Field Museum Chicago

Visiting The Field Museum Chicago

Chicago's premier museum of natural history.

The Field Museum is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Chicago, covering 460 billion years of natural history under one roof. Here's our lowdown on planning your trip.

The Field Museum was originally founded in 1893 and called the Columbian Museum of Chicago, after the World's Columbian Exhibition of the same year. It brought together artifacts, objects, and exhibits from the World's Fair and has preserved them ever since.

It has served as a center for scientific exploration for over 120 years and is one of the most prominent natural history museums in the country, so there's lots to see and explore. Be sure to use some of these insider tips to make the most of your visit.

Tips for visiting the Field Museum

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Tips for visiting the Field Museum

Download The Field Museum Mobile Tour App for exclusive content, experiences that will help you make the most of your visit, and curated tours based on an interest or theme of your choice.
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Insider tip: use the scavenger hunt on the app to keep kids entertained and engaged with the exhibits in the museum!

Join in on one of the FREE daily tours led by the museum staff.
 

  • Museum Highlights Tour: 11:00 am daily, learn about the Museum's history, most popular collections and exhibitions, and the ongoing science and research being conducted. (45-60 minutes)
  • SUE Talk: 12pm daily. Learn about SUE, the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world. (15-20 minutes)
  • Pawnee Earth Lodge: Weekdays, 1 - 2pm and weekends, 10am - 4:30pm. Learn about Native American life out west on the Great Plains and walk through a traditional 1800s home of the Pawnee.
  • Additional Tours: Check the online calendar for additional docent-led tours.

Pick up a Go City® Chicago pass to save money on admission to The Field Museum and other top attractions right in the Museum Campus, including the Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

Visiting Chicago on a budget? Avoid convenient but pricey food options and pack a lunch. The Field Museum has designated areas in the Siragusa Center where visitors can have a snack.

Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

When to visit

Like many Chicago attractions, The Field Museum is most popular between mid-morning and early afternoon and on weekends. To avoid the biggest crowds, head to the museum early in the morning, later in the evening, and on a weekday. We recommend planning to be at the Field Museum for at least three hours to explore the exhibits fully.

What to do there

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What to do there

The Field Museum features fascinating exhibitions and attractions that cover everything from dinosaurs, to ancient Egyptian life, to Native American life, to natural gems. Some exhibit highlights are:

SUE the T. rex

Field Museum SUE

SUE the T. rex

See the world's largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found in the world. SUE the T. rex is 42 feet long from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip. Examine SUE's original skull from all angles, even underneath, and learn about what scientists believe caused the holes in her jaws and what new discoveries a CT scan of her skull revealed.

Another highlight of this exhibit is the displays depicting the differences between fact, theory, and speculation with clips from pop culture that portray how the scientific knowledge and understanding of the T. rex has evolved through the years.

Underground Adventure

Shrink to 1/100th of your size to get a "bug's-eye view" of the world and immerse yourself in an environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. You'll discover the diversity of bug and animal life that make a home in the soil and learn all about how plant roots, seeds, and fungus find nourishment in the soil.

Organisms you'll learn about include a giant mole cricket, crayfish, wolf spiders, and other animatronic critters. Learn how a mama earwig uses her snapping tail to defend her babies, see snail eggs hatch, and more. Some key takeaways from this exhibit will be how the actions of humans help and hurt soil and thus maintain or threaten the health of the ecosystems that depend on it.

The Tsavo Lions

Learn about the notorious man-eating lions of Tsavo. These large wild lions live in the Tsavo region, located in the Kenya Savannah, and have been the source of a lot of zoological curiosity. You'll see the bodies of the two lions on display.

They're famous for killing an estimated 34 (though legend has it at 135) people in 1898 before being shot by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, on display. Zoologist Bruce Patterson ran tests of hair samples from the lions' bodies that confirmed that the lions had eaten humans close to the time that they were killed. 

Insider tip: Prepare for your trip to The Field Museum by watching The Ghost and the Darkness, the movie that dramatized the events of 1898 and made these two lions famous(Warning: only watch if you like scary movies.).

Evolving Planet

Field Museum

Evolving Planet

Journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth in the Evolving Planet exhibit. Get an up-close look at fossils, animated videos, hands-on displays, and more that tell the story of evolution, the single process that connects everything, from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs and humans, that's ever lived on Earth.

Inside Ancient Egypt

Explore how the elaborate preparations ancient Egyptians made for the afterlife helped to demonstrate what life then was like. Visitors can tour a three-story replica of the tomb of Unis-Ankh, son of the Egyptian Pharoah Unis, dating back to 2400 BC, and examine hieroglyphs, mummies, a Book of the Dead, and even a marketplace with artifacts from everyday ancient Egyptian life.

You'll also see many Ancient Egyptian art and artifacts, from jewelry and charms to pottery and tools. It's an excellent survey of life on the Nile.

DNA Discovery Center

DNA Field Museum

DNA Discovery Center

This working, state-of-the-art DNA research facility is host to dozens of scientists currently analyzing the DNA of thousands of species. The DNA Discovery Center has helped in answering lots of basic and complex questions about DNA and making progress on what we know about life on this planet.

It's one of only a few museums in the world that has a DNA research facility right inside their walls. Visitors can see DNA research in action and speak directly with scientists about their work in the laboratory viewing area (*weekdays from 11:00 am-12:00 pm).

Grainger Hall of Gems

One of the most popular exhibits at The Field Museum, Grainger Hall is home to over 600 gemstones and 150 pieces of jewelry. The display includes many pieces from the legendary Tiffany & Co. Collection offered at the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition, combining the beauty of nature with the creativity of human artistry.

You'll learn about the process of discovering, extracting, and transforming natural rare jewels and turning them into stunning stones and spectacular jewelry. Of course, it's also a stunning exhibition of really striking stones. From beautiful gemstones to bizarre-looking metals and minerals, it's a fascinating exhibition.

Nearby attractions

The Field Museum is conveniently located in Museum Campus, a picturesque park on the water, near a few other top Chicago attractions, including...

Shedd Aquarium

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No trip to Chicago is complete without exploring the impressive diversity of aquatic life from all over the globe at Chicago's most visited attraction, the world-famous Shedd Aquarium. The aquarium is home to 32,000 fascinating marine animals in a range of diverse habitats and exhibits.

Explore Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, and more. 

Getting in: Shedd Aquarium tickets are included are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Adler Planetarium

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Experience all things space and do some out-of-this-world exploration at America's first planetarium. The planetarium encompasses 91 billion light years of the Universe with diverse shows, hands-on exhibits, and scientific experts. Make sure to catch a show at the Atwood Sphere Experience. 

Getting in: Adler Planetarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

The Art Institute of Chicago

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On the other end of the Museum Campus, you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago, consistently rated among the top art museums in the country by TripAdvisor. The museum houses a collection of modern, contemporary, architectural and design-based art pieces. See Chagall's "America Windows", Matisse's "Bathes by the River", and Georgia O'Keefe's "Black Cross, New Mexico".

Northerly Island

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Just south of the planetarium, nature lovers will enjoy exploring Northerly Island, a 91-acre peninsula dedicated to nature with walking paths, play areas, and some of the best fishing in the city.

Plus, it's one of the best places to take pictures in Chicago.

Places to eat nearby

Chicago hot dogs

Places to eat nearby

The Field Bistro - Located in the Field Museum, The Field Bistro offers locally grown prepared foods and products for an easy and family-friendly fast-casual dining experience. The menu features muffins, fresh fruit, hot items, sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, and more. Craft beer and wine is also available at the bar. 

Explorer Cafe - With a menu that supports the Field Museum's educational and sustainable vision, the Explorer Cafe has lots of locally purchased products available in this more cafeteria-style, family-friendly dining option. 

Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Stand - Check off a must-try Chicago food staple experience to your trip to The Field Museum at Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Stand, located right outside the museum. Load up your Polish-style dog with all of the toppings you can stomach and enjoy. 

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - No trip to Chicago is complete without a generous portion of authentic, Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati's features always delicious pies with flakey, buttery crust and unbeatable topping combos. Location: 805 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605 

Kai Sushi - For a little bit lighter fare, try Kai Sushi, a BYOB sushi joint featuring fresh fish dishes and classic Japanese fare. Insider tip: head here on a nice day to enjoy their outdoor patio seating. Address: 1255 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605

Planning to visit lots of Chicago attractions?

With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! 

☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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How to spend 5 days in Chicago

You’ve done the sensible thing and decided to spend 5 days in Chicago. Fantastic! The US ‘second city’ has a range of attractions that many other destinations simply can’t compete against – from magnificent art galleries to lake shore beaches. With a 5 day Chicago itinerary you’ll have the time you need to take in the city’s atmosphere alongside its landmark buildings. You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the city’s more off-beat things to see and do. For a round up of all that’s going on in Chicago, check out our favorite way of spending 5 days in the city. Day 1 – Downtown Chicago With your first hours in Chicago, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the downtown area – otherwise known as the Loop. The location of many of the city’s major landmarks, you’ll be spending much of your time here so it makes sense to get a feel of what’s located where. Whilst one of the most walkable cities in North America, you’re not going to want to wear out your shoe leather on day 1. Nor are you going to want to tackle Chicago’s public transportation, so instead head to one of the dozen stops included on the city’s Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus. The whole circular tour lasts for two hours and is accompanied by an audio narration providing a perfect introduction to the city. However, it’s unlikely you’re going to be able to avoid jumping off at a couple of points of interest. North Michigan Avenue – better known as the Magnificent Mile – is one of the city’s top places to be, blending suited office workers with luxury brands, much-loved restaurants, historic landmarks such as the Old Water Tower and views from 1000 feet up from the floor-to-ceiling windows of 360 CHICAGO in the John Hancock Center. Showing all that Chicago has to offer, it’s just a short stroll to the Museum of Contemporary Art – turn off on either East Pearson Street or East Chicago Avenue to get there for an afternoon amongst the greats of twentieth century art. Day 2 – Lake Michigan You will have already seen its vast expanse from 360 CHICAGO, but day 2 gives you the chance to explore the Lake Michigan shoreline. Start to the north of the Loop in Lincoln Park for views of western lowland gorillas and kangaroos at Lincoln Park Zoo. Then soak up the sun on North Avenue Beach (weather permitting). If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful setting, keep the shoreline to your left as you wander south back into the Loop by way of the upmarket Gold Coast neighborhood. On reaching Navy Pier, there are further options for taking in the Chicago skyline, by slipping into one of the gondolas of Centennial Wheel, which rise to a height of almost 200 feet. Swap gondolas and sidewalks for the lakeshore cycle track by picking up a bike at the pier’s Bike and Roll rentals. Ease yourself into the saddle by making the short journey to Chicago’s Museum Campus, incorporating the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, either one of which will round off the afternoon hours with aplomb. Day 3 – Chicago from the water You’ve taken it in from high up and cycled along it, so there’s nothing more to do than get onto the water and explore Chicago from another angle, especially if your visit to the Shedd Aquarium gave you a feel for life in and on the waves yesterday. Unveiling hidden gems amongst the world-famous landmarks, taking a cruise along the three branches of the Chicago River is like slipping through the city’s two centuries of history. Its shift in architectural styles reveals itself as you cruise the calm blue waters beneath bridges and past structures including the giant art deco Merchandise Mart building and Willis Tower – for many years the tallest building in the world. Follow the river to its natural conclusion and you’ll find yourself floating on Lake Michigan. A Skyline Lake Tour does a similar job to river cruises, but arguably on an even greater scale. Departing from Navy Pier, tours take in the lakeshore forming the natural eastern boundary of the Loop, with commentary providing interesting tidbits of information, such as the fact Batman’s Gotham City is based on the skyscrapers of Chicago. But for an extra-special tour on the water don’t miss your chance to board Windy, Chicago’s official tall ship. With its sails filled with the wind the city is famous for, you’ll tack across Lake Michigan in a fashion almost entirely unchanged since the birth of steam. Day 4 – Chicago culture and more Keep up the pace of your Chicago in 5 days trip by starting day 4 with a few hours in another of the city’s top museums – the Museum of Science and Industry. A great choice for all the family, there are plenty of interactive exhibits, alongside flight simulators, important landmarks in transport and a gallery of exquisite model ships – should your trip aboard the Windy have gotten you hooked on all things nautical. Continue your exploration of Chicago’s culture by seeing a show. The Second City theater is well-known in comedy circles as the place to head for improv and the chance to catch the next big thing before the rest of the world. The Chicago Theater has a busy schedule of plays and pop concerts. Failing that, it’s also possible to head behind the scenes with a Chicago Theater Marquee Tour. Then enjoy a bite to eat. AT&T Plaza beneath the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park is home to an open-air restaurant during the warmer months of the year – replaced by one of the city’s top skating destinations during the winter. Day 5 – Get active End your 5 days in Chicago by mixing up the museum visits and river tours with some physical activity. Maggie Daley Park – immediately east of Millennium Park – has plenty of ways to do this, from free climbing walls and tennis courts to a skating ribbon from November to March. If you need a breather, there are shady groves for picnics in the sun, alongside one of the finest children’s playgrounds we’ve seen rising high above it all. One of Major League Baseball’s oldest arenas, Wrigley Field is a must-see for sports fans. Home of the Chicago Cubs, there’s no better way to understand the city psyche than attending a game. Alternatives include basketball from the Chicago Bulls and ice hockey from the Blackhawks both at the United Center. Save on admission in Chicago Sounds expensive? 5 days in Chicago doesn’t have to be! Go City lets you enter many of Chicago’s top attractions and landmarks with incredible savings versus advertised prices. It means you can do much more on your trip to Chicago than you thought you could without having to worry about your bank balance once!
Ian Packham
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Best Chicago Souvenirs

Taking a trip to Chicago soon? It’s likely you’ll want to take something back home with you that reminds you of your trip. It’s equally likely you’ll want to buy a small item for friends and family you left behind. If you want to find souvenirs made in Chicago rather than tacky plastic items that have no real link with the city, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got some fantastic ideas for the best Chicago souvenirs below! Edible Chicago souvenirs The main problem with edible gifts from the windy city is having the willpower to avoid consuming them all before you’ve even left downtown. Don’t be put off by the long lines which often stretch down the street from the Garrett Popcorn shops on West Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Dishing up their ‘Chicago Mix’, half cheese and half caramel, to the people of the city since 1949, they’re clearly doing something right. Small bags cost as little as $3, though the souvenir skyline tins make a great keepsake long after the popcorn itself is all gone. They also have outlets at O’Hare Airport. With a pedigree dating back even further is Fannie Mae chocolates, which have been Chicago based since first opening in 1920. Head to one of their city center stores and you’ve got the option of creating your own mix of pixies, mint meltaways and vanilla buttercreams. At the upper end of the chocolate market is the Chicago-only Vosges Haut-Chocolat. With each chocolate hand-finished, the company is particularly well-known for their truffles, with flavors as diverse as hazelnut and balsamic vinegar and ginger with wasabi. As some indication of price, a box of 16 truffles will set you back around $50. On the savory front, The Spice House on North Wells Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood (close to Chicago History Museum) offers more than the usual cooking herbs and spices. Their team has created a range of Chicago-themed blends that will brighten up your home cooking for weeks to come. Drinkable Chicago souvenirs The same can be said for another much-loved Wells Street store, Old Town Oil. Specializing in small-batch olive oils and vinegars from farms across the globe, they have some very tasty-looking gift boxes, and can even produce custom bottle labels. Oils and vinegars won’t quench your thirst, but beers will, with Goose Island an award-winning craft brewery set up to bring good beers to the Chicago streets. Using 15 different yeasts to turn the sugars into alcohol before aging the beer in bourbon barrels for extra flavor, visitors are welcome to the brewery tap room on Fulton Street or its Clybourn brewhouse to sample their selection of seasonal and year-round beers. With over 100 international prizes to its name, the Koval Distillery has come a hell of a long way since starting up in 2008 as the first new distillery in the city since the 1800s. Their copper vats produce whiskeys, gins and specialty spirits using organic grains. Everything from soaking of the grain to bottling takes place in house so the dedicated team are able to keep track of every step to produce their signature clean flavors. Jewelry and curios The Field Museum is another great place to keep a lookout for souvenirs. Its store is awash with goodies, though we’ve chosen to focus our attention on their jewelry selection. Linking back to the museum’s incredible natural history collection, it ranges from T-Rex earrings to necklaces and pendants threaded with natural stones such as quartz and onyx. Echoing the form of Chicago’s favorite piece of public art – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate – Tiffany & Co’s Chicago store sells sterling silver bean pendants designed by Elsa Peretti. If the price tag stops you stepping beyond the window displays, various other outlets do similar pieces in base metals. But if it’s a wall in your house you’re thinking of decorating, the store at the Museum of Contemporary Art has a variety of art-based items, from $10 fridge magnets to mobiles based on Bauhaus and surrealist principles which would provide a dash of color to any room. Wearable Chicago souvenirs A sports mad city with professional basketball, ice hockey, baseball and American football teams, getting tickets to a game is an unmissable Chicago experience. And to remember it, what could be better than your very own jersey? Each stadium and arena have their own store, but you can also find items linked to all Chicago’s teams at stores including Clark Street Sports. So whether it’s an oversized foam finger or an official wristband emblazoned with the Chicago Cubs logo, odds are you’ll find it here. Thanks to an array of nationwide and boutique local stores, fashionistas can also take something home that will forever remind them of their time in the windy city. Independent Wolfbait & B-Girls is a marketplace offering the wares of 250 local artisans, including clothing you won’t find anywhere else and an almost endless pick of potential gifts. Other quirky establishments include Optimo Fine Hats, offering custom headgear for men whatever the occasion. Grabbing a T-shirt with the Chicago skyline will help your little ones remember their trip to Chicago, or make them want to visit themselves one day if they weren’t with you. Other items linked to the city’s architecture include ever-popular snow globes containing representations of the Willis Tower and Skydeck amongst other landmark buildings. Spend on the things that count with the best Chicago souvenirs The best Chicago souvenirs are those which continuously remind you of all the good times you had at the city’s attractions. That good time will be made all the better if you’ve visited them with Go City. Explore the city in this way and you’ll be able to take advantage of substantial savings on entrance admission to many of the top attractions and things to do. So why not check out our pass options and join the thousands of visitors who have already done just this?
Ian Packham

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