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Indiana Geological and Water Survey
Indiana University
Outreach

Learning Lab

Explore 450 million years of Hoosier history

The Learning Lab is an experiential learning center that brings our collections out of storage for hands-on discovery.

Part museum, part lab, and part classroom, the Learning Lab is where you can compare thousands of rocks, minerals, and fossils, create art inspired by our collections, explore real-time datasets, and participate in science. Pull open drawers to discover real specimens and question the world beneath your feet using scientific evidence.

Social Narrative  3D Virtual Tour  Digital Exhibit  Events  

Store  Field Trips

Photograph of two visitors observing snail fossils on the Learning Lab MicroEye scopes
Photograph of two visitors observing snail fossils on the Learning Lab MicroEye scopes

Tours and Programs

Hands On! Self-guided tour: Visit during open hours for a firsthand exploration of the rock, mineral, and fossil specimens in the Learning Lab. Explore at your own pace with self-guided materials. 

Class field trips: Bring your preschool, K-12, university, and homeschool groups to the Learning Lab for a free field trip. Groups of 10 or more people can request a field trip that includes a hands-on activity, Learning Lab exploration, and a scavenger hunt. Field trips can be scheduled during our normal business hours; all trips are subject to availability. Click here to submit a field trip inquiry.

Webinars and lectures: Are you interested in learning more about a specific topic of Indiana geology? Contact us to schedule a virtual webinar or group presentation at the Learning Lab.

High Visitation Days

Large groups are expected to visit the Learning Lab on the following dates:

Visit Us

The Learning Lab has relocated to the new IGWS headquarters at 5001 N. State Road 37 Business. It is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Free visitor parking is available along the north side of the building.

Directions from Bloomington/Ellettsville: Take the Indiana 45/46 Bypass to N. Walnut Street, heading toward the interstate. Once you pass the storage unit (on the right) and golf course (on the left), take the next left into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the Bounds Flooring building, you have gone too far.

Directions from the north: Take I-69 South to Exit 123 for College Ave./Walnut St. Take the second right into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the golf course, you have gone too far.

Directions from the south: Take I-69 North to Exit 120A for Indiana 45/46 toward Bloomington. Use the ramp to merge onto the Bypass and get in the left lane. At the second stoplight, turn left onto N. Walnut Street. Once you pass the storage unit (on the right) and golf course (on the left), take the next left into the parking lot of our building. If you pass the Bounds Flooring building, you have gone too far.

2026 Hours
Day Hours
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Third Saturday of the month 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.