Illinois State Museum

Museum

In Springfield, the Illinois State Museum presents the state's natural history, archaeology and folk arts, with exhibits on native wildlife, early settlers and Illinois craftsmanship.

Illinois State Museum ChicagoGeneva, IllinoisSpringfield, IllinoisRockford, IllinoisPeoria, IllinoisNaperville, IllinoisAurora, IllinoisEvanston, IllinoisIllinois State Museum
In this guide

Illinois State Museum essentials

Country: United States
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Illinois State Museum at a Glance

About Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is the state museum for Illinois, focused on the state’s natural history, anthropology, and art. It was established in 1877.

Galleries present geological and paleontological specimens, displays on Indigenous and historical cultures of Illinois, and rotating exhibitions of Illinois art and material culture. Exhibits are aimed at public education and research rather than being solely decorative.

The museum was founded to document and interpret Illinois’s natural and cultural heritage and has developed public programs, research collections, and educational outreach over time. Its mission emphasizes scientific study and preservation alongside exhibition.

The museum sits in Springfield, the capital of Illinois, serving visitors from the city and statewide. It is located within the broader civic area of the state capital.

  • Location: Located in the state capital of Springfield, on the city’s cultural and governmental corridor.
  • Collections: Houses research collections used by scholars in natural history, anthropology, and regional art.
Things to Do
When to Go

Weather & Climate near Illinois State Museum

Climate

Illinois State Museum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (928 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -8° - 1° -9° 42 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
February - -6° - 4° -5° 45 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
March - 0° - 11° 2° 81 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
April - 6° - 18° 12° 92 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
May - 12° - 24° 18° 106 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
June - 17° - 29° 23° 98 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
July - 19° - 31° 25° 91 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
August - 18° - 30° 24° 87 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
September - 13° - 27° 20° 80 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
October - 7° - 20° 13° 67 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
November - 1° - 11° 3° 73 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
December - -5° - 4° -5° 66 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -