The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca is a natural history museum focused on Earth and its prehistoric past. Its fossils and interactive features make it an indoor outing with a distinctly local address: the museum is about 5.5 miles from Springwater Inn in Ithaca.
- Address: 1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Public hours: Open Thursday to Monday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- What’s inside: Fossils, interactive displays, hands-on features and science-inspired art
- Recurring program: Fossil ID Day takes place on the second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, and is included with admission
What the Museum of the Earth covers
The Museum of the Earth tells the story of Earth and its prehistoric past, with fossils and displays that connect ancient life to the planet’s history. Its focus ranges from dinosaurs and Ice Age life to marine invertebrates and the geology of Central New York.
The museum’s building opened in June 2004. Its setting on Trumansburg Road makes it easy to include in an Ithaca outing; the Ithaca one-day route through town and campus offers another way to plan time around the city.
Which exhibits and activities can you see?
The museum combines large fossil displays with hands-on activities, so you can move between looking closely at specimens and taking part in the experience. Its featured skeletons include a 44-foot North Atlantic Right Whale and the Hyde Park Mastodon, described by the museum as one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found.
At the Fossil Lab, visitors can find a fossil and take it home. The museum also features the Blaschka Glass Invertebrates, models from the Cornell University collection made by Leopold Blaschka and later his son Rudolf Blaschka. The glass models depict marine invertebrates.
For another science-focused outing in Ithaca, the Sciencenter’s exhibits and family visit guide covers a different museum experience.
When is it open, and what programs are available?
Hours and program details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday and Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Fossil ID Day runs on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon, with admission included. Other admission-included activities include tours, fossil identification and family-friendly activities during special events and holidays. Pay-What-You-Wish Weekends are held monthly through the museum’s Community Accessibility Program.
Groups of 10 or more that reserve receive a reduced group admission rate. Private group tours and programs are available by reservation, with programs to be booked at least two weeks in advance. Topics include Central New York geology and paleontology, dinosaurs, Ice Age life, corals and the history of life.
How do you get there, and what accessibility features are available?
The museum is at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Visit Ithaca identifies accessible car and van parking, an accessible entrance and route, and an accessible bathroom.
Other accessibility amenities include sensory kits, closed-captioned films or videos, and staff orientation to the venue. If you need a particular accommodation, contact the museum before your visit to confirm what is available.
FAQs
Can you take a fossil home?
Yes. The museum says visitors can find and take home a fossil from the Fossil Lab.
Does admission include activities?
Fossil ID Day is included with admission, as are activities such as tours and fossil identification.
Are group programs available?
Yes. The museum offers private group tours and programs by reservation. Groups should book programs at least two weeks in advance.