Hefner Museum

About this museum

The Hefner Museum in Oxford, Ohio, is a remarkable free museum that houses one of the most extensive collections of preserved wildlife specimens in the Midwest. Located on the campus of Miami University inside Upham Hall, this hidden gem offers free admission and provides an engaging experience for nature enthusiasts, students, families, and curious visitors of all ages.Step through the doors and you will find yourself surrounded by an astonishing array of taxidermy displays featuring mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine life from around the globe. The large cat specimens are particularly impressive, drawing admiration from visitors who marvel at the craftsmanship and scale of the mounts. Beyond the big animals, the museum's shelves and cases are packed with insects, minerals, shells, and other natural history curiosities that reward close inspection. Visitors regularly note that you could spend hours here and still discover something new on a return trip.The museum functions as both a teaching collection for the university and a public resource, bridging academic research and community education in a way that feels welcoming rather than stuffy. Informational displays accompany the specimens, providing context about habitats, species behavior, and conservation. It is the kind of place that sparks wonder in children and reignites curiosity in adults.The Hefner Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Accessible parking, an accessible entrance, and accessible restrooms ensure that the facility is comfortable for all visitors. The address is 100 Upham Hall, Oxford, OH 45056.If you are searching for free things to do in Oxford, Ohio, or planning a visit to Miami University's campus, the Hefner Museum is an absolute must - see. It is completely free, thoroughly extensive, and filled with specimens that range from the beautiful to the wonderfully bizarre. This natural history museum proves that world - class collections do not always come with world - class price tags.