The American Natural History Museum in New York City is an amazing discovery of our planet and its inspiring evolution through time, including the most comprehensive exhibit of the evolving human species.

This is one of the best NYC attractions for educational tours or other kinds of student travel. The experience is simply fascinating with dioramas of wildlife and the ocean. You’ll see where life began in the oceanic halls with their celebration of the first known life forms and exhibits featuring all kinds of creatures from the Mysterious Blue today.

The wildlife displays showcase other fantastic specimens with whom we share the planet. And other halls feature the planet itself, its geographic treasures, and amazing finds you haven’t even imagined.

The most popular halls of the museum, of course, are probably the Fossil Halls. That’s where you’ll find the dinos, or in technical terms, “The most comprehensive collection of vertebrate fossils” anywhere in the world. They’re grouped according to species so you can see the evolution process for yourself. These halls take up two floors of the museum and thrill visitors every single day.

Though located within steel and concrete, this museum could actually be a great beginning to eco-friendly student travel. Understanding the variety and depth of our planet, its changing processes and the life it sustains – what better way to discover the goals of being eco-conscious?

This museum’s location adds to its popularity, as its situated at Central Park West. It’s a beautiful Manhattan area for a brilliant Manhattan attraction and one every student group should consider.

Photo by Raul DS on Flickr.