One of my absolute favorite parts of living where we do in Livingston County is being close to two fantastic universities, namely, University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Not only are both fantastic schools to attend, but they both have tons of amazing and FREE programs and events.
For my science loving kiddos, both are a dream to visit. They always leave feeling so inspired!
A destination my kids have loved visiting is the MSU Museum. While much smaller than the University of Michigan’s Natural History Museum, this gem packs a lot of educational value, and is small enough for little legs to traverse {and an elevator if you have a stroller}.
Overall, it’s a great one to pop into while visiting MSU’s campus, where there are lots of other FREE things to check out too!
About the MSU Museum
The MSU Museum is one of the earliest established museums in the nation opened on the campus in 1857. How cool is that?
The building itself is pretty neat, and has three levels and lots of different nooks and crannies to explore.
My kids love the areas on wildlife {especially the huge taxidermy animals}, but are also intrigued by the evolutionary items, cultural collection in the lower level, and dinosaur bones in the Habitat Hall, which has dioramas of different living conditions around the world.
Popular events at the museum include the Dinosaur Dash, Darwin Discovery Day and National Fossil Day. More on those and other special events can be found here. We’ve gone to a few events here, and have always had a great time and a wonderful way for kids to learn about what real scientists do!
Additionally, the museum has a Sensory-friendly day on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. – noon through May 2020.
Next time you’re near Lansing, I recommend popping in for a visit! While there, check out the MSU Gardens, the Dairy Store, the Michigan History Museum and other fun attractions nearby. {Note: This museum would be great to visit in conjunction with the Butterflies in the Garden event that comes every March and April!}
Hours, Admission, Location and Parking
Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission
There is no admission fee, but donations are strongly encouraged if you are able. Or, make sure to check out the gift shop for a trinket — there are some really cool items inside!
Location
The MSU Museum is located at 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Parking
There is limited visitor parking is available in front of the MSU Museum {cost is $2.50 for a two-hour permit, which can be obtained in the gift shop}. But on the weekends there is limited free parking available in designated faculty/staff parking spots — see marked signs. {We’ve always had luck nabbing free parking!}
Learn more about the MSU Museum at their website or Facebook.
Have fun if you visit!
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