Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Still, the Notebaert Nature Museum is a bit of a disappointment, due chiefly to the fact that few of its exhibits are as exciting as they should be. Highlights include the Extreme Green House, a mock bungalow that aims to teach kids domestic science; and the Hands-On Habitat, which aims to teach kids about how animals live. The temporary exhibitions also occasionally hit the mark. But the museum’s main selling point is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a glass topped space populated by over 50 species of butterfly.

The most attractive parts of the museum are the outdoor pond and walkway; these can be enjoyed for free, leaving the admission fee to be invested in a good lunch instead. For a few dollars more, it’s well worth heading to North Pond, one of Chicago’s premier eateries.