View the Russell Cave Museum

Explore the museum during your visit

NPS Photo

Inside the Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center, Russell Cave hosts just a small collection of artifacts found in digs that took place in the cave shelter in the 1950’s and 60’s. Visitors can work their way through a timeline in the center that shows not only the events of Russell Cave, but world events as well to put into context the vast history of the cave shelter. Around the outside of the museum is a sampling of some of the artifacts excavated from the shelter that help tell the story of life at Russell Cave throughout prehistory. Find weapons such as the atlatl, tools like bone fishhooks or pump drills, and even bodily decorations like earrings on display. 

The museum is open daily from 8:30AM CT to 4:00PM CT.

Details

Duration

5-60 Minutes

While a small museum, reading each panel can take some time. Plan accordingly if you are a read everything museum goer, a quick walkthrough-er, or anywhere in between.

Activity

Museum Exhibits

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

The Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The front entrance to the visitor center building has a steep incline and narrow doorway. For better access using a wheelchair, it is recommended that visitors use the rear entrance that has a more mild incline.  

Inside the museum, an open floor plan makes it easy to navigate between exhibit spaces. The exhibits themselves are 3-4 feet off the ground and may be difficult to see fully for anyone sitting.  

At this time there is no audio description of the exhibits. There are also no interactive or tactile parts of this exhibit.