Museum of the Earth
Ithaca fossil museum walking kids forward through geologic time past a hanging whale skeleton and a mastodon found in the Finger Lakes.
A natural history museum built around fossils, with a right whale skeleton hanging overhead and a mastodon skeleton found in the Finger Lakes. The whole layout walks you forward through geological time, which gives kids a spine to hang everything on rather than a random pile of exhibits. There is a fossil lab where you can watch preparators working on real specimens and a hands-on area where kids handle fossils themselves. The Hyde Park mastodon is the local star. Compact enough for two hours and a fifteen minute drive from the Ithaca gorges.
Pricing
Paid admission; combination tickets with Cayuga Nature Center offered (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Museum of the Earth cost?
- Admission to Museum of the Earth is paid. Paid admission; combination tickets with Cayuga Nature Center offered (verify)
- What ages is Museum of the Earth good for?
- Museum of the Earth is best for kids ages 3 to 16+.
- Is Museum of the Earth stroller friendly?
- Yes, Museum of the Earth is stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Museum of the Earth?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Museum of the Earth.
- How hard is Museum of the Earth?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 2 hours.
- Is Museum of the Earth free?
- No, there is a cost to visit Museum of the Earth. Paid admission; combination tickets with Cayuga Nature Center offered (verify)
- What should I bring to Museum of the Earth?
- Comfortable shoes, notebook for the fossil hunt
- How long does Museum of the Earth take?
- Most families spend about 2 hours at Museum of the Earth.
- When is the best time to visit Museum of the Earth?
- Year-round. Closed some weekdays in the off season, so check hours.
- Is there parking at Museum of the Earth?
- Free on-site lot off Trumansburg Rd