Natural history and paleontology museum

Burpee Museum of Natural History

About 566 meters straight-line north of the Riverview trolley station

Burpee Museum of Natural History is an independent four-floor Rockford museum about 566 meters straight-line north of the Riverview trolley station.

The place

About Burpee Museum of Natural History

Burpee Museum presents paleontology, geology, regional natural history, live animals and working science labs across four public exhibit floors at Riverfront Museum Park.

Current hours are Monday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The museum closes on New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Current general admission is $15 for ages 13+, $13 for ages 4–12 and free for ages 3 and under. Senior, military and Museums for All discounts have separate current conditions.

The museum publishes elevator service, free wheelchair availability, a main-entrance drop-off, nearby accessible parking and accommodation planning by phone. Visitors should expect walking, buttons, touchable specimens and areas with very light or dark conditions.

What stands out

Meet Jane

See the unusually complete tyrannosaur skeleton while the museum explains the continuing T. rex versus Nanotyrannus interpretation.

Study Homer

Use the Triceratops material to connect field discovery, preparation and scientific interpretation.

Walk through geologic time

Move from ancient Illinois seas and Coal Forest through Ice Age galleries and Cretaceous dinosaurs.

Watch science in progress

Look into preparation and research spaces rather than treating the museum as a static specimen hall.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Trolley Car 36 at Riverview Park trip

Burpee ranks first about 566 meters straight-line north of the Riverview trolley station. It is an independent nonprofit road or riverwalk stop and is not part of the trolley program.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursMonday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed on the eight holidays listed on the official visit page.
  • AdmissionAges 13+ $15; ages 4–12 $13; ages 3 and under free; member, senior, military and Museums for All terms vary.
  • ParkingThe museum publishes a main lot at 737 N Main Street with free accessible spaces near the entrance.
  • MobilityFour exhibit floors are accessible by elevator; free wheelchairs, main-entrance drop-off and accommodation planning by phone are available.
  • Sensory conditionsExpect hands-on controls and specimens plus some very light and very dark exhibit spaces; call ahead for an individualized plan.
  • Core exhibitsCurrent official pages feature Jane, Homer, Ice Age Illinois, geology, Coal Forest, live animals and scientists at work.
  • TicketsWalk-ins are welcome; online general admission is available for visitors who want to reduce the ticket-counter wait.

Pair with the riverfront trolley

Add Trolley Car 36 at Riverview Park

Use Burpee as an independent museum stop about 566 meters straight-line north of the trolley station; it is not a trolley stop.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Burpee Museum open?

Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except the eight holidays listed on the official visit page.

How much is general admission?

$15 for ages 13+, $13 for ages 4–12 and free for ages 3 and under. Current discounts require their published eligibility.

Are walk-ins allowed?

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome, and online general admission is also available.

Where should visitors park?

Use the museum's main lot at 737 N Main Street. Free accessible parking is published near the main entrance.

Is the museum wheelchair-accessible?

The museum publishes accessible exhibit floors, elevators, free wheelchairs, a main-entrance drop-off and accommodation help at 815-965-3433.

What sensory conditions should visitors expect?

The museum identifies hands-on controls and specimens plus some very bright and very dark spaces. Call ahead for individualized planning.

Is Jane definitely a juvenile T. rex?

Burpee now explains that new research has reopened interpretation of Jane as a possible distinct Nanotyrannus. Treat the debate as active science.

Is Burpee part of Rockford Park District?

No. Burpee is an independent nonprofit museum and is not part of the trolley program.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-21. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.