This year we purchased a family membership for one of the museums near us, in part so that we could take advantage of reciprocal free admission to other science-technology museums when we travel. And since we're getting in for free, I don't end up feeling like we have to stay long to get "our money's worth"!
Our first museum stop yesterday was the
Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA. A nice museum for its size! The hands-on exhibits are always our favorites...
...although the boys were the most eager to see the mummies!
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| R in the cab of an S670 Combine |
From here, we crossed over the river to Moline, IL for a quick stop at the
John Deere Pavilion (free admission) to check out the machinery on display. No surprise that the simulators were the biggest hit of all!
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| 797F Mining Truck |
Today we went with my mom to the
Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria. All tours start out with a movie in a replica of a 797F Mining Truck, complete with rumblings and vibrations. Afterwards, we were free to explore the rest of the exhibits at our own pace. It is really well done - I'd highly recommend seeing it!
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| To replace a flat tire = $100,000 |
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| More simulators! |
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| M in the cab and J in the bucket of a wheel loader |
Next to the Cat Visitors Center is the
Peoria Riverfront Museum (the new location for the former Lakeview Museum). Our family membership also gave us free admission here, too. The boys made a bee-line for the activities in the IHSA Peak Performance exhibit...
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| M testing his vertical |
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| Even my mom got into it! |
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| The best one of them all |
I was really impressed with the new riverfront complex. And with just how far museums have come in engaging their visitors!
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