The green leaves of the primeval forests of water oak and German spruce surround the site of the museum, built on the old Nominami railway line. This is where the knowledge gained from grappling with harsh winter snow storms is passed on to the next generation who come to learn about the history and nature of Nayoro City.
The carved snow-owl relief to the left of the front entrance symbolizes the eyes of nature looking towards humanity. The entrance hall houses a Foucault pendulum, a device which proves that the earth is rotating.
The permanent exhibition corner on the first floor introduces the themes of harsh winters, nature and life in the north. The adjacent gallery hall has exhibits on nature's transition through the four seasons and the wild birds of the region. There is a range of activities for elementary school students such as snow-shoe walks and sleigh rides.
The outdoor exhibition to the north of the museum is popular with railway enthusiasts as it is home to the only "MacLay and Rotary Locomotives" in Japan (exhibited from the end of April to the middle of October).