The Oakes Museum of Natural History, Mechanicsburg

About The Oakes Museum of Natural History

The Oakes Museum of Natural History in Mechanicsburg features more than 40,000 specimens across 10,000 square feet. Visitors explore collections of African and North American mammals, birds, eggs, fish, seashells, minerals, insects, and fossils. The museum offers story time for children during summer months, with crafts and scavenger hunts available throughout the day. Staff and volunteers guide visitors through the exhibits and answer questions. The museum schedules field trips and tours for groups during the week, along with specialized programming. Summer day camps teach natural history to young learners. Curator clubs, homeschool science classes, and scout programs provide educational experiences beyond casual visits. The museum opens on Saturdays and charges admission, with rates published online. Special events include guided bird walks on the campus grounds and holiday programming.