Natural History Museum

Welcome to the SMSU Natural History Museum

The SMSU Museum of Natural History uses a multimedia approach to introduce visitors to the history of plants and animals, particularly those native to Minnesota. The Museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits as well as two audio-visual plasma screens that present NASA images, data and environmental documentaries. Photographs by local residents and student class projects are also often featured on the plasma screens.

The Museum functions as an educational resource for all residents of southwest Minnesota. Guided tours are available year-round and are a popular choice for field trips for K-12 students and their teachers. Tours can also be coordinated with a visit to the Planetarium and Greenhouse, also on the SMSU campus. For more information on how to book a tour, click Guided Tours. 

Mission

The mission of the SMSU Museum of Natural History is to strengthen the scientific and natural history knowledge of regional residents through educational programs and exhibits that interpret the rich history and diversity of North America, and in particular, Southwestern Minnesota.

Contact Information

Science Department, Natural History Museum
SM 178
Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State Street * Marshall, MN 56258
Ph: (507) 537-6178 * Fax: (507) 537-6151
Email: science@smsu.edu 

Dr.Thomas Dilley, Professor of Environmental Science
Ph: (507) 537-6196, Email: thomas.dilley@smsu.edu 

Dr. Kenneth Murphy, Professor of Physics
Ph: (507) 537-6173, Email: Ken.Murphy@smsu.edu