Museum of Natural SciencesUniversity of Saskatchewan

If you're in Saskatoon and have a curiosity for the natural world, the Museum of Natural Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan is a must-visit destination. This museum isn't just a place to learn—it's an adventure through Earth's history, offering a fascinating look at the evolution of life and the wonders of the natural world. Here’s what you can expect to find when you explore this hidden gem.

One of the museum’s most captivating features is the Oasis of Life exhibit. As you step into this central area, you’ll embark on a journey through billions of years of Earth’s history. Dinosaur skeleton replicas loom overhead, while live plants and animals create a vibrant display of life’s diversity. This exhibit is a window into the evolution of life on our planet, blending geology, paleontology, biology, and ecology into a narrative that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring.

For those fascinated by the Earth's physical makeup, the Minerals and Rocks exhibit on the first floor is a must-see. This section showcases the building blocks of our planet, from the formation of different types of rocks and minerals to the forces of nature like meteorites and volcanoes. The collection includes stunning minerals from around the world, providing a dazzling display that reveals the beauty and complexity of Earth's interior.

Upstairs, the museum continues its exploration of Earth’s history with a focus on the oldest rocks and fossils, continental drift, plate tectonics, and the monumental events that shaped our planet's climate and life forms. The fossils and replicas displayed here tell the story of life’s evolution over billions of years, offering a glimpse into a past filled with ancient creatures and dramatic geological changes.

Throughout your visit, you’ll notice the museum's walls adorned with Tyndall Stone, a unique limestone that’s as old as it is intriguing. This stone, quarried near Winnipeg, contains fossils of ancient sea creatures like snails, sponges, and corals. The mottled patterns in the stone are fossilized burrows made by ancient worms or shrimp, adding a layer of history that literally surrounds you as you explore.