Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History seeks to inspire minds to understand the natural and cultural world. This mission is carried out through collection-based education and discovery. In 1899, the Museum was founded on the campus of the University of the Territory of Oklahoma in Norman, now the University of Oklahoma. Since then, the museum has acquired more than 7 million objects that belonged to the people of the state of Oklahoma.

In 2000, the museum opened its doors to the brand new 198,000 square foot facility that it calls home today. With more than 4 billion years of Oklahoma’s natural history on display and five galleries that feature thousands of artifacts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.

In the Discovery Room, children can explore artifacts and scientific specimens in a hands-on, interactive learning environment. Visitors can participate in activities and games that help children understand natural history, archaeology, fossils, geology and Oklahoma's natural resources.

Across the way is the Hall of Ancient Life—a gallery that includes a lifelike set of plants and animals that once lived in Oklahoma more than 300 million years ago. There are giant Jurassic skeletons to explore including the fearsome predators Apatosaurus, Tenontosaurus, Arctodus and Smilodon (saber-toothed cat). After visiting the Hall of Ancient Life, be sure to take a ride to the second floor in the "dino-vator"—a glass elevator that takes you up 26 feet to see the museum's mighty Apatosaurus eye to eye.

Other areas to explore while visiting the museum include the Hall of Natural Wonders—Oklahoma’s natural landscapes, the Hall of the People of Oklahoma, the Gallery of World Cultures and the Paleozoic Gallery. For a bite to each, visit the Redbud Café located near the entrance to the Museum. The Café offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, pastries, drinks and snacks to keep you fueled while exploring the Museum. Also, be sure to stop by Excavations, the Museum Store. The store itself is big enough to get lost in for hours with a huge collection of hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, gems, stones, blankets, toys, clothing and more.
 

- by Jennifer Pruett, Oklahoma City Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.