Public Tours

These free tours are about 30 minutes long and are limited to 12-15 people per tour group. Sign up for a tour at the Welcome Desk.

Visitors of all ages are welcome. Schedule subject to change.

Museum Highlights Tour

Saturdays
12:30 p.m.   

Learn about some of our exciting exhibits and galleries like the Exploring Michigan gallery, Evolution: Life Through Time, and the Unseen Worlds installation by artist Jim Cogswell. Along with learning about the past, this tour will take a step into the future and explore cutting-edge research being done in the Biological Sciences Building.

Walking with Whales Tour

Sundays
12:30 p.m.   

Discover a world where prehistoric whales had four limbs and walked on land! Learn about how whales and dolphins made the transition from land back into the water as you examine specimens that were distant or direct ancestors to modern cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises).

Coral Reef Tank Visit

Wednesdays and Fridays
12:30 p.m.

Tank visits will return on August 14. There will be no tour on October 2.  

Join Professor Jim Bardwell for a peek behind the scenes at his large coral reef tank featuring many species of coral, anemone, and fish. Explore reef ecology and, if you're lucky, get a glimpse of a reclusive octopus!  30 minutes, limit 12 people. This program takes place in the research area of the Biological Sciences Building and is appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Space is available first come, first served. Sign up and meet at the Welcome desk.