Fernbank Museum is not just a museum, it’s a place of discovery. Explore cultural treasures, ancient fossils, and hands-on adventures.
Observe animals in their natural habitats at WildWoods, and gaze in wonder at colossal dinosaur skeletons. Also find unique family day events, special forest tours, and Fernbank After Dark adult science nights. Read on to learn more.
A Walk Through Time in Georgia
In 1776 Georgia signed the Declaration of Independence from Britain and became the fourth state. By 1860 cotton was a major crop here and large plantations hired slaves to work the fields. When the Civil War broke out, the state seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. Union General William Sherman’s March to the Sea laid waste to a large swath of Georgia, including Atlanta.
Throughout the museum, dioramas and galleries explain the two-fold story of Georgia’s natural history. Visit the Ridge and Valley diorama, the Forest and beach gallery, or the Giants of the Mesozoic to learn more about Georgia’s geological and biological past. IMAX movies in the giant screen theater and wonderful traveling exhibits are also popular. For children, the NatureQuest indoor nature playground allows them to splash through virtual rivers or search for bats in a cave.
Reflections of Culture
Cultures are shaped by the environment, beliefs, values, and attitudes of people. They can be expressed through language, music, art, food, and behaviors. Every person’s experience of culture is unique. However, all cultures share five basic characteristics: they are learned, shared, based on symbols, integrated, and dynamic.
At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, guests learn about cultures in exhibits like A Walk Through Time in Georgia and Giants of the Mesozoic. The museum also features a giant-screen theater and traveling exhibitions.
Children can explore nature at the indoor NatureQuest, an interactive adventure with a virtual river, ocean, waterfall, forest, cave, and activity-filled clubhouse. The museum is open year-round. The facility is surrounded by 75 acres of outdoor experiences, including Fernbank Forest and WildWoods. Guests can save 44% on admission to Fernbank and four other top Atlanta attractions with the Atlanta CityPASS. A great place to also visit is Truist Park.
World of Shells
Even non-shell fanatics will be awed by the museum’s collection. It’s accompanied by intriguing info on how shells are formed and how animals use them.
The museum also features a unique art exhibit called Conveyed in Clay. This series of sculptures demonstrate how nature inspires artists. One piece, Metronesian Stick Chart, evokes nautical routes using mimosa wood and flayed inner tubes to map Atlanta’s interstate system.
Other permanent exhibits include A Walk Through Time in Georgia, Sensing Nature, Curator’s Corner, and Giants of the Mesozoic. Check the website for upcoming special forest tours, family event days, and unique programming. Fernbank After Dark adult science nights and traveling exhibits are also on offer. Save 44% on admission to the museum plus four must-see Atlanta attractions with Atlanta CityPASS tickets.
WildWoods
Designed to be an extension of the Museum, WildWods is a natural nighttime wonderland featuring old-growth forest trails and experiences. Behold oversized seeds that emanate with interactive light, watch roots grow into towering trees, and discover nocturnal animals in this limited-run experience.
The outdoor experiences continue at the adjacent Fernbank Forest with trails, active nature exhibits, and treetop adventures. Throughout the year, special forest tours and unique programming bring new experiences to the museum’s 75 acres of outdoor discoveries.
Located in the northwest city of Marietta, this hotel is minutes from major corporations like General Electric, IBM, Coca-Cola, and Lockheed Martin. It is also close to Six Flags Amusement Park and Truist Park. The hotel is well-equipped with modern facilities and services for your convenience.
Fernbank Forest
Founded in 1939 to preserve Fernbank Forest as “a school in the woods for nature study,” this museum continues to foster an empathetic human connection with all of life. Today, it encompasses a natural history museum, a giant screen theater, and 75 acres of outdoor exploration at Fernbank Forest and WildWoods.
In addition to a curated collection of globally-sourced shells, Fernbank’s galleries feature exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the physics of lightning. The newest addition is Fantastic Forces, where you can get an up-close look at the power of thunder, create your own wind tunnel, and more.
General admission includes three floors of exhibits, a choice of a giant screen film, and entrance to Fernbank Forest and WildWoods. Some special semi-permanent displays and special events like Fernbank After Dark require an additional ticket. Next article.
Driving directions from WiseGuys Pro-Wash to Fernbank Museum
Driving directions from Fernbank Museum to Six Flags Over Georgia