Cleveland, OH is one of the Buckeye State's most iconic cities. Don't miss out on one of its top attractions: the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Fast Facts
The history of this historical museum dates back to 1920 when it was opened by Cyrus Eaton for research and collection display purposes. A number of scientific fields are honored within, including anthropology, astronomy, archaeology, paleontology, geology, botany, and zoology. The museum resides in a hotspot of Cleveland culture and attractions: University Circle. You can take your own personal field trip Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 in the morning until five in the evening.
Bring your little ones two and under for free. Anyone else under 18 can score a ticket for $14, as can individuals 60 or over. For all other adults, the price of admission is $17. Discounts are available for students, teachers, first responders, active military, and groups of 12 or more. Have an extra $10 or so on hand if you park in the garage.
Prehistoric Perfection
If you're captivated with the era when dinosaurs and other large creatures roamed the lands and seas, this museum is a bucket list destination. Right off the bat, Steggie the Stegosaurus will greet you as he faithfully guards the gates. Once inside, traverse the Kirkland Hall of Prehistoric Life and marvel at wonders like the 25-million-year-old Coelophysis bauri.
Other novelties include the bones of a baby T-rex, a fascinating collection of fossil fish, over 30,000 plant fossils, mammoth skeletons, and our early ancestor Lucy, who remains one of the museum's greatest discoveries. See other primate skeletons in the 4,000-plus Hamann-Todd Collection.
Discover Cleveland, OH Wildlife and More
For more modern history, visit the living specimens in the sprawling natural paradise known as Perkins Wildlife Center. Two acres of outdoor fun take you on a journey of Ohio's native animals and plants. See animals from birds to bobcats in their element as you bypass enclosures. Take the forest canopy trail and spot plentiful botanical beauties, represented immaculately in Woods Garden.
As if that's not enough, let your young explorers engage in constellation design, dinosaur bone digging, and so much more at the hands-on and highly interactive Smead Discovery Center.
Awesome Astronomy
At the Shafran Planetarium, the building itself is an astronomical instrument. The roof is built at an angle that enables space explorers to behold the North Star. That exterior also glows with beautiful constellations of stars, thanks to the magic of fiber-optic lighting. Inside, visitors can sit in awe and watch the wonders unfold above in a stadium-style, wheelchair-accessible setting.
State-of-the-art digital projections also take visitors on breathtaking journeys through the stars. The equally stunning Ralph Mueller Observatory features a 10-inch refracting telescope that provides an intimate glimpse of astronomical events. Literally watch the universe's history unfold as you see twinkling lights from millennia ago. Explorers young and old alike will love the aptly named Ford Explorer and its twin-panel moonroof, which affords you an awe-inspiring view of the heavens from the comfort of your own ride.
Invest in an auto with a proven history of excellence. Stop by Ken Ganley Ford West and browse a trail-blazing inventory that represents the storied Ford lineage.
