University of Kansas Natural History Museum

Museum Natural history museum featuring regional fossils and specimens

Natural history museum on the University of Kansas campus featuring fossil displays, taxidermy and regional biodiversity exhibits. Visitors see paleontology collections and educational displays tied to university research.

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The University of Kansas Natural History Museum is a campus museum in Lawrence, Kansas, that preserves and exhibits specimens and collections related to natural history and biodiversity. It supports research, education, and public outreach.

The museum grew from university teaching and research collections focused on natural history and has continued to develop both public exhibits and scientific holdings over time.

The museum is located on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas, serving both the campus community and the public.

  • Research collections: Operates as part of the University of Kansas's research and teaching programs, housing specimen-based collections used by students and researchers.
University of Kansas Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum, University of Kansas campus, Lawrence, Kansas
38.9585, -95.2438

How to Get to University of Kansas Natural History Museum #

Located on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, the museum is a short walk from campus parking and from Massachusetts Street (the downtown corridor) - roughly a 15-20 minute walk. Local buses (Lawrence Transit) serve routes near the university; follow signs to the KU Natural History collections on campus.

Tips for Visiting University of Kansas Natural History Museum #

  • Check the university's events calendar for rotating exhibits and public talks tied to KU's research collections.
  • Enter through the natural history building side entrance if coming from campus - it's closer to the main exhibits and often less crowded than the front quad approach.
  • Students and faculty often bring specimens for identification; if curious, ask staff about scheduled specimen nights or public programs.

Best Time to Visit University of Kansas Natural History Museum #

A campus museum that ties closely to KU's academic calendar-visit during term for the full roster of talks and displays.

Spring
April-June · 45-80°F (7-27°C)
Campus is active, and smaller crowds mean more attentive museum staff and frequent public programs.
Fall
September-November · 40-75°F (4-24°C)
Comfortable weather and university term-time energy-good for lectures and exhibits.

Weather & Climate near University of Kansas Natural History Museum #

Climate

University of Kansas Natural History 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 -7°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1004 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 27°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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