Welcome to the fast track through the mesmerizing world of the MDWFP’s Museum of Natural Science! Whether you’re a nature aficionado or a curious soul eager to dive into Mississippi’s rich tapestry of biodiversity, this guide is designed to streamline your journey. Within these pages, you’ll uncover the must-see exhibits, unearth age-old mysteries, and get the lowdown on the most thrilling attractions. Consider this your golden ticket to experience the wonders of natural science in a Mississippian backdrop, all condensed for your convenience. Strap in and let’s get started!

NUTSHELL: Alright, buckle up, because if you’ve got even the slightest itch for the wild, the weird, and the wonders of Mississippi’s sprawling natural saga, then the MDWFP Museum of Natural Science in Jackson is your ticket. In this madhouse, the ancient dances with the contemporary, where fossils – relics of some distant, crazy past – lay beside vibrant aquariums that are bursting, almost hallucinogenically, with creatures from our state’s mysterious waters. Forget your dull routine for a day and dive headfirst into the chaos and charm of Mississippi’s nature. It’s a trip worth taking, man.

THE NUT: At its core, the museum’s mission, inspired since its foundation in 1932 by Fannye Cook, is a simple yet profound one: to promote an understanding and appreciation of Mississippi’s rich biological diversity. This dedication to celebrating and preserving nature’s wonders has led to the assembly of over 1 million specimens, making it the most comprehensive reference for Mississippi’s vertebrate animals and freshwater mussels. 

NOW SHOWING: Dive into the chaotic world 300 million years ago where freakish creatures reigned supreme, far before the dinosaurs ever roamed. This exhibition, fueled by the wild visions of paleo-artist Julius Csotonyi, throws you into the heart of the Permian, with a savage lineup of fossils and reconstructed behemoths. Meet the most fearsome sabertoothed creature to ever exist. But here’s the kicker: a volcanic eruption took out 90% of all species, clearing the stage for the next headliners – the Dinosaurs. Brace yourself; this is a deep plunge into the past, Thompson-style.

COMING SOON: Park After Dark. Join a night of spooky fun with “Park After Dark” at both the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum for just $10! Dive into creepy crafts, trick-or-treat through the museums, and explore the Spotter-the-Otter Trail and LeFleur’s Bluff Playground after dark. Visitors, encouraged to wear costumes, can safely move between museums on Spotter’s Adventure Trail, ending with entertainment at The Den. Bring a flashlight, don your best costume for a contest, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly fall festivity!. 

GEOGRAPHY SPECIFIC: In the wild hinterlands of the museum’s nature trail, you’re not just walking – you’re trespassing through ancient territory. You’re thrust face to face with behemoths like the Triceratops and the terrifying T-Rex, not to mention the odd gang of Chasmosaurus, Nodosaurus, Appalachiosaurus, and the intriguing Eotrachodon, guarding its nest of fresh-hatched freaks. As you make your twisted journey, each dino serves up a morsel of wild trivia, throwing you headlong into the abyss of their existence – their massive dimensions, their peculiar diets, and the epochs they roamed.

DATE NIGHT: Nada.

ESSENTIALS:

MDWFP Museum of Natural Science
2148 Riverside Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39202-1353

MUSEUM DAYS & HOURS
Monday – Friday:      8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday:                9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:                  1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

IMAGE CREDIT: MDWFP’s Museum of Natural Science.