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Location
Visitor tip
Book a docent-led tour in advance (2 weeks ahead) for groups of 10-50 people to get expert interpretation of the exhibits. Tours are 90 minutes and available Tuesday-Friday at 10am or 12:30pm. Contact (847) 475-0911 or [email protected].
Visitor tip
Start with the children's section if visiting with young kids—it's thoughtfully designed with hands-on elements like puzzles, musical instruments, and Indigenous books. Then move to the interactive touch tables and artifacts on the lower level.
Visitor tip
Don't miss the upper level contemporary Woodland Native American art exhibits, which visitors consistently describe as 'thought-provoking and aesthetically profound.' The Living Stories exhibition runs through June 2026.
About Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Native American arts, history & culture. Renowned center since 1977 for Native American artifacts, with 10,000+ historical & cultural items.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Focus
- Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region
- Current Exhibit
- Living Stories: Contemporary Woodland Native American Art (through June 2026)
- Tours Available
- Docent-led private tours for groups of 10-50
What visitors say
My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum today. We spent most of our time in the children’s section, which is thoughtfully designed and filled with beautiful books, engaging puzzles,…
This building has some nice displays of regional historical Indian culture and history, but the best part is upstairs where the native American art and interpretation is located. Thought provoking and aesthetically profound.
One of the most moving and incredible museum spaces! An absolute must visit. The front desk person was generous with knowledge and resources available, as well as upcoming events. Please come see the No Rest: The Epidemic of Stolen…
From 209 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The museum has maintained a collection of 10,000+ Native American historical and cultural artifacts since its founding in 1977, making it a renowned center for Native American arts and culture
- The Living Stories: Contemporary Woodland Native American Art exhibit features works by 8 living Indigenous artists and is extended through June 2026 as part of the Art Design Chicago citywide collaboration
- The museum offers docent-led private tours exclusively Tuesday-Friday at 10am and 12:30pm for groups of 10-50 people, with 90-minute duration requiring 2 weeks advance reservation
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