Collectors' Corner FAQ
Where is the Collectors' Corner?
The Collectors’ Corner is located on level 5 and is open during regular museum hours.
How does it work?
Find a natural object–a rock, fossil, skull, or pinecone–and make notes about where, when, and how you found it.
Think about what it is, where it lived, what it ate, and why it’s important. Do some research and learn more about your specimen.
Share your find at the Collectors’ Corner. Remember, the more you know about it, the more points you’ll earn.
We’ll keep track of your point in your Collectors’ Corner account. You can save them or use them to trade right away and add to your collection.
While you’re here, pick up tips on preserving and displaying your own collections.
What can you collect and trade?
Natural objects from around the world are welcome: rocks, shells, fossils, insects, clean bones and skulls (no flesh attached, please!), and more.
What kinds of things are not accepted as trades?
Please don’t bring in bird feathers, skeletons, eggs, or nests; animal mounts; protected or endangered species; mollusks from the Mississippi or St. Croix Rivers; animals–dead or alive; anything collected from protected land; or wildflowers.
Why? Federal and state laws protect and preserve wildlife. Please ensure that you’re using ethical collecting practices that adhere to those laws.
Can field trips trade at the Collectors' Corner?
No, we do not accept trades from field trips at this time.
If you are interested in having your students engage with the Collectors’ Corner, consider bringing in a classroom trade. This is one object that classrooms have worked together to learn more about. As a class, you can trade this object to the Collectors’ Corner for one new specimen to bring back to your classroom.
Tips for collectors
Don’t over-collect! Take one or two and leave the rest.
Respect nature and private property.
Leave things the way you found them.
Take along a small notebook to record your observations and take notes.