Join us for a wildly charming after-hours celebration: Rusty the Giant Ground Sloth’s Birthday Bash at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History!
On Monday, May 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., we’re opening our doors for a one-of-a-kind party honoring Iowa Hall’s most beloved Ice Age resident. Yes, we are usually closed on Mondays, which makes this evening even more special. Everyone is welcome; families, friends, curious minds, and a special shoutout to UI students: just finished with Monday finals? Come decompress, celebrate, and treat yourself to some delightfully low-stakes fun.
Rusty may represent a species (Megalonyx jeffersonii) that roamed the Earth thousands of years ago, but this sloth has been charming visitors since his installation in 1985. That means he turns 41 this year (yeah, we missed the big four-oh but we think this still deserves a party).
Expect a full evening of cozy, quirky birthday joy:
Birthday cake
Party games like Pin the Tail on Rusty
A hands-on sloth skeleton puzzle
Block print your own Rusty tote bag
A scavenger hunt with a prize
A giant birthday card for everyone to sign
A festive photobooth with props
Fossils, fun facts, and a closer look at Rusty’s Ice Age world
Decorations and party hats for all our guests
At 6 p.m., don’t miss the big birthday moment. Members of the UI Marching Band will play “Happy Birthday” and the “Iowa Fight Song,” and a very special guest, will stop by for photos with you and Rusty. Any guesses who? We’ll just say Rusty won’t be the only Mascot at this party…
This b-day bash will be warm, a little whimsical, and entirely unforgettable, just like Rusty himself. Come celebrate, explore, and wish a very happy birthday to this true Iowa icon.