Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 10th Anniversary

The travel industry produces a prodigious portion of mankind’s ecological footprint, which is why USA Travel Guide loves to feature “green” or eco-responsible hotels, resorts and attractions as much as possible. When we looked to do a piece on Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, we found we couldn’t have timed it better. The esteemed museum is soon to celebrate its 10^th anniversary, and that means great one-time-only programming for guests.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in North Chicago, Illinois is a “Green Museum”. While all that technically means is that the institution employs eco-sustainable practices and features conservation-minded architecture, the Peggy Notebaert follows the path of many green museums that opened in 1990s by focusing its subject matter on conservation and the natural environment.

Don’t worry. It’s a lot cooler than I just made it sound.

Several permanent exhibits and an ever-renewing catalog of traveling exhibits explore the precarious relationship between nature and the manmade. Extreme Green House, for example, lets visitors examine a 100% green bungalow, complete with hands-on kiosks and activities for the curious-minded. The outdoor exhibits are among the most popular, including the 17,000 square feet of rooftop gardens and the restored native prairie land.

In addition to those exhibits meant to fascinate, educate and even implore, the museum features traditional animal and science exhibits, beloved by children and adults alike. The butterfly haven and bird sanctuary are year-round favorites, as is the animal lab, where scientists and volunteers study a variety of animals in public view.

Open year-round, only the cold-averse could find a time not to visit the Nature Museum, but right now the moment is particularly opportune. From October 23 to November 1, 2009, the museum will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with 10 days of free admission and special family programming. Animal adoptions, recycling drives, charity walks, guest speakers, children’s games – every day brings a new event. View the calendar.

If you can’t make a free day, don’t fret. Regular admission is only nine bucks, and besides, you should be donating at least as much on free days anyway.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park across from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Learn more.

A green museum deserves a green hotel. The Hotel Indigo Vernon Hills is a boutique North Chicago hotel with an extensive sustainability program covering everything from the bottling standards of the in-room bath amenities to the construction of the hotel itself. Read more about their green initiatives.

Have fun and stay cozy in Chicago, IL.

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