Chicago - Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (formerly Chicago Academy of Sciences)

Must-see attractions nearby: Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly Sears Tower) Field Museum of Natural History Art Institute of Chicago James R.Thompson Center (formerly State of Illinois Center) John G Shedd Aquarium John Hancock Center Lincoln Park

It houses a number of permanent exhibits including the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven with more than 1,000 butterflies representing over a 75 different species. The Ameritech Environmental Central exhibit informs visitors about major environmental problems and gives them the chance to act as urban planners and community developers. The Wilderness Walk sends visitors back 150 years when Illinois was mostly prairie to highlight the problem of urban sprawl and habitat loss. The Museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibits throughout the year along with environmental education workshops and programs.