For the past year, many were home-bound because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. As more people get vaccinated, and the number of cases decreases, the itch to get out and explore grows by the day.

One does not have to drive to the beach or the Great Smoky Mountains to have fun. Just down the road from Huntsville in downtown Decatur is the Cook Museum of Natural Science. Owned by the Cook family of Cook’s Pest Control, this attraction has grown from a simple bug collection into one of the top Natural Science Museums in the Southeast.

I had the opportunity to check out the museum a few days before it opened in the summer of 2019. There are many unique exhibits for children and adults alike, including replicas of an Alabama Cave system, a River and Stream gallery with a life-size beaver dam, and a giant aquarium where several different fish species swim around to visitor’s delight. My favorite exhibits were the 3-D map model of the hydraulic system and a simulator of the earth’s axis and temperature settings to show how the planet’s settings are just right for sustainable life.

There is also an insect exhibit, a giant play area for small kids, classes and programs for older students, and live animal feedings. The Cook Museum of Natural Science was recently named the number one new museum by USA Today Reader’s Choice Poll.

For those with special needs, the Cook Museum is a disability-friendly place to visit. Wheelchairs are available for rent free of charge, and almost all of the attraction is accessible for those with mobility issues. There is also an elevator to the second floor for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. In addition, service animals are allowed inside the museum.

This past April, the museum featured sensory-friendly hours for those on the Autism spectrum where the facility dimmed the lights and sounds. In addition, the museum’s website also features a social story, so those who might be uncertain about new situations know what to expect once inside. Although there are no additional sensory-friendly hours planned for 2021, that particular event will be back for 2022. Check the Cook Natural Museum of Science website for a calendar of events.

Having fun at this world-class museum is sure to work up an appetite. The Cook Museum has a restaurant called Nature’s Table Café on-site with many fresh, healthy menu items, including wraps, bowls, and smoothies made with fresh fruit and sugar-free options for those with special dietary needs. Just down the street, the Railyard pays homage to Decatur’s transportation history with locally-sourced farm to table menu items, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

I had the opportunity to write about both the Cook Museum of Natural Science and the Railyard for Alabama Living. To see the Cook Museum article, click here. For my story about the Railyard, visit the link here. It was an honor to highlight some of Decatur’s finest local hangouts.

Have you visited the Cook Museum of Natural Science? If so, comment your thoughts about the attraction in the comment section below.