Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bear. Show all posts

28 October 2017

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum Springfield MO USA






The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum in Springfield Missouri USA is an entertaining and educational experience. The galleries are first class. The adventures take visitors on a wide-ranging safari across North America and into Africa with side trips to view wildlife in other parts of the world.






I've been to natural history museums in the US and elsewhere and find the Wonders of Wildlife galleries as good or better than those you will find in places like Chicago, New York, and London. Of course, you do not see the variety of natural history exhibits that you would elsewhere since the focus here is on wildlife. But when combined with the adjacent aquarium, you have a full day's worth of an awesome experience.


You enter up the stairs near the main entrance to the Bass Pro Shop. You can get tickets online or onsite. The tour begins with an optional film then a walk through the Native American Gallery, past Theodore Roosevelt's Cabin, along the Lewis & Clark journey, and into America's National Parks.





The galleries include Boone & Crockett, Bucks & Bulls, Sheep Mountain, Penguin Cove, and the Polar Expedition.











The Great African Hall is like a miniature Kruger or other African preserve-- especially when you add Africa After Dark, Lion's Den, and Operation Rhino.









You exit into the large entry by the gift shop and aquarium (Great Oceans Hall).


INFORMATION

Location:  500 W. Sunshine St. Springfield, Missouri, USA 65807

Hours: Mostly 10:00 am to 8:00 pm - some variations so check the website for details.

Entrance Fees: It is expensive but not more than you would pay at a large city aquarium.

TIP: Check closely as there are a variety of tickets for individuals and families with discounts available. We plan to go back so we purchased an annual pass. Ask about the upgrade rules before you leave if you bought a one day ticket and want to return.

Refreshments: There is a place to eat inside. You can find a number of restaurants nearby.

Parking: The parking is free and so far, there has been plenty of spaces available.

Website:  http://www.wondersofwildlife.org/visit.html


Connect

Website www.suttong.com

Facebook page Geoff W Sutton

Twitter @GeoffWSutton 

Here's a few more photos












06 October 2016

American Museum of Natural History NYC


Filled with quality crafted dioramas, the American Museum of Natural History brings nature's wonders into the city.

We arrived in NYC 5 September 2016. Due to storm Hermine, we arrived a day early with no plans. We were required to disembark for passport control so we decided to take in a museum. It was a pleasant day so we decided to walk the approximately 2.5 miles from Pier 90 on the Hudson (near 50th St) angling east and north past Fordham University and the Met to the Museum, which is on the West side of Central Park at 79th Street.



I've visited the American Museum of Natural History a few times since my childhood but it had been several years. The dioramas and audio-video presentations reveal considerable improvements.






There really are a lot more to see than large mammals but it's hard to get good photos of gems and precious metals in glass cases. So more mammals.



I must say I was impressed with the anthropology room.




By mid-afternoon we had reached our limit but walked back to our ship hotel for the evening meal.

Tips and Notes
Public transportation stops are nearby.
You can purchase tickets online or from automated booths in the lobby area.
It opens at 10:00 daily- closes at 5:45 pm
The museum meals are expensive compared to nearby restaurants.
There are a lot of places to rest and watch videos or just have a long look at an interesting exhibit.
The toilets were clean and well maintained.
Paper maps are available on entry.
We found the staff friendly and helpful.
There's a nice size museum shop with some reasonably priced gift items for people of all ages.
Parking is awfully expensive- check online- but why would you want to drive in Manhattan?


Connect

Website www.suttong.com
Facebook page Geoff W Sutton

Twitter @GeoffWSutton