I Took A Walk On The Wild Side At The Southern Museum of Natural History

Located in Downtown Columbia, just a block off Main Street, are two buildings that will automatically draw your eyes. One has a large mural painted on the side with animals you may see while wandering the woods of Mississippi and the other proudly announces Southern Museum of Natural History.

Mickey Webb, a forestry consultant, has collected specimen and artifacts from all over the world since he was a young boy. His fascination with natural science led him to be able to open one building of the museum in 2021.

The museum starts with a look at fossils, the skulls of animals, and petrified wood. Small dinosaur prints, vertebrae, and massive ammonites adorn the shelves of the museum, offering a look at a natural science most people have never seen.

The second part of the museum takes you through a collection of stuffed animals. Being able to see the details of each animal so close gives you a completely different perspective of what life for them would be like. This part of the allows visitors to see just how large Ostriches are, how tiny Dik-Dik are, and just how dangerous a Grizzly Bear would be if you met one in the wild.

The final part of the museum is set up as if you are on a nature walk through any part of the woods in Mississippi. The stunning display makes you feel as though you have just stepped into the woods, including the animals that are watching you from every angle.

Visitors receive a card when they enter the room for a scavenger hunt to find all the animals listed. This was a bigger challenge than initially thought and it took several minutes to locate the animals from largest to smallest.

The Southern Museum of Natural History welcomes visitors of all ages and encourages school groups to schedule a time to come in and do the museum tour. What a cool educational experience for students of all ages and adults too!

A visit to the Southern Museum of Natural History is a journey nature that provides both educational enrichment and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler passing through Columbia this museum is a destination that offers a unique and enriching experience. With its engaging exhibits, hands-on learning opportunities, and commitment to conservation, it stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of our planet’s natural history.

If you are looking for more adventures while in Columbia, find your way to Red Bluff for a stunning hike. Columbia has a lot to offer, more than you can enjoy in a day! Stay a few extra days and see what all the fuss is about!