Natural Science — Attraction in Nixa

Staff greats you at the door and is very friendly and helpful if you need them to be, but otherwise backs off and let's you just experience the place - that's a great harmony of customer experience! The triceratops is the main feature walking in and all the kids love triceratops! The "woolly mammoth" in the other room (I can't recall if it was a mastadon) was another that my boy loved. We really enjoyed just looking at the bones and reading about the collections. We also were told we could do a short hike in their back woods and it comes to a place where you can dig for "fossils"; it was pretty muddy that day but of course the boys don't mind. We looked and found a few of those "Cheerio" looking "fossils" and they allow you to keep it if it fits in a ziplock baggie. Very fun place, definitely worth it for the NO ADMISSION FEE (we bought stuff and donated anyway because it was really neat!). We'd probably visit again to see how they are progressing on the "ceratops" and what new...

Come see science in the making as these Paleontologists are actively re constricting Henry the triceratops and another dinosaur also found next to Henry at the dig site (can't remember what type). It is so fun to bring the kids for an educational time. The people at the museum are very knowledgeable and friendly! It will take you a few visits to see everything! Also, they have a trail that will lead to a high point with a gorgeous view and a large area to dig for fossilized marine creatures! (They look like cheerios) What is more, these formations are directly above one of the oldest prehistoric caves in North America! (It is sealed to the public), but I find it very neat! Their gift shop is also very special with lots of fossils and gem stones for sale at a great price. I like getting stuff to support the museum as it is absolutely free!...

Yeah, sure, go out & pick up some fossils, take 'em home. Make a necklace with them, whatever it's cool. You don't hear that at many museums, but you do here & you should take them up on their offer. They may be crinoid fossils which really are almost literally common as dirt, but there's still a thrill to be found picking up something that is so mind bogglingly old, and then having someone confirm to you that yes, this funny looking rock really is that mind bogglingly old. And then check out the museum itself. It's a little "mad scientist garage" as far as organization goes, but it is clean, informative, and very informative about the specific history of the Southwest Missouri area and I appreciate that. Plus, free admission. Go in, look around, buy something from the shop to help them keep the lights on and then take some really old rocks...