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Shedd Aquarium

Illinois State Museum

502 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62706

Galleries

Discover Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage, experience exhibits showcasing Illinois art, or visit the Play Museum–a hands-on area where kids learn through play.

The Illinois State Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural history, anthropology, history, and art of Illinois. Explore three floors of exhibits that display a vast array of items drawn from the Museum's collections of over 13.5 million artifacts including skeletal specimens of the Mastodon, and the giant Jefferson's Ground Sloth. Interactive elements, thrilling audio and video effects, life-sized dioramas and thousands of authentic fossils and specimens illustrate the processes that shaped and continue to transform Illinois' diverse environments. Learn about how native peoples and frontier Americans lived on the prairie of Illinois, and examine the works of great Illinois artists. Illinois 250

What's happening nearby...

Ziggy Marley at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand

Illinois State Fair Grandstand •  Aug 18 @ 8PM

Ziggy Marley comes to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday August 18th

Read more about Ziggy Marley at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand

The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni

The Springfield Muni •  May 29 – Aug 22 @ 8:30PM

Calling all theatre fans! The Springfield Muni returns with another exciting summer season!

Read more about The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni

Illinois State Fair

Illinois State Fairgrounds •  Aug 13 – Aug 23 @ 7AM

The Illinois State Fair has been celebrated nearly every year since 1953 as a showcase for Illinois agriculture. Come join the fun!

Read more about Illinois State Fair

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