Fryxell Geology Museum

About Us:

The museum, named after Fritiof Fryxell, has become one of the largest and finest collections of rocks, minerals and fossils in the Midwest. Begun in the late 1880's with a modest natural history collection, the museum now boasts over 1,500 rock, mineral, and fossil specimens. On display is a complete skeleton of a Tylosaurus "sea serpent", skulls of Parasaurolophus, Ankylosaurus, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex and a 2 billion year old fossil! Of particular interest is the display of the complete 22-foot long skeleton of Cryolophosaurus, a large crested carnivorous dinosaur discovered in Antarctica in 1991 by Augustana paleontologist Dr. William Hammer.

All types of minerals are displayed, including a fine collection of Illinois minerals, as well as a state-of-the-art fluorescent display. Fossil displays include all major taxonomic groups, from simple plants to vertebrates.

To promote earth science awareness, the idea of "geology discovery kits" was conceived of and developed by the Fryxell Geology Museum, to support teachers of all levels in the extended Quad City region. Our discovery kits are easy to use, hands-on, teacher-directed geology exploration kits. The discovery kits are loaned to local K-12 teachers, free of charge on a weekly basis. The kit is filled with rock, mineral and fossil samples and tools and materials for mineral property testing. Educational games and experiments are include, as well as complete explanations for the teacher at the elementary or high school level. The exercises, games and experiments have been designed not only to expose kids to earth science first-hand, but also to foster observational skills and logical thinking that are crucial to any area of study.