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Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Welcome to the Illinois State Museum System

The Illinois State Museum System includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport. 

The Illinois State Museum System inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois.

Visit ISM-Springfield
Visit ISM-Dickson Mounds
Visit ISM-Lockport Gallery
Visit ISM-Research & Collections Center
Illinois America 250

What's New . . . 

Have you already committed to Judging at the 2025 State Contest?

Registration is open now!!

Please click-  Illinois History Day State Contest ZFairs  - then click “Create Account,” then “Judge.”

Kevin Veara: Exult

Springfield artist Kevin Veara paints eye-popping scenes of birds among imagined and mutant landscapes. 

At ISM-Dickson Mounds

Check out what's happening across our sites.

Upcoming Events | Illinois State Museum System

Here, There: New Perspectives on the Collection opening at Lockport Gallery!

New Exhibits Debut at Lockport Gallery

Help us preserve and share the Story of Illinois! Donate Today!

Donate Today!

Our museum shop offers a range of items that allow visitors to shop with purpose!

Visit The Shop