Black Earth | Big River

Start your visit to the Putnam Museum and Science Center by learning about the natural habitats around the Black Earth, Big River area and how it has changed over time. 

Let the river guide you through the exhibit as you explore wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and even your own backyard as you wander through the Putnam Museum’s interactive ecology exhibit. See the creatures large and small that roam our area today and explore a huge oak tree from the inside out! You’ll hear the sounds of the marsh and the stories of the people who live on the River. Plus, you’ll come face-to-face with LIVE Mississippi River fish in our 718-gallon aquarium!

Learn about Indigenous Practices 

Throughout the exhibit, you’ll find newly updated information that shares how Indigenous people cared for the land and used innovative agricultural techniques to grow their food.

Understand how to Care for Our Ecosystem

Through sections on pollinators, composting, and our own backyard microclimates, you can learn how to care for your own slice of the Black Earth, Big River ecosystem.

Look Around Closely! 

On the ground and up in the trees, there are dozens of examples of wildlife specimens from the Putnam’s collection situated throughout this exhibit. How many can you spot?

Explore the Cave

Watch the video below as Matt, our creative services director, guides you through a cave experience straight from the exhibit!