For Your North Alabama Bucket List: Explore Decatur’s Cook Museum of Natural Science

If you live within a 2-3 hour drive of Huntsville, Alabama, and have yet to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur – nestled just south of the Tennessee River – it’s time to pick a day and plan your trip!

Explore, Visit

February 12, 2025

Whether you’re exploring with young children or enjoying a day with friends and family, the Cook Museum of Natural Science offers an enjoyable learning experience for all ages, inviting visitors to see, touch, learn, and discover the wonders of the natural world. If you don’t have The Cook Museum on your bucket list to explore ASAP, it’s time to jot it down because this family-friendly outing does not disappoint. Out-of-towners, it’s worth the trip to Decatur, which is just 30 minutes southwest of Huntsville.

As a mom of three school-aged children, I have personally explored this museum with them nearly 10 times over the last few years. I have also visited the museum without my children and enjoyed an opportunity to walk slowly at my leisure, reading and learning as much as I could about the present subjects.

If you enjoy immersive, interactive experiences at museums, the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a curious child, or an adult who loves to take a deep dive into learning, this museum offers something for everyone.

Plus, the facility itself is beautiful, modern, and well cared for from the outside in, and I believe that your experience from the time you park until the time you leave, will exceed your expectations.

The Cook Museum’s origins trace back to Cook’s Pest Control, which began collecting specimens in an effort to train employees. Over time, the collection grew, and the original Cook’s Natural Science Museum opened in 1980.

It quickly became a beloved educational resource for schools and families across the region. With over 50 years of field trips and community engagement, the original museum has evolved into a state-of-the-art nonprofit organization, opening its current location in June 2019 to continue its mission of educating visitors and inspiring them to get out and explore the natural world all around them.

The Cook Museum features hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, and real-world natural science displays.

Visitors can explore nearly every North American biome under one roof, making it a fantastic, engaging, one-of-a-kind learning opportunity for all.

Featured exhibits include:

Discovery Exhibit – A general introduction to natural science featuring live animals, including partnerships with Alligator Alley and UAB.
Looking Up Exhibit – A space-themed exhibit exploring Earth’s perfect conditions for life.
Foundations Exhibit – Discover the fundamentals of the natural world, including the Hollow Sands kinetic sand table designed by a brilliant engineer.
Biome Trail:
- Rivers & Streams – Featuring a trophy case of Alabama biodiversity, a reconstructed real beaver dam, and a freshwater tank.
- Caves – A conglomerate of North Alabama caves showcasing intricate textures and formations. Nearly the entire museum is ADA accessible, including the cave’s squeeze section.
- Arctic/Desert Exhibit – Showcasing real taxidermy animals and hands-on experiences.
- Oceans Exhibit – A 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, live coral ecosystem, and scheduled Ocean Teank feedings.
The Wonderful World of Insects – A vibrant exhibit modeled after a candy store, displaying real insects from around the world. There’s even the Little Larvae play area for toddlers!

The museum introduced Cook Museum Mining Co. in 2024, allowing visitors to purchase mining bags ($6-$50) and pan for gemstones in the outdoor mining sluice. This seasonal attraction reopens on March 1st, 2025, and is available Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as during school breaks, including Monday-Saturday during the summer.

Your museum journey concludes in Founder’s Hall, featuring a donor wall and a tribute to the museum’s roots in Cook’s Pest Control.

Before leaving, visitors can explore the Museum Shop, filled with educational toys, books, unique souvenirs, and local goods.

Additionally, did you know that the Cook Museum isn’t just an attraction, but also a community gathering space with a cafe, event rental areas, and more?

Nature’s Table Café – Enjoy fresh, affordable meals like acai bowls, wraps, and smoothies. With a bright dining area and patio seating, it’s a great lunch spot for locals and visitors. Come during typical lunch hours, and you’ll see for yourself how popular this dining destination has become in Decatur!

Monarch Hall – A spacious 5,000+ sq. ft. event venue that can accommodate up to 600 guests for wedding receptions, corporate events, and more.

Cook Museum Members enjoy access to exclusive programs, 10% discounts at Nature’s Table and the Museum Store, and priority registration for classes and camps. Plus, visitors can apply their daily admission toward a membership before they leave. Just show your receipt!

Plan Your Visit

In my opinion, I suggest giving yourself at least 2.5 to 4 hours to fully explore all the museum has to offer. Parking is easy, and kids under two get in free.

Check out the museum’s “Visitor Information” section on their website to make the most of your trip!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the Cook Museum of Natural Science is an inspiring experience that keeps people coming back.