Explore the many fossils on display to learn more about mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, Xiphactinus and other Cretaceous period animals. You can touch the fossilized femur of Camarasaurus, learn about the evolution of plants, discover invertebrate fossils, see our T. rex, the Kansas dinosaur Silvisaurus, mammoths and more.
Contrary to popular belief, not all prehistoric fossils are dinosaurs. The largest mosasaur found, Tylosaurus, was discovered in Kansas and a cast of this fossil looms over the 4th floor museum entrance. You can find more about mosasaurs on the 3rd and 5th floors.
The 16-foot long Xiphactinus featured on the 3rd floor is a giant, bony fish with jagged teeth. It once swam in the sea that covered present day Kansas. It was first discovered in Kansas in the 1850s.
Pteranodon belongs to an extinct group of reptiles called pterosaurs. They were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight. This species was first discovered in Kansas in 1870.
1345 Jayhawk Blvd. Tues - Sat: 9 am — 5 pm Closed July 4 785.864.4450 Parking is available at the Mississippi Street Parking Garage, one block north of the museum and adjacent to the Kansas Union. Access via 13th Street and Oread Ave. Construction note: exit the garage and cross the street to walk south past the Union and the Museum. At the south end of the construction, near 14th Street, you may access the museum by crossing the street. 785.864.4540KU Natural History Museum
Lawrence, KS 66045
785.864.4450Museum Hours
Sun: Noon — 4 pm
Closed MondaysMuseum Visitor Information
Parking
Admission Information
Research Administration
