Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Have you been to the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur? 5 reasons to check it out
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Whether you love sea animals, outer space, forests, insects or any other aspect of the natural world, you’ll find it at The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur. Explore nine themed exhibits featuring animals from around the world, interactive learning and even a 15,000 gallon aquarium. Keep reading to find out more about why you have to visit.
1. Discover sea life in the 15,000 gallon aquarium
Explore coral reef inhabitants in the museum’s 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. You’ll find Clownfish, Kale the sea turtle and dozens of other fish species dotting the tank. You can also spot the beautiful and glowing Moon Jellyfish in their 440-gallon aquarium as well as discover brightly-colored corals. While Kale is on leave from the aquarium for medical reasons he’ll hopefully be back soon but until then you can say hi to his underwater friends like the Blue Tang fish and Butterfly fish.
2. Participate in interactive events
When you’re planning your museum excursion make sure to make the most of your trip and plan around their exciting events. From feeding fish to learning about alligators, bats and turtles, there is something for the whole family. Here are a few of the upcoming activities:
- Magnetic Marvels: Science on the Spot
- Oceans Tank Feeding
- Batty about Bats: Science on the Spot
- Insect Pinning Workshop
- Alligator Awesomeness: Science on the Spot
- Craft & Coloring Series
Check their website for the full calendar of events!
3. Eat fresh at Nature’s Table
As you traverse the many exhibits in the Cook Museum, you’ll want a healthy meal or snack to keep you going. At Nature’s Table you can bite into healthy wraps, sandwiches, salads and protein bowls or sip on smoothies and coffee.
Plan your trip to North Alabama today and experience all of the exciting things to do at The Cook Museum of Natural Science!
4. Explore an indoor cave
Have you ever heard of an indoor cave? Well, this might not be a real cave, but it’s as close as you can get. This exhibit recreates the structure and atmosphere of Alabama caves with hidden animals like bats and bears. You’ll learn about creatives that live in different parts of the cave’s stone walls as you crawl through its many crevices. It’s also wheelchair accessible so everyone can join the fun.
5. Go out of this world in the space exhibit
Did you know you can find a little bit of outer space right here in Alabama? At The Cook Museum’s space exhibit, you can touch a real meteorite, learn about the Earth’s unique spot in the solar system and discover fun facts about the ever-expanding universe.
Details to know
- Location: 133 4th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
- Tickets
- Website I Facebook I Instagram
There are so many fun places to visit in North Alabama! Discover more adventures by heading to North Alabama Tourism’s website, Instagram and Facebook.
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