Olson Museum of Natural History
MUSEUM WONDERS COMING SOON
The Olson Museum of Natural History is an integral educational entity within the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point concerned with diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures. We provide an opportunity for greater public understanding and appreciation for the world in which we live through exhibitions, education, research, and public service.
Our future home will be located on the first floor of the UWSP Science Building, near the pendulum. Did you know? The initial museum exhibit space, founded in 1968, was located in the Science Building and overseen by Bob Searles. We can’t wait to welcome visitors as we get settled into the museum’s permanent new home! Stay tuned for announcements of public events.
Get Inspired in our New Space!
Outside of UW-Madison, the UWSP Museum of Natural History is one of only two earth science museums and the only collection-bearing natural history museum in the Universities of Wisconsin!
2025 Events
Programs
We can’t wait to invite you into our new spaces. Come discover more about the natural world in our new Museum programs!
Field Trips
Are you interested in a visit to see our new museum spaces? We can take you behind the scenes with programming for various sizes of tour groups!
2024 Staff
The museum leans on students to organize and lead enriching educational programming. At present, the museum employs a full-time outreach specialist, museum coordinator and student interns.
From anthropology to parasitology, the UWSP campus museum collection is home to hundreds of thousands of specimens used in research, coursework and for scientific study.
Coming Soon
Museum Gift Shop
You can shop responsibly knowing that the museum store proceeds help fund exhibits, programming, and research. Take a few minutes to browse our merchandise!
Coming Soon
Museum Collections
There are over 450,000 objects in the museum’s collections, although public displays represent less than 1% of those holdings.
Meet Don and Judi Olson
The museum has been named in honor of UWSP alumni, Don and Judi Olson of Stevens Point, who were instrumental in funding the completion of new museum exhibit spaces within the Science Building first floor. Their generous contribution will fund the renovation work and development of new exhibit spaces.
Get Involved!
The long history and exciting future of the Olson Museum of Natural History would not be possible without the dedicated curators, staff, donors, and volunteers who believe in our mission.
Coming Soon
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of the Olson Museum of Natural History. There are many opportunities available for you to share your experience, skills, and time.
Support Us!
Your donation will have a direct effect in the advancement of the museum.
Contact Us
Have questions on planning your visit or getting involved? Contact us at museum@uwsp.edu. Please note, the museum is not yet fully opened but we can arrange small group visits.