Visit the LSUMNS

Self-guided visits

The LSU Museum of Natural Science is open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm. Tours in the public exhibit area are self-guided as there are informational plaques and iPads next to exhibits. We have free and downloadable self-guided activities on our website (in Education and Programs/Self-guided activities) for a wide range of ages, make sure to print the prior to your arrival! Also consider visiting the LSU Campus Mounds and the Allosaurus replica located in in the lobby of Howe-Russell Hall.

Admission is priceless (free!), but if you plan to tour with a group larger than 10 people, we kindly ask to schedule your visit with us in advance. Please, follow the instructions specified under field trips.

Field Trips

For groups larger than 10 guests (including schools, childcare centers, camps, senior communities, etc.), we ask hat you schedule your visit at least one week prior to arrival. To book your fieldtrip, please email [email protected] or call 225-578-2855. You will need to provide the following information:

  • Date and time frame. Large groups often need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the exhibit area and complete the free and downloadable Scavenger Hunt.
  • Group Size and Chaperones. Specify your number of guests. Groups have a maximum of 30 children at one time and a minimum of one chaperone per 10 children under the age of 17.
  • Handicapped Access. Please let us know in advance if you will need access through our handicapped entrance.
  • Transportation. If you are arriving to campus on a bus or van, please contact LSU Parking & Transportation at (225)578-5000 to notify them of your visit. They will instruct you on where to unload and load the group. Otherwise, visitor parking can be found at the LSU Welcome Center where there is metered parking.

Booking and cancellation policy

Please note that your trip is not scheduled until you have received a confirmation e-mail from our office.

We ask you to be on time for your visit. Due to other groups and commitments, we may not be able to accommodate late groups. If you will be more than 10 minutes late, please call and let us know you are still coming so we can make arrangements, if possible. If your plans change, please call us to cancel your visit as soon as possible. This will enable us to accommodate other groups or work on other projects.

Museum rules

Please be on your best behavior while visiting the Museum. This means:

  • Speak and move quietly. Respect other patrons, and remember, faculty, staff, and students are working here every day.
  • Teachers, no whistles, please!
  • No food, chewing gum, or drinks are allowed in the Museum.
  • No running or horseplay in the Museum. If you must, please take it outside.
  • Don’t lean on the ropes or touch the diorama glass.
  • Please don’t touch the animals (except the big Brown Bear). The oils and hard-to-see dirt on your hands can damage them.
  • Chaperones must remain with the students the entire length of the visit.

Other Information

  • Lunch: Groups may eat lunch in the courtyard between Foster Hall and Middleton Library or in the Greek Theater across Dalrymple Drive from Foster Hall. Please do not leave any litter (remember to bring a garbage bag).
  • Restrooms: The Museum restroom facilities are not suitable for large groups. If your group needs to make a restroom stop, it would be best to make arrangements at another location prior to arriving on campus.