The Oakes Museum of Natural History

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The Oakes Museum of Natural History The Oakes Museum is a unique 10,000 square foot museum featuring more than 40,000 specimens. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp.

We offer educational programming for school field trips, interactive guided tours, homeschool programs, scout badge programs, and Saturday science programs for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8, as well as summer camps. Museum Offices (Monday - Friday) (717) 691-6082
Reception (Saturday) (717) 766-2511 Ext. 2642

Public Hours
Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on major holidays

Saturday Admission Prices
Adults: $7.00
Children (4-18): $5.00
Seniors (55+): $5.00
All major credit cards accepted

Directions -

SOUTHBOUND ON US 15: Travel approximately three miles beyond the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange to the Lisburn Road exit. NORTHBOUND ON US 15: Travel approximately four miles beyond the PA 74 North intersection near Dillsburg to the Lisburn Road exit. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp. Turn right onto Grantham Road. At the the entrance to the campus, turn left and travel to the first stop sign. Turn right into the parking lot of the Jordon Science Center, home of the Oakes Museum.

Save the date for our Holiday Open House! December 5th the museum will be open with free admission for all visitors. Thi...
10/10/2026

Save the date for our Holiday Open House!

December 5th the museum will be open with free admission for all visitors. This is one our few free events, and you do not want to miss it!

With cookies, door prizes, crafts and a story time you and your family are in for a magical day at the museum!

From all of us at the Oakes Museum, thank you to all who help us win this standout award!Macaroni KID Carlisle - West Sh...
10/09/2026

From all of us at the Oakes Museum, thank you to all who help us win this standout award!

Macaroni KID Carlisle - West Shore, PA

Join us this Saturday for Messiah University's Homecoming weekend! We'll have a story time, craft, live animals and snac...
10/01/2026

Join us this Saturday for Messiah University's Homecoming weekend!

We'll have a story time, craft, live animals and snacks!

10/01/2026
Meet us at the Oakes Museum THIS SATURDAY for our second birding walk of the year! Caleb will once again be leading a bi...
09/21/2026

Meet us at the Oakes Museum THIS SATURDAY for our second birding walk of the year!

Caleb will once again be leading a birding/ nature adventure through the natural areas on Messiah University's campus. Meet at the Oakes Museum at 9am with your binoculars (some will be available to borrow). The walk will be about an hour long and will be led by Caleb, a Museum Docent, experienced birder, and Messiah Biology alumni.

Registration is not required, but helpful to gage expected numbers. Scan the QR Code or follow the link:
https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MPykQ8WSjcSjd4

Join us at 9 am on September 5th for a birding hike on campus. Open to birding enthusiasts and beginners alike. Caleb, o...
08/27/2026

Join us at 9 am on September 5th for a birding hike on campus. Open to birding enthusiasts and beginners alike. Caleb, one of our docents will be leading this hike. An experienced birder, Caleb is a Messiah alum who studied Biology and worked with us as a student.

Meet Caleb outside the Oakes Museum in the lobby area. Binoculars available to borrow.

Registration is not required but is preferred to help let us know how many to expect.
Register here: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6gvwTnj2IQzrHh4

This is a free event!

Registration is open!! You are now able to register for both our Curator Club/CC2 programming and our homeschooling clas...
08/26/2026

Registration is open!!

You are now able to register for both our Curator Club/CC2 programming and our homeschooling classes!

To register, visit our website: messiah.edu/oakes/

We will be open for the 4th of July, from 10 am - 4 pm. Come visit the air conditioning, the museum and join us for stor...
07/02/2026

We will be open for the 4th of July, from 10 am - 4 pm. Come visit the air conditioning, the museum and join us for story time (11:30am), crafts (all day) and a guided tour (1:30pm).

Happy 4th!

Our Summer Saturday's begin June 6th! Join us for story time and a guided tour of the museum. There will also be a kid's...
06/01/2026

Our Summer Saturday's begin June 6th!

Join us for story time and a guided tour of the museum. There will also be a kid's craft available all day!

Any questions- let us know!

The Museum will be closed on May 9th for Messiah University's commencement ceremony. We will be back open on May 16th, 1...
05/07/2026

The Museum will be closed on May 9th for Messiah University's commencement ceremony. We will be back open on May 16th, 10am -4pm.

Congratulations to all graduates!

Address

Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
17055

Opening Hours

10am - 4pm

Telephone

+17176916082

Website

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