Museums and Public Attractions
SMSU features several facilities that are open to the general public and school groups.
- SMSU Museum of Natural History - The SMSU Museum of Natural History is focused on the plants and animals native to Minnesota.
- SMSU Art Museum - The SMSU Art Museum comprises two art galleries: the William Whipple Art Gallery I and II, named after a former Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at Southwest. Gallery I is located in the SMSU library, and the smaller Gallery II is located on the second floor of Founders Hall. The museum also features art on display at various locations around campus.
- SMSU Planetarium - The planetarium is located in the Science and Math Building and features a variety of laser and multi-media presentations. There is also a roof-top observation deck and telescopes for public night viewing of the sky.
- Greenhouse - The greenhouse is open to the public during regular school hours. The collection includes cacti, aloes, agaves, bananas, pineapples, palms, cycads and herbs. There are informational displays about many plants. Students in Biology, Agronomy and Environmental Science classes carry out plant experiments in the greenhouse.
- ADM & SMSU Environmental Learning Area - The 22-acre (8.9 ha) ADM & SMSU Environmental Learning Area is located on the northwest corner of the campus, by Mattke Field. The open area features trails through different ecosystems including prairie, woodlands, ponds and marsh.
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