The Museum of Natural History & Science, part of the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, offers a fascinating journey through natural history, the sciences, and regional archaeology. Established to educate and inspire visitors about the natural world, the museum features a wide array of exhibits and interactive displays.
One of the museum's key attractions is the Dinosaur Hall, where visitors can marvel at life-sized dinosaur skeletons, including a cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex. This exhibit provides insights into the prehistoric world and the creatures that once roamed the Earth. The museum also features an Ice Age exhibit, showcasing fossils and artifacts from the Pleistocene epoch, including the bones of mammoths and mastodons that were discovered in the Ohio region.
In addition to its paleontological displays, the Museum of Natural History & Science houses the "Cave," an immersive, walk-through recreation of a limestone cave, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground stream. This exhibit is particularly popular with children and families, offering a hands-on exploration of geology and cave ecosystems.
The museum's Nature's Trading Post allows young visitors to bring in natural items they've found, like rocks, shells, or fossils, and trade them for other natural treasures. This interactive experience encourages curiosity and learning about the natural environment.
A standout feature is the recreated glacier exhibit, which simulates the conditions of a glacial environment and educates visitors about the impact of glaciers on the landscape and climate. The museum also delves into regional history with exhibits on the indigenous peoples of the Ohio Valley, showcasing artifacts and stories that illuminate the area's ancient human history.
The museum offers various educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year, enhancing its role as a community resource for learning and exploration. Through its diverse exhibits and engaging displays, the Museum of Natural History & Science provides visitors of all ages with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.