Turtles are one of the most distinctive and recognizable of all animals. Though many other creatures have some sort of "shell," no other animal looks quite like a turtle.

Secret of the Shell will engage your visitors through hands on, educational programming focusing on turtle life cycles, behavior, diversity, physical adaptations and how changes in these animals' habitats affect their numbers and behaviors. 

waving turtle sculpture
world turtle panel
Turtle anatomy interactive
midwest turtle panel
turtle scuplture
turtle shell interactive
Turtle shell display case
stewardship panel
camouflage panel

FAQs

Cost

Exhibit is free to showcase. However, renter is responsible for shipping and set up.

How long can I rent the exhibit for?

Rental length is typically 3 months but we are happy to discuss custom run times.

Space Requirements

Secrets of the Shell is approximately 500 square feet.  It comes with a kiosk, artifacts, display pieces, and content panels.

What is included in the exhibit?

26 content panels, a credit panel, one 4-sided display kiosk that includes panels and artifact boxes, exhibit logo piece, fiberglass standing turtle, sit-on plastic turtle, try on turtle shell interactive

tour schedule

Ida County Conservation BoardJanuary-June 2025
Linn County conservationJune- mid-August
pendingSeptember 2025-January 2026
Back to the River Museum for touch-upsJanuary-June 2026
Sunholm EE Center Clay County FairAugust & September 2026
Carroll County conservationSeptember 21-November 1
winter 2026available

More information

Interested in bringing Secrets of the Shell to your institution or nature center? 

Please contact Natalie Clifton, Exhibits Manager, at nclifton@rivermuseum.org