Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is the Chicago Academy of Sciences’ museum at 2430 N Cannon Dr in Lincoln Park, just north of Fullerton Parkway, across from the zoo and next to the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. The museum covers the natural history of the Chicago region with live animal exhibits, a marsh walk and the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a greenhouse with hundreds of free-flying butterflies that is the reason to come with kids in winter. The 76 Diversey, 151 Sheridan and 156 LaSalle buses stop nearby, and there is a Divvy dock in front.

What to know

• Basic admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for children 1 to 12, plus a 10 percent service fee.
• Since February 2, 2026 the butterfly haven is a $5 add-on for non-members.
• Illinois residents get free days each year, reserved online; the fall 2026 dates are September 28 through October 2 and October 5 through 9.
• Limited free street parking sits on Cannon and Stockton, and the Park District lot across the drive at 2431 charges a flat rate.