Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is important because it was founded in 1916, making it one of the oldest museums of its kind in California. It has a collection of more than 3.5 million fossils, minerals, birds, and mammals, among other things, from the wild world. William Leon Dawson, a naturalist, and writer who stayed in Santa Barbara, started the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in 1916.

Travelers who want to learn more about the natural world should visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The museum's displays cover a wide range of topics, such as geology, anthropology, and local wildlife.

The original residents of the Santa Barbara region were the Chumash people, whose culture is represented through the museum's Chumash Indian exhibit. The Chumash utilized the tools, weapons, and other things on display in the exhibit for a variety of purposes, including hunting, fishing, and leisure activities.

Artifacts and exhibits on the civilizations of the Native Americans who resided in the Santa Barbara area can be found in the Hall of Anthropology, one of the many exhibits and galleries open to visitors. The museum also provides tours and educational activities, and it has a large collection of baskets made by Native Americans from California.

The Butterfly Pavilion is among the best things to see at the museum. It is open from May to September. People can walk through a beautiful garden full of real butterflies from all over the world at this show. In the Nature Collection, people can also see live animals, such as snakes and birds of prey.

Hiking the trails in Mission Canyon, which are close to the museum, is another great way to get to know the Santa Barbara area and its native flora and fauna.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a great place to take pictures, thanks to the beautiful scenery along the paths and the intricate patterns and colors of the butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion. Photography opportunities are also available with live creatures from the Nature Collection, such as the regal bald eagle and vibrant parrots.

Things to do at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Visit the exhibits: Multiple permanent and rotating displays highlight Santa Barbara's rich natural heritage. Geology, ocean life, birds, animals, and Native American culture are just a few of the topics covered.

Watch live butterflies: The Butterfly Pavilion is one of the most visited exhibits in the museum. Hundreds of real butterflies from all around the world are on display for guests to wander among.

Take a guided tour: There are guided tours of the museum's exhibits and nature trails. Tour guides who are knowledgeable about the area's natural history lead the tours.