Nature & natural history museums in Alabama

The United States National Arboretum is a significant green space located in Washington. It is operated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, functioning as a division of the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. This establishment offers a unique blend of nature and science, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both.

The Birmingham Zoo, located in Birmingham, Alabama, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1950 and its opening in 1955. It's a place where visitors can learn about various animal species and their habitats, making it an educational and enjoyable destination for all ages.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a historic site located on the Fowl River near Mobile, Alabama. The 65-acre public garden and home belonged to Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, who were among the first Coca-Cola bottlers in the Southeast. The estate, built with the wealth they amassed, has since been converted into a museum and opened to the public.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, located adjacent to Lane Park at the southern foot of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, spans an impressive 67.5 acres. This expansive area is home to a diverse range of plant life and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The St. George Village Botanical Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 16 acres. It is situated at 127 Estate St. George, Frederiksted, Saint Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The garden is open to the public every day, except on Christmas Day. Please note that there is an admission fee for entry.

The Montgomery Zoo, located on the north side of Montgomery, Alabama, spans across a vast area of 40 acres. This expansive space is home to a diverse range of animals and exhibits, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden, located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama, is a sprawling 118-acre botanical garden. It is conveniently situated near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, making it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the area.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, located about 4 miles west of Chanhassen, Minnesota at 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, Minnesota, is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and arboretum. It is a part of the Department of Horticultural Science in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. It is open to the public every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. An admission fee is charged, and annual memberships are available.

Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Alabama Aquarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth-largest estuary system in the United States.

Spread over 100 acres (0.40 km), the Mobile Botanical Gardens offer a mix of cultivated areas and natural habitats. These include the Rhododendron Garden, Camellia Wintergarden, Fern Glade, Fragrance and Texture Garden, Japanese Maple Garden, Herb Garden, and a 40-acre Longleaf Pine habitat. Each of these areas provides a unique experience and a chance to explore different types of plant life.

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is a public native plants museum and botanical arboretum located in Auburn, Alabama. It offers educational facilities, event spaces, and a conservation program. This makes it a great place for tourists who are interested in botany, conservation, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Noccalula Falls Park, located in Gadsden, Alabama, is a 250-acre public park. The park's main attraction is a 90-foot waterfall, offering a stunning natural spectacle for visitors. The park provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature in a serene setting.

The Montgomery Zoo, located on the north side of Montgomery, Alabama, spans 40 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. With approximately 750 animals representing 140 species, visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of creatures during their visit. The zoo is an independent city department and is supported in part by The Montgomery Area Zoolocal Society.

Aldridge Gardens is a 30-acre garden located in Hoover, Alabama, United States. The garden is known for its prominent display of hydrangeas. It is situated on the former Aldridge Estate, adding a historical touch to its charm.

Spread over approximately 25 acres, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 300 animals. The zoo's diverse collection includes Barbary lions, leopards, tigers, wolves, bears, monkeys, and macaws, providing visitors with a rich and varied wildlife experience.

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a state-of-the-art natural science museum in downtown Decatur, AL. It provides a hands-on, immersive experience where kids can explore, interact with, and learn about nature.

The Weeden House Museum, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is a historic two-story house. It was constructed in 1819 and is a prime example of the Federal architectural style. This style is characterized by symmetry, simple geometric shapes, and grandeur, which are all evident in the design of the Weeden House.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History, situated in Smith Hall on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, is the state's premier natural history museum. It offers a comprehensive look into the natural diversity of Alabama, with exhibits spanning from the Age of Dinosaurs to the Ice Age.

The Anniston Museum of Natural History, situated in Lagarde Park, Anniston, Alabama, is home to an impressive collection of over 2,000 natural history items. These include a diverse range of minerals, fossils, and rare animals, all displayed in open dioramas for an immersive experience.

The Cullman County Museum is a local history museum situated in the heart of downtown Cullman, Alabama. It is conveniently located on the corner of Arnold St. and 2nd Ave. N.E., making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.