Natural-history museum and forest

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

14.1 road mi · about 23 min

Fernbank Museum of Natural History combines exhibits, a giant-screen film and 75 acres of outdoor nature about 14.1 road miles from Stone Mountain Park.

The place

About Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a private nonprofit museum, giant-screen theater and old-growth forest destination in Atlanta. One daytime ticket includes the museum exhibits, a film, WildWoods and Fernbank Forest; it is not affiliated with the separate Fernbank Science Center run by DeKalb County Schools.

The museum opened in October 1992, building on an environmental and education effort that began in 1939 to preserve Fernbank Forest. Its signature indoor experience includes the dinosaur-filled great hall, while the outdoor campus extends through WildWoods and the forest.

Current public hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with Fernbank Forest closing at 4:30. The museum warns that some areas may close or change during its 2025-27 renovation program. Check the live calendar and do not infer that a photographed exhibit remains in the same configuration.

Indoor experiences and WildWoods are described as ADA-accessible, but many Fernbank Forest trails are not because of steep, rugged natural terrain. Accessible parking, automated entrance doors, an elevator, six theater wheelchair areas, limited loan wheelchairs and service-animal access are published; route choice still matters.

What stands out

Enter the dinosaur great hall

Use the large-scale dinosaur displays as the museum's signature natural-history orientation.

Choose a giant-screen film

One film is included with daytime admission; accessible seating and assistive devices have current procedures.

Walk WildWoods

Use the accessible outdoor pathways for a nature experience without committing to rugged forest trails.

Explore Fernbank Forest

Select a route with the terrain warning in mind and leave time before the 4:30 forest closure.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad trip

Fernbank is the indoor-outdoor family alternative after Stone Mountain, about 14 road miles away. Buy ahead for the lower published price, allow extra time for limited parking, and choose between museum, film and forest rather than rushing all three.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursMuseum daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fernbank Forest closes at 4:30; select evening events use separate hours.
  • Weekday online admission$25.95 adult, $24.95 senior and $23.95 child age 3-12 on most weekdays; members and age 2 or under free.
  • Weekend online admission$27.95 adult, $26.95 senior and $25.95 child age 3-12; special high-demand dates use this tier.
  • Counter pricePhone or admissions-counter tickets cost $3 more; Fernbank is cashless and tickets are nonrefundable.
  • Included experiencesDaytime admission includes exhibits, one giant-screen film, WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.
  • ParkingFree but limited; overflow is on South Ponce de Leon Avenue, not Clifton Road.
  • RenovationSome areas may be closed or modified during Fernbank's 2025-27 improvement program.
  • AccessIndoor exhibits and WildWoods are accessible; many natural forest trails are not because of steep, rugged terrain.
  • Service animalsService animals are welcome in the museum, WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.

Return to an outdoor granite landscape

Add Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

Pair the museum's natural-history interpretation with protected rock outcrops, solution pools and trails.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Fernbank open?

The museum is open daily 10-5. Fernbank Forest closes at 4:30, and select evening programs use separate hours.

What does daytime admission include?

Museum exhibits, one giant-screen film, WildWoods and Fernbank Forest are included.

How much are online tickets?

Most weekdays are $25.95 adult, $24.95 senior and $23.95 child; weekends are $27.95, $26.95 and $25.95. Current checkout controls.

Are young children free?

Children age 2 and under are free with an adult outside group visits.

Is parking free?

Yes, but it is limited. Additional parking is on South Ponce de Leon Avenue, and parking is prohibited on Clifton Road.

Is all of Fernbank wheelchair-accessible?

Indoor experiences and WildWoods are described as accessible, but many natural forest trails are not because of steep, rugged terrain.

Are wheelchairs or assistive devices available?

A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs and theater assistive devices are available first-come under current request procedures.

Can service animals enter?

Yes. Fernbank says service animals are welcome in the museum, WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.

Will every exhibit shown in the photos still be there?

Not necessarily. The four works date to 2011-2012, and ongoing renovations can change exhibits, routes and access.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.