When the leaves start to change and the air turns a bit crisper, Mississippi’s great outdoors feels like an open invitation. And there’s no better place to celebrate the season than at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, where nature comes to life.
This fall, whether you’re strolling the trails, exploring exhibits, or enjoying a holiday tradition, the Museum staff invites you to expect the unexpected - and create memories that last a lifetime.
Nestled in the heart of Jackson’s LeFleur’s Bluff State Park at Lakeland Drive and I-55, the Museum is a one-stop destination for discovery. Families, students, seniors, and explorers of all ages can experience a mix of awe-inspiring exhibits, larger-than-life creatures, and natural wonders just minutes from home.
“I personally never feel closer to Mississippi than when I walk through the museum, when I walk out on the trails, when I just take a breath of that fresh air and experience what natural Mississippi has to offer,” says TJ Drummond, the Museum’s Visitor Services Manager. “It’s fun for the whole family. It’s informative and it really shows you what our special state has to offer people.”
Trails Alive with Fall Beauty
Fall is one of the best times of year to explore the Museum’s two miles of nature trails. Crisp mornings and cooler afternoons make walking through the forest especially rewarding. You may spot birds, turtles sunning on logs, or deer moving quietly through the woods.
And for a truly prehistoric adventure, don’t miss the Dinosaur Trail, where large-scale 3-D dino models make for memorable selfies and “roarsome” family fun. Framed by fall colors, these giants look even more dramatic.
Holiday Magic
Alongside the Museum’s permanent exhibits, the fall special event lineup adds even more reasons to visit.
The season kicks off with Halloween-related events including “Sip and Slither” (for adults) and “Park After Dark” (for families). Then, the Museum’s season of Museum Merriment begins in November with the iconic “Let’s Talk Turkey” followed by Santa ushering in December with “Santa Fish Feedings” - yes, Santa himself dons diving gear and makes a splash in the aquariums, much to the delight of kids (and adults.). The December fun continues with “S.T.E.M. with Snowflakes” and the ever popular “Snow Much Fun.”
Every event connects back to the Museum’s mission: to inspire curiosity and conservation by bringing the natural world to life.
Expect the Unexpected Indoors, Too
Step inside the Museum and walk beneath towering dinosaur fossils, peek into The Swamp from the underwater viewing gallery, and come face-to-face with live alligators, snakes, and turtles. The aquariums - always a favorite - hold more than 200 living species, from native fish to rare amphibians.
Do not miss out on exploring the Backyard Adventures temporary exhibit and experience an indoor exhibition all about the science in your own backyard. Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine in Atlanta, Ga., Backyard Adventures invites you to discover the scientist within yourself.
Discover the outdoors through a bee’s eyes, take a walk through a digital garden, and investigate creatures that only come out at night.
“Backyard Adventures shows that you don’t have to go far to explore something amazing. This exhibit invites you to see the outdoors through a new lens - full of science, surprises, and everyday wonder,” says Museum Director Angel Rohnke.
Renovations That Enhance the Experience
Exciting renovations are underway, but don’t worry - all exhibits, trails, and events remain open, and parking is unaffected. Improvements include a redesigned gift shop, a refreshed lobby and skylight, updated restrooms, volunteer spaces, new meeting spaces, and new outdoor features like a stage, play area, and picnic pavilions. The theater has already been upgraded with new seating and audiovisual tech, ensuring an even better experience. Work will be completed in phases over the next several months - so you’ll notice exciting changes happening each visit.
The goal? To make the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science even more welcoming, accessible, and engaging - keeping it a top destination for residents and tourists.
“We want to stay modern. We want to stay competitive with other newer cutting edge museums,” explains Drummond. “It’s part of our strategic plan to remain current, exciting, and dynamic.”
Why Visit This Fall?
“A museum like ours, with beautiful and educational indoor exhibits and a floodplain forest swamp for a campus has secrets to share with the visitor, and all the visitor needs to do is show up ready,” invites Andrew Whitehurst, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Board Member. All while knowing that every visit supports science education, conservation, and the preservation of Mississippi’s natural heritage.
And with affordable admission - just $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for youth (ages 3-18) - it’s one of the best values in family-friendly entertainment and education. Museum Membership through the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation offers even more benefits, including free admission year-round to the Museum, plus 200 more museums nationwide.
Learn more about MMNS Foundation Membership at: https://www.mmnsfoundation.org.
Plan Your Adventure Today.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS, 39202 (at Interstate 55 in Northeast Jackson, Mississippi within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park)
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 pm.
www.mdwfp.com/museum
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/msnaturalscience
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/mssciencemuseum
The Backyard Adventures exhibit is sponsored locally by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, Atmos Energy, Nissan, Entergy, Regions Bank, Trustmark Bank, and other generous sponsors.
