Nature & natural history museums in Georgia

Zoo Atlanta, operated by the Zoo and Aquarium Society, is one of the main attractions in Atlanta. It was founded in 1889 and covers 16 hectares. The zoo is located in Grant Park and attracts around one million visitors each year. It houses around 1,000 animals from 250 species from all over the world.

The Georgia Aquarium, situated in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, held the title of the world's largest aquarium until 2012. It boasts over 30,000 cubic meters of both salt and fresh water, providing a diverse environment for a wide range of aquatic species. This impressive size and variety make it a unique destination for tourists interested in marine life.

The Okefenokee Swamp Park is a significant natural attraction located 12 miles south of Waycross, Georgia, in the United States. To reach the park, visitors need to take the Vereen Bell Memorial Highway, which leads to the southern side of the Cowhouse Island. This route provides access to the northernmost entry point to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Swan House, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historical mansion built in 1928 by Edward and Emily Inman. The Inmans were wealthy individuals who made their fortune through cotton brokerage and investments in transportation, banking, and real estate. After their house in Ansley Park burned down in 1924, they commissioned the architectural firm of Hentz, Reid, and Adler to design a new house on 28 acres in Buckhead, a community north of Atlanta.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, situated in Atlanta, Georgia, is a renowned institution that showcases a variety of exhibitions and programs centered around natural history. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a wealth of knowledge about the natural world, with the museum's offerings ranging from permanent exhibitions to temporary displays that cover a wide array of natural history topics.

A small aquarium loaded with many marine species. Good price and knowledgeable staff, great place for kids!

The Fernbank Science Center, located in Atlanta, serves as a museum, classroom, and woodland complex. It offers a unique blend of educational and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for both students and tourists. The center is owned and operated by the DeKalb County School System, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the local educational infrastructure.

The Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is a unique botanical garden located in Hiawassee, Georgia. It specializes in the cultivation and display of a wide variety of rhododendrons. This garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about these beautiful plants in a serene and picturesque setting.

Callaway Resort Gardens, located near Pine Mountain in Harris County, Georgia, is a sprawling 2,500-acre resort complex. Known as the world's largest azalea garden, it attracts over 750,000 visitors each year. The garden's vast size and unique flora make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Indian Springs State Park, spanning 528 acres, is situated near Jackson and Flovilla. The park is named after its numerous springs, which were historically used by the Creek Indians for their healing properties. These springs are a significant feature of the park and contribute to its rich history.

The Dauset Trails Nature Center is open to visitors throughout the year, with the exception of certain holidays. This allows tourists to plan their visit at any time of the year, taking into account the specific holiday closures.

Vogel State Park, located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, is a 233-acre park that holds historical significance as one of the first two parks in Georgia when the state park system was founded in 1931. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical relevance, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.

Massee Lane Gardens, located in Fort Valley, Georgia, are botanical gardens that primarily focus on camellias. These gardens are situated at the headquarters of the American Camellia Society. The gardens offer a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of camellias in a serene and beautiful setting.

Chehaw Park, located in Albany, Georgia, is a vast park and zoo that spans 800 acres. The park, which was originally opened as Chehaw State Park in 1937, offers a wide range of natural habitats and exhibits for visitors to explore. The park's expansive size and rich history make it a unique destination for tourists.

The Blue and Gray Museum is situated in a historic railroad depot in Fitzgerald, Georgia. This location adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating place to visit. The depot has been renovated to accommodate the museum, which showcases the story of Fitzgerald's history and its connections with the American Civil War.

The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center, located in Johns Creek, Georgia, serves as a unique venue where visitors can both learn about history and appreciate nature. The center is dedicated to conserving its historical and natural environment while educating the community about its mission. It offers a peaceful retreat from the busy metro-suburb north of Atlanta, providing a haven for both humans and animals.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 51-acre botanical garden situated in Chatham County, Georgia, just south of Savannah. This lush garden was once a USDA plant-introduction station and has since developed into a botanical haven, housing a diverse range of plant species.

The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University is a botanical garden that is home to a variety of unique and endangered plants. Many of these plants are native to Georgia, providing visitors with a chance to see and learn about the state's diverse flora. The garden is a great place for nature lovers and those interested in botany.

Lockerly Arboretum is a private, nonprofit arboretum situated at 1534 Irwinton Road, Milledgeville, Georgia. It is a serene and beautiful place that offers a unique blend of nature and history. The arboretum is home to a variety of plant species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a sprawling 12-hectare botanical garden nestled in Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta. This expansive garden is home to a variety of landscapes featuring diverse plant species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia features over 8 km of walking trails that traverse the natural areas in the botanical garden. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of wild birds and enjoy the natural beauty of the garden.

The Georgia Museum of Natural History, abbreviated as GMNH, is situated in Athens, Georgia. It is recognized as the official state museum of natural history. The museum was formally recognized by the University in 1978 as the Museum of Natural History and was renamed as the Georgia Museum of Natural History in 1999.

The Kolomoki Mounds is a significant archaeological site, being one of the largest and earliest Woodland period earthwork mound complexes in the Southeastern United States, and the largest in Georgia. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in history and archaeology, offering a glimpse into the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region.

Woodlands Garden is a public garden that spans eight acres and is mostly wooded. It is located in Decatur, Georgia. This garden serves as an urban sanctuary, providing a tranquil space for visitors to connect with the natural world. It is a place where one can find peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Hamburg State Park, spanning 741 acres (3.00 km²), is situated near the towns of Jewell and Warthen in the U.S. state of Georgia. This expansive park offers a vast area for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Thompson Mills Forest, spanning 330 acres, serves as both a research forest and the official state arboretum of Georgia. It is conveniently located at 8755 Highway 53, Braselton, Georgia. The arboretum is managed by the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

The Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center, located near Mansfield, Georgia, is a vast nature preserve spanning 6,400 acres. This expanse of forests, lakes, and fields is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, ensuring the preservation and sustainability of the area's natural beauty and wildlife.

The Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden is a 4-acre botanical garden situated on the Decatur Campus of the Georgia Perimeter College. The garden is located at 3251 Panthersville Road, Decatur, Georgia, United States. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide variety of native, rare, and endangered plants indigenous to the American Southeast.