World Museum of Natural History

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The World Museum of Natural History invites you to explore lifelike systematic displays of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles, presented through sculpture and freeze-dry taxidermy.

You’ll also discover one of the world’s largest and finest collections of mineral spheres. Additional exhibits include beautiful gems and minerals, fluorescent minerals, meteorites and tektites from outer space, petrified wood, seashells, and other natural wonders.

Field Trip Reservations FREE admission

Mondays-Thursdays | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

The World Museum of Natural History welcomes a diverse range of visiting groups, including school classes, church groups, senior communities, and natural history societies.

To help us prepare the best experience for your visit, please book your tour at least one month in advance. Please have the following information ready:

Preferred tour date(s)
Group name and contact information (address and phone number)
Grade level and teacher’s name (for school groups)
Total number of people in your group

Please note: The museum can accommodate a maximum of 30 people at one time. Larger groups will need to be split up.

Most visits last about an hour, but a 30-minute visit is also available if needed.

Museum tours are by reservation only. To book a tour, call (951) 785-2209 during office hours (Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), or email naturalhistory@lasierra.edu.

All tours are currently a free service of La Sierra University. The Museum appreciates the support it receives and welcomes the opportunity to serve the community. Donations are accepted.

The World Museum is located in E.E. Cossentine Hall on the campus of La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA. Please enter through the main campus gates on Riverwalk Parkway and inform security at the kiosk that you are visiting the World Museum (see map for more details). Security will provide you with a campus map. Parking is available in Lot F (near Cossentine Hall). If Lot F is full, or if arriving by bus, please use Lot E (near Palmer Hall) located on Lower Campus Drive.

Collection Highlights

GEMS AND MINERALS:

The mineral displays are frequently rotated and updated. Displays typically include the following: minerals from California, meteorites and tektites, fluorescent minerals, and an impressive display of showy gems.

TREES:

There are more than 100 species of trees that have been naturalized to the campus, which is officially recognized as an arboretum.

PETRIFIED WOOD:

The unique colors of petrified wood are created by the minerals brought in by the water that surrounds the tree once the wood is buried. The collection contains specimens mainly from the Western U.S.

Amphibians & Reptiles:

Our amphibians and reptiles display features turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes. The museum has over 90% of known species of crocodilians.

Birds:

The Southeast Asian Bird display is the largest of its kind in the U.S., along with various birds from around the world to see. The museum features fascinating birds of prey: vultures, condors, falcons, hawks, and eagles.

Mammals:

Many of the Asian species featured in this museum do not appear in any other U.S. museum. Also to be seen are different species of primates and carnivores.

Mineral Spheres:

The most beautiful and unique specimens from one of the largest collections of spheres are on display. The large verde antique sphere from Victorville weighs 396 pounds. The museum has more than 1,300 spheres in its collection.