On the outskirts of Springfield, south of Republic Road and in view of the James River is a hidden gem many residents may not know about. The Missouri Institute of Natural Science, which lies above Riverbluff Cave, was established in 2003 and opened the doors of Missouri’s first natural history museum in May 2006. Despite being one of Springfield’s lesser-known museums, the Institute has quickly proven itself as a fun, interesting and exciting place to visit.

The Mirror reached out to Samantha Forir, the director of operations for the Institute, about what the museum has to offer.

Educational and affordable

Volunteer with visitors. Photo via Samantha Forir.

“The museum brings natural science education to our community for free,” stated Forir. “There is an abundance of low income families in our community that deserve the right to go to a museum and learn about science. It is difficult for them to spend the money to go to the Discovery Center or Wonders of Wildlife, but for places like [the museum] … those families have the chance to grow and learn.”

The museum displays a variety of fascinating exhibits, from Ice Age mammals to impressive dinosaurs. There is also a notable collection of minerals and crystals. Millions of years of Earth’s history can be experienced, and visitors can even hunt for fossils of their own just a short hike from the museum.

Springfield’s very own dinosaur

Currently, the Institute’s biggest project is mounting Henry the Triceratops, the largest triceratops found to date. Henry will also have the distinction of being the first mounted dinosaur in the state of Missouri. Henry was discovered in 2013 in Wyoming, and uncovering, transporting and restoring the massive specimen has been the Institute’s priority over the last five years. In addition to Henry, the museum plans to display a mammoth soon, and has acquired several new mineral collections.

“[To] pin down one thing we have to offer is difficult,” said Forir. “Our goal is to educate no [sic] matter who you are or how educated you are.”

Volunteer and visit

Visitors at the museum. Photo via Samantha Forir.

On Thursday nights the museum offers yoga for $5. It also offers birthday parties and field trips with donations. To view available packages, visit www.monatsci.org or call the museum at (417) 883-0594.

The Institute relies on volunteers to continue operating and providing science education to the Springfield community.

“You name it, we need it!” exclaimed Forir, listing volunteering opportunities. Currently, the museum needs daily staff, field trip teachers, ground maintenance help, lab technicians, tour guides, marketing staff and website/social media volunteers.

“We need volunteers as we have grown faster than we expected!” said Forir. “We have had some of the same volunteers for over a decade, so that shows how we have a long line of loyalty from our volunteers.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.monatsci.org/contribute.

The Missouri Institute of Natural Science is located at 2327 W Farm Rd 190, Springfield, Mo. Operating hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays. Hours are subject to change, but regular volunteers would help the Institute maintain regular hours.

Written by Forest Swisher.