The Natural History Museum of Cal Poly Humboldt is the best small Natural History Museum north of San Francisco. It first opened to the public in 1989 with a world-class collection of fossils from Hilda and Tom Maloney. The museum is run by Cal Poly Humboldt faculty, staff, and students.

This museum has been supported by the community and the university for decades and is a great place to visit. It has something for everyone including a Walk Through Time where you can learn about geologic time through over 300 fossil samples; a Biodiversity space where the Coast Redwood forest is highlighted including bird sounds, dendrochronology, and plant evolution; a crab case next to local shells which also includes a real gray whale skull; and a host of fun ways for kids to explore and learn about our planet. Family fun includes an Allosaurus skull, a treasure hunt, exploratory boxes, puzzles, dinosaur replicas, and a digging box.In addition, the museum has a learning laboratory for school visits, lectures, and workshops, and a retail store full of gems such as great books, models, jewelry, minerals, fossils, educational kits and toys, and stuffed animals. The inventory is always changing as are several of their exhibits.

Memberships are available. Families can become a part of the ASTC Passport program where they can receive free admission (or discounts) to over 400 science and technology museums across the country. Members receive free admission to the NHM for a year and 10% off all items in their retail store.

WHERE: 1242 G. St., Arcata, CA 95521
MORE INFO: Open Tues. - Sats. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.humboldt.edu/natmus, natmus@humboldt.edu, 707-826-4480. On Facebook @NaturalHistoryMuseum.Humboldt and Instagram @naturalhistorymuseumhumboldt
MORE INFO: 707-826-3367, Humboldt.edu/centeractivities