Museum
Want to look at (and touch) tracks left by birds and animals that roamed our region in ancient times? See minerals from classic Washington localities, and diverse fossil exhibits? The Geology Department is the home to one of the largest display collections of minerals, rocks, and fossils in the region. Exhibits feature specimens from the Pacific Northwest but also include materials from around the world.
Displays are located in the corridors of the lower three floors of the Environmental Studies Building, and visitors are always welcome. There are no admission fees. When school is in session, the building is open from 7 AM to 9:30 PM weekdays, 7 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 7:30 AM to 11 PM on Sunday. If you come while WWU is in session please keep noise to a minimum. If you come during intersession please check the hours website. We ask that large groups call us before coming to visit 360-650-3582.
Parking on campus is limited especially on weekdays, and permits are required for parking in all lots at all times. Accessible parking for persons with disabilities is always available. At other times, visitor parking permits can be purchased in-person at the Student Business Office in Old Main 110, or by smartphone at wwu.parkmobile.com. Visitor parking info and directions. The closest parking to the Environmental Studies Building is 17G or 19G.
Photos 1, 2, 3 - Displays are located in hallways of the first three floors in the Environmental Studies Building.
The Geology Museum includes many examples of fossil footprints, including tracks of the giant groundbird, Diatryma, which was discovered in the Mount Baker foothills in 2009.
All photos courtesy of George Mustoe - Datryma Tracks with Children courtesy of Dave Tucker