Visit the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, NY and enjoy an inspiring journey through our planet’s 4.5-billion-year history. Exhibits at the museum trace earth’s fascinating story, from the earliest fossils to the human era. Better yet, it’s all just minutes from your Classic Country Vacation Homes vacation rental.
There’s no end to the fun you can have during your Finger Lakes getaway, no matter the season. The region is a cornucopia of touring, dining, shopping, hiking, waterfalls, wineries, and so much more!
Ithaca’s Museum of the Earth (MOE) is one such attraction, with exhibits that are both educational and visually captivating. Operated by the Paleontological Research Institution, the museum will delight visitors of all ages and stripes.
Visiting The Museum of the Earth
From the moment you arrive, MOE offers an enticing journey through time. The museum’s permanent exhibition spans 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history: from the formation of the planet to the present day.
Visitors will discover exhibits that mix fossils, interactive displays, murals, and even live coral reef tanks. Some of the standouts include the 44-foot long skeleton of a North Atlantic Right Whale and the Hyde Park Mastodon. This last is one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found!
Visitors also enjoy the “Rock of Ages, Sands of Time” mural. A sweeping visual timeline of 544 million years depicted on 544 individually painted tiles, each tile representing a one million-year interval. The museum also houses an impressive array of trilobites, ammonites, and coral fossils. Each item tells a story of how life and landscapes have evolved over millions of years.
In addition to fossils, the museum explores broader environmental themes. Exhibits delve into the science of climate change, biodiversity, and earth’s future, encouraging visitors to reflect on humanity’s impact on the planet. These displays make the Museum of the Earth not just a place to learn about what came before us, but a space to think deeply about where we’re headed.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop after you’re through exploring the exhibits. Here you’ll find a variety of thoughtful souvenirs; books, minerals, locally made items, and more. MOE is open year-round and offers a perfect complement to other Finger Lakes attractions. Popular destinations like nearby Cayuga Nature Center and Taughannock Falls State Park.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, the Museum of the Earth brings the story of our planet vividly to life. Spend a few hours exploring all the wonderful sights at the Museum of the Earth, then it’s just minutes back to the comforts of your Ithaca vacation rental. Perfect!
The Museum of the Earth can be found at 1259 Trumansburg Road in Ithaca, NY. Visit the museum website for more information. You can also find the museum on Facebook.