Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Extensive natural history museum featuring world-class dinosaur exhibits, Native American artifacts, and hands-on educational experiences.

General Information

Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Fees:
Adults (18–64): $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Youth (4–17): $7
Children 3 and under: Free
OU students: Free
Group and military discounts available
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed inside the museum
Closest cities with hotels:
Norman, OK (0 mi)
Seasons:
All year
Location:
2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072
Website:
samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

From Oklahoma City (20 mi): Take I-35 S to Norman, exit at Lindsey Street (Exit 108), head east, turn right on Chautauqua Avenue, and continue to the museum located on the University of Oklahoma campus.

Overview

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman is one of the premier university-based natural history museums in the United States. Spanning over 195,000 square feet, the museum houses more than 10 million objects across 12 collections, showcasing Oklahoma’s rich prehistoric and cultural heritage. Highlights include the Guinness World Record-holding Pentaceratops skull, the massive Apatosaurus skeleton, and the immersive “Clash of the Titans” exhibit featuring two Jurassic predators in battle. Visitors can also explore Native American artifacts, walk through a limestone cave replica, and engage with interactive displays in the Discovery Room.

Founded in 1899 and operated by the University of Oklahoma, the museum is dedicated to education, research, and public engagement. It offers rotating exhibitions, public lectures, and family-friendly programs throughout the year. With its blend of scientific discovery and cultural storytelling, the Sam Noble Museum provides a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural world and Oklahoma’s deep-time history.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

University of Oklahoma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
University of Oklahoma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
University of Oklahoma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
University of Oklahoma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted