Explore Your History

On the grounds of the University of Wisconsin is a museum that all dinosaur enthusiasts will want to visit. You can explore the prehistoric history of Wisconsin, right in the state's capital. While there, hold rocks from long ago when volcanoes dotted the landscape of the state. View underwater delights like jellyfish, coral, and sea creatures that used to live their lives on the formerly water covered ground on which museum visitors are standing. View the giant mastadon that walked the earth during the Ice Age and view displays of rocks and minerals that mysteriously glow.

The rocks and minerals in the museum's collecton is the first thing visitors will see when they enter the museum. This variety of minerals includes sparling stones and perfectly polished specimens. There are three types of rocks on diplay which include the sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Guests of the museum also have the chance to tough a 1300 pound piece of copper and learn about Wisconsin's rich history of mining. Also on display are a variety of meteorites. The collection includes the Trenton meteorite, the Algoma meteorite, and the Kilborn meteorite. All of these meteorites were found in Wisconsin, but there are also specimens on display from Argentina, Namibia, and Holbrook Arizona.

The glowing rocks and minerals are displayed in the museum's black light display, giving them an impressive and attractive fluorescent hue. Bright splashes shine from the formations, created by flourescence. Wear white clothing into this room and it will change color. The detergent often contains fluorescent material that makes "whites whiter''will reflect the tone of the black lights.

The museum's fossil collection makes up about 70% of the museum. This collection includes vertebrae, invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils. The museum features jellyfish fossils found in Wisconsin, along with a petrified tree, a slab with lungfish burrows, a shark with turtle remains in its stomach, and beetles from the LaBrea tar pits. There is also a 33-foot long Edmontosaurus skeleton, as well as skulls from T-Rex dinosaurs, Triceratops dinosaurs, and a Pachycephalosaurus dinosaur. Visitors can look through a pane of glass to see a prep lab where the fossil remains are being cleaned and restored. Dinosaur fans will be in their glory exploring this historic collection of the past.

The Geology Museum is one of Madison's most popular attractions. Individuals and families come from all over the state to enjoy the displays and learn about the prehistoric times in Wisconsin. There are a number of field trips to the museum throughout the year, attended by Madison area school-children. Adult students also enjoy trips to the museum, often leaving armed with knowledge and information they could only have found by exploring these exhibits in a hands on manner. Tours of the museum are available and last approximately one hour. Admission is free, but a tour will cost $2.00. If you are interested in learning more, it is well worth it to pay the tour fee. These guided tours are available for groups of eight or more.

If you have an interest in prehistoric times, head to Madison for a visit to the University of Wisconsin's Geology Museum.