Discovering Nebraska's Natural History: A Journey Through the University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall

Located at 645 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, the University of Nebraska State Museum, also known as Morrill Hall, stands as a premier destination for those eager to explore the wonders of natural history. Established in 1871, it ranks among the oldest natural history museums in the United States. Situated on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it serves as both a research facility and an invaluable educational resource. As one of the most renowned museums in the state, Morrill Hall offers a fascinating journey through time, from prehistoric creatures to the diverse ecosystems that exist today.

This captivating museum houses thousands of specimens, from dinosaur fossils to meteorites, offering visitors a chance to learn about the natural world in a fun, interactive, and educational setting. The museum has grown significantly over the years, expanding its collections and exhibits to provide visitors with an ever-evolving experience that highlights the wonders of natural history.

The Origins of Morrill Hall

The museum owes its existence in part to Senator Charles Henry Morrill, a Vermont senator whose pivotal role in the passage of the Morrill Act led to the establishment of land-grant universities such as the University of Nebraska. The University of Nebraska State Museum was founded by Erwin Hinckley Barbour in 1871, just two years after the University of Nebraska was established. Barbour's discovery intrigued regent and donor Charles Henry Morrill, who gave $1,000 for another expedition when he learned Barbour's studies were not funded by the university. Morrill began sponsoring annual "Morrill Geological Expeditions," which greatly expanded the museum's collections.

With his health failing, Barbour retired as museum director in 1941 at age eighty-five. Assistant director C. Bertrand Schultz was promoted and worked to bring the university's collections of plants and insects, neglected during Barbour's tenure given his focus on large vertebrates, back under the museum's auspices. In the late 1950s, Schultz helped establish the Nebraska Hall of Wildlife, a series of dioramas depicting birds and animals in their native environments. Around the same time, university alumnus and Cleveland industrialist Ralph S.

Toward the end of his thirty-two-year tenure as director, Schultz led a consolidation of the museum's collection. Schultz's successor James H. Gunnerson led a dramatic reorganization of museum staff, hiring professional caretakers and greatly improving management of the collections.

Key Exhibits at Morrill Hall

Morrill Hall is home to a wide array of exhibits that showcase the history of life on Earth. These exhibits encompass everything from ancient fossils to modern-day species, allowing visitors to explore the rich diversity of life that has shaped our planet. The State Museum comprises four floors with ten permanent exhibits. Among these are Elephant Hall, which houses the world's largest articulated fossil mammoth among its collection of fossil elephants, and Mueller Planetarium, an interactive science center.

Encountering Prehistoric Giants: Dinosaur Fossils

One of the most exciting features of Morrill Hall is its extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. The museum houses several impressive dinosaur skeletons, including the famous “Big Al,” a nearly complete skeleton of an Allosaurus. These dinosaur fossils offer visitors a glimpse into the prehistoric past, showing what life on Earth was like millions of years ago. The Paleontology of Nebraska exhibits include Elephant Hall, the Mesozoic Gallery, Fossil Animals, and the Toren Gallery of Ancient Life. The Mesozoic Gallery features skeletons and models of species of the Mesozoic era. The Toren Gallery of Ancient Life includes models of organisms of the Paleozoic era.

The museum’s dinosaur exhibits are designed to be both educational and visually stunning. Visitors can learn about the different species of dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth, their anatomy, and their behaviors. The exhibits also cover important events in paleontology, such as the discovery of dinosaur fossils and the scientific methods used to study them.

Nebraska's Natural History: A Deep Dive

Morrill Hall is particularly focused on the natural history of Nebraska, and one of its most important exhibits is dedicated to the state’s diverse ecosystems. This exhibit explores the history of Nebraska’s landscapes, from the ancient sea that once covered the state to the grasslands and river valleys that define its current environment. The exhibit also highlights the plants and animals that have adapted to the state’s unique geography and climate. Seven galleries display Nebraska's natural heritage, as it looks today and how it looked in the past. The Hall of Nebraska Wildlife is a collection of dioramas displaying animals, birds, and plants from different Nebraska regions. A mountain lion was added to the exhibit in 2008 after it was struck and killed on Interstate 80.

Visitors can learn about the state’s prehistoric past, including the animals and plants that lived in Nebraska millions of years ago. The exhibit also covers the cultural and ecological history of the state, showcasing how human settlement has shaped the landscape and the environment. Almost 150 objects archeological and historic artifacts connect visitors to the stories of Nebraskans both notable and notorious. Many thousands of people lived their lives in Nebraska. The Science Exploration Zone contains microscopes to study smaller organisms, and the State Museum Science display shows how scientists collect and prepare specimens from the field.

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The World of Mammals and Birds

In addition to its dinosaur exhibits, Morrill Hall also features a comprehensive collection of mammals and birds. The museum’s exhibits on mammals showcase the diversity of species found in North America and around the world, from the iconic bison of the Great Plains to the majestic elephants of Africa. Visitors can explore the unique adaptations of different mammal species and learn about their roles in various ecosystems. The museum's north entrance features the world's finest collection of fossil elephants.

The bird exhibits highlight the incredible variety of avian species, including both migratory birds and those native to Nebraska. The museum’s bird collection offers insights into the evolutionary history of birds, their anatomy, and their ecological significance. It also includes a variety of taxidermied specimens that give visitors a close-up view of these fascinating creatures.

Unearthing the Earth's Secrets: Geology and Mineralogy

The geology and mineralogy exhibits at Morrill Hall offer a fascinating look at the Earth’s formation and the processes that have shaped its surface over time. The museum’s rock and mineral collections feature specimens from Nebraska and around the world, including rare and valuable minerals, gemstones, and meteorites.

The museum also showcases the processes that create mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as the ways in which minerals are extracted from the Earth for use in various industries. The geology exhibits provide a hands-on learning experience, allowing visitors to interact with rocks, minerals, and fossils in an engaging way.

Exploring the Cosmos: The Mueller Planetarium

One of the museum’s most exciting features is the Mueller Planetarium, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stars, planets, and galaxies beyond our Earth. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art dome theater where visitors can watch captivating shows about the universe, from the formation of stars to the exploration of distant planets. Mueller Planetarium was established in 1958 through a gift from alumnus Ralph S. Mueller.

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The planetarium also offers educational programs for schools and groups, helping visitors of all ages understand the science of astronomy. The planetarium’s exhibits and programs are designed to inspire curiosity about space and the wonders of the universe.

Showcasing Global Biodiversity: The Photo Ark

Morrill Hall houses the only permanent display of Joel Sartore's National Geographic The Photo Ark photograph series. Sartore, a Nebraska native, began the project in 2005 to document the world's biodiversity, hoping to photograph the approximately 15,000 living species in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries to encourage protection of wildlife.

Hands-on Learning: The Dr. Paul and Betty Marx Science Discovery Center

The Dr. Paul and Betty Marx Science Discovery Center offers a hands-on experience for elementary-aged children.

A Glimpse into Ancient Life: The Toren Gallery

The Toren Gallery of Ancient Life includes models of organisms of the Paleozoic era.

Bizarre Beasts Exhibit

Bizarre Beasts opened in 2013 to display strange and unusual prehistoric creatures. Artist and Nebraska native Gary Staab created the exhibit to provide a face-to-face look at these animals and discover how their environments shaped their features.

Celebrating Indigenous Cultures: First Peoples of the Plains Gallery

Renovated and reopened in 1987, the First Peoples of the Plains gallery celebrates the traditions of Plains Indians. It features tools, clothing, and art from Indigenous tribes including the Omaha, Ponca, Iowa, Lakota, and Winnebago.

Arms, Armor, and Anthropology Exhibit

The Arms, Armor, and Anthropology exhibit originally opened in October 2009 as Weapons Throughout Time. It reopened in June 2025, featuring over 150 weapons and pieces of armor, examining how cultural values, fighting tactics, and available resources contributed to differing weapon types and styles.

The Goliath Beetle Exhibit

The Goliath exhibit focuses on the Goliath beetle (Goliathus), one of the largest insects on earth, and its role in the global ecosystem. It includes hundreds of specimens from the university's entomology collection.

Cooper Gallery and "Sun, Earth, Universe"

The Cooper Gallery is used for temporary exhibits. Since 2019, it has hosted "Sun, Earth, Universe," created by the National Informal STEM Education Network and NASA. The exhibit has interactive displays about Earth and the Solar System.

Cherish Nebraska Exhibit

The fourth floor of the museum housed office space and was closed to guests for over fifty years. In 2019, it was renovated through $11.4 million in private donations and the Cherish Nebraska exhibit was opened.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Morrill Hall is committed to fostering a love of learning and exploration, and it offers a wide range of educational programs and resources for visitors of all ages. The museum’s programs are designed to engage children, students, and adults in hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and curiosity. The University of Nebraska State Museum promotes the discovery of our natural world and world cultures through research, museum collections, learner-centered educational programs and public exhibitions. The University of Nebraska State Museum brings science to life through experiential learning opportunities and interactive exhibits. Our research collections are a conduit for workforce development. Students examine the past and present diversity of life on Earth by handling museum specimens under the tutelage of museum researchers.

The museum offers school programs and group tours that are tailored to specific age groups and educational levels. These programs allow students to interact with the exhibits and participate in activities that complement their classroom learning. Additionally, the museum hosts special events, workshops, and lectures throughout the year, providing opportunities for visitors to learn from experts in various fields of natural history.

Supporting the Future of the Museum

Donors can help build the classrooms of the future, supporting our educational and public engagement goals. Your support for collection preservation and enhancement enables recruitment of high-quality faculty and staff to work with our collections. We care for eight world-renowned research collections, serving as a resource for scientists across the globe.

Visiting Morrill Hall

The University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall is open to the public year-round, with regular hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is typically affordable, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors. Group rates are also available, making it an excellent destination for school field trips, family outings, or group tours. Open Mon-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm; Thu until 8pm; Sun, 1:30-4:30pm. Closed major holidays.

The museum is conveniently located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, making it easily accessible from downtown Lincoln and the surrounding areas. The museum’s proximity to other university buildings, as well as local shops, restaurants, and attractions, makes it a great stop for visitors exploring the city.

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