Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a natural science facility in Jackson featuring large indoor display spaces about aquatic life. Aquariums showcase over 200 species of fish, turtles, and other water animals found in the region.

The institution began in 1932 when biologist Fannye Cook returned from work at the Smithsonian Institution and established it to protect Mississippi's environment. Her work helped build awareness about conservation in the state.

The museum displays living creatures and plants native to Mississippi, helping visitors understand how these species exist together in their natural environment. The exhibits encourage people to observe and care for the living world around them.

The facility has several entrance areas, and it helps to explore the layout beforehand to plan which sections to visit. The outdoor trails are accessible year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking through them.

The museum features a network of outdoor trails spanning about 2.5 miles that pass through different habitats like bluffs and swamps. On these paths, visitors can experience the Pearl River ecosystem up close and watch wildlife in their natural setting.

Location: Mississippi

Inception: 1932

Address: Riverside Drive

Website: http://msnaturalscience.org

GPS coordinates: 32.32415,-90.15652

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56