Humboldt State University National History Museum - This compact well-stocked museum (located on G Street) is a gem! Make this your first stop to find out about the local plants and animals of the North Coast - exhibits of butterflies, crabs, shells and sea stars, plus a small aquarium tank with tide pool creatures. Check out the really fine collection of fossils - ammonites, trilobites, fossil ferns, and hand-on activities - a big dinosaur puzzle and fossil dig box where budding paleontologists can practice digging. The gift shop has two local specialties - a charming plastic yellow banana slug (you'll see banana slugs on paths in the redwoods) and chocolate in the shape of a fossil chiton. Don't save this for a rainy day - worth a visit.