Missouri Institute of Natural Science

The museum transports visitors to a time when Missouri was nearly 500 feet beneath a huge inland sea. Discover the area's geology and indigenous living types. Exhibits include 2.5 million-year-old fossils, bones, rocks, minerals, and crystals. The Activity Center is a hands-on classroom and laboratory where participants can attend workshops, seminars, lectures, slide shows, films, and special events. Additionally, meeting, event, and birthday party space is available. The Museum Shop sells rocks, fossils, posters, and other memorabilia. On the museum's premises, you may go fossil hunting for a $5 charge. Field excursions are accepted for school groups, youth groups, and homeschool groups with reservations. The Museum and Institute are built on the site of Riverbluff Cave, North America's most ancient Ice Age fossil cave. The cave continues to provide an abundance of fossils, including those of mammoths and other species. (The cave is not accessible to the public.)

Fossil Hunting

A wonderful site for experiencing the excitement of fossil hunting is nestled within institution grounds. Exposed boulders are excellent examples of the variety of fossils found in the Ozarks. Visitors are invited to climb up the hill and search for their own fossils to take home.

Hiking

Visitors are invited to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Ozarks countryside. Explore the institute's wonderful paths. Keep an eye out for the numerous animals that make Missouri their home. These stunning forest paths provide tourists with an up-close view of nature at its finest.

Riverbluff Cave

Riverbluff Cave, discovered in 2001, is a breathtakingly beautiful trove of prehistoric wonders. The cave is not currently available to the public, since it is still a working research location. Visit the museum to see some of the cave's ice age marvels.

Research and Preservation

The Missouri Institute of Natural Science is dedicated to prehistoric, geological, and natural history exploration. The on-site laboratory enables resident researchers to broaden their horizons. The museum's numerous specimens and artifacts remain the subject of continuing research and preservation.

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