Illinois State Museum - Springfield, Illinois

Alan L.

Free for Illinois residents, I took my 6 year old first grader here for the first time and he really loved it. The natural History exhibit on the first floor was his favorite, I was so surprised he was reading almost everything (he is a voracious reader right now). The 2nd floor is nice too but not as interesting as the first floor IMO, and the kids area in the basement is also nice, not as cool as a full children's museum, but it was a nice cherry on top since we went down there last - which is what I would recommend.

Casey P.

This museum surprised me!! Wonderful exhibits and very friendly staff. The gift shop was great with all kinds of treasures for the young and old!! And best of all, admission is FREE!!

The V.

My wife's father set up many of the exhibits. He passed before his grandchildren were able to meet him. His seven year old granddaughter was able to see many of the works he left behind. Very special moment. Good stuff

Dustin B.

This museum is amazing it has lots of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids, and they have a floor devoted to kids with tons of fun things to do. we will definitely be back

Mikha’el C.

This is a neat museum. The main floor starts out telling the history and science around the state of Illinois. There are many fossils and other artifacts on display. The upper floor is just as fascinating. You get to experience what homes would have looked like in the past and items they would have been filled with. The lower level is great for younger kids. They enjoyed playing and learning through the interactive displays. They also had a nice small children’s library to get a little rest with a good book.
We all had a great time he exploring everything the museum has to offer

Amie B.

We have loved visiting ISM for 18 years - since we moved to Illinois. I've raised my two children as regulars here, and they still learn something new with each new trip.

We miss the Native American exhibits and look forward to their return or reinvention, the art gallery upstairs is always a favorite with my young artist, and my youngest has so much fun in the Play area.

The gift shop has a wide variety of items in semi-affordable price range, but I was particularly pleased to see items by local artists for sale as well, and we each (myself and my two kids) each got a little something.

Keeping the museum as a free attraction is so appreciated, too, since I just don't make a lot of money and it's something fun we can do pretty often and not get tired of it, and don't spend a fortune on return visits.

We spent 2+ hours inside your museum, and for us, that was a fast trip.

Savanna S.

Super cool museum for kids and adults! There is so much to look at, we could of spent longer looking at all the information, but kids are impatient. The kids play room is very cool, the kids had such a blast exploring and playing! Great place to spend a couple hours! Only issue was parking nearby, but otherwise a great adventure!

J L.

This place is free to get it. I parked across the street and it was the weekend so didn't pay for parking. You just see the people at the front desk they give you information about the museum. I really like the different floors. Main floor was science and Earth weather, animals. Audible videos to watch and learn, well put together displays. 2nd floor was more art and history with toys clothing furniture. Some in big displays and some in miniature displays. They had some toys from different decades so the kids to try to play with them. The lower level Basement was a kids area they had a book nook for kids to read, again different toys from different decades for them to see and play with they had a big dinosaur bone play area.
Need a good educational free place for your family. Here it is...