Collectors’ Corner Trading Guide

What are points?

Points are your reward for sharing your knowledge about the object you bring to the Collectors' Corner. When you bring in an item, we will assign points to it. The more you know about the object, the more points you get! We also add on extra points for creating a report and/or drawing of the item you’re trading in. Points can be used to trade for other available natural objects at the Collectors’ Corner. And don’t worry if you don’t see something you like or want to save up—we keep track of your points in a database.

What items can I trade at the Collectors’ Corner?

You may trade rocks, fossils, leaves, pine cones, skulls and bones, dead insects, and shells. Here are some things you can NOT trade at the Collectors' Corner:

  • Bird feathers, eggs, or nests

  • Animal mounts

  • Anything from protected or endangered species

  • Mollusks from the St. Croix or Mississippi rivers

  • Any animal - dead or alive (clean bones are fine)

  • Wildflowers

  • Rocks or minerals carved into points by humans (i.e. arrow tips)

Do I have to trade my item to get points?

In most cases, yes, you have to trade your item. If your object is too valuable or sentimental to you, bring it in and share what you know about the object. We'll give you points for your knowledge only.

Do I need to purchase museum admission to visit the Collectors' Corner?

Yes, you must pay admission to trade at the Collectors' Corner.

Can I trade through the mail?

No, you must come into the museum to trade.

Do I have to be a museum member to trade?

No, we have many traders who are not museum members.

Can I donate to the Collectors’ Corner?

Yes, we often accept donations of the objects we trade. Please call or send us an email explaining what you have to donate.