What did life look like several million years ago, or several thousand, depending on what you believe? What did dinosaurs eat and how did they digest food? What were the early American settlers like and how did they survive? These questions, and more, can be answered at one place. Welcome to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Everything that has to do with our planet, from our ecosystems, to the very history of our existence is shown here. Here you will learn about the history of our planet. There are four permanent exhibits. The first teaches you how to become your very own museum curator and how to properly care for your items. In the picture below, you can see what light can do to art if left untreated.
In the exhibit right next to this one, you will continue on to the Precambrian period, then move up the geological time table where you will eventually meet the dinosaurs. Several of the skeletons on display are real. One of the biggest ones, however, also made it into the Guinness World Records for being the largest single dinosaur skull ever found. It belonged to a Pentaceratops.
Once you finish with the gallery of dinosaurs, make your way to the top floor. I would highly recommend the elevator. Why? Because both elevators feature a spectacular view of the huge brontosaurus. One elevator will allow you to view the beast's belly, while the other will allow you to meet the dinosaur eye to eye.
The first area to visit upon entering the second floor is the called The Hall of the People of Oklahoma. This area will tell you how the original people of Oklahoma arrived. You will start out learning about the Clovis people (13,000 - 13,500 years ago). An interesting item in this part of the exhibit is a painted bison skull. What makes it so interesting you ask? It is the oldest painted artifact ever found in North America. It features a lightning bolt on the top of the skull, which may suggest early indications of an established religion. You will also learn where in Oklahoma they had hunting grounds, stone quarries, and settling sites. After the Clovis culture, jump ahead to the Dalton Culture (9,900 - 10,500 years ago). Between the two periods, you will notice various differences in the type of spear points but also how they made them. Following the Dalton Culture you will come to the Mississippian culture. The time period here is is said to be about 10,000 years ago. This is the time period that is most common. Pottery, ornaments, even a whole governmental system was present in this time period.
In this area of the exhibit, you will come across a hands on portion where you can handle Indian made artifacts such as moccasins, a ladle made from a horn, and even a water bottle made from a bison bladder. Even though Indians may have been primitive in technology, their governmental system and the way they used parts of the animals they killed to make everyday items was advanced for its time. The last permanent exhibit here, are the animals of Oklahoma, featuring various animals in various parts of the state. In one area you might find deer, bison, and burrowing owls and in another, you might find bears and wolves. There are even caves you can explore where you can find all sorts of animals that call this place home.
For little kids, there are "binoculars" they can use to view wildlife. There are even fur pelts from actual animals that kids can feel. Speaking of kids, there is an area on the lower level specifically designed for kids. Here, your kid can draw, touch items, see live animals, and even become a junior paleontologist dusting off fake dinosaur bones. There is always a guardian on site, so if you wish to drop your kid off and go explore the museum yourself, you can feel safe in doing so. The Museum does have temporary exhibits which you can view. You can also view upcoming exhibits in their website. The current exhibit (1 April 2013) features close-up photos of bugs. In fact, there is a big blow-up of a spider right outside the museum. Probably not a good idea to visit this exhibit if you are afraid of bugs.
If you acquire the need to grab a bite to eat, visit the Red Bud "cafe". The name "Cafe" is very misleading. From what I understand, it used to serve hot food. However, because of problems with cash flow, it has turned into more of a snack bar with previously made sandwiches. You can also get coffee, various soft drinks, soup, and pastries. The prices are good for what you buy, though. Before you leave, visit the gift shop for various science experiments, games, and things like wind chimes. The Museum of Natural history is a great place to learn all about the natural evolution of our world. From the dinosaurs to modern man, all of us at one point in time will become part of the earths natural history.
Entertainment: 3
Educational: 4
Price: 4
Cafe: 2
Gift shop: 4
Overall: 3
Additional Information
Address
2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, OK
Hours of Operation
Mon - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Price
Adults: $5
Seniors (65+): $4
Children (6-17): $3
Children 5 and under: Free
Students of OU: Free
Military Discount: Free Memorial Day through Labor Day
First Monday of each month offers free admission
For Additional information visit: www.snomnh.ou.edu
