Mann Wildlife Learning Museum: A Natural History Experience
Explore North American wildlife in realistic habitats at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, located within the Montgomery Zoo.
The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, a 28,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the Montgomery Zoo, provides an immersive journey into the diverse wildlife of North America [6, 8]. The museum was born from the lifelong passion of George Mann, a renowned outdoorsman and conservationist, and relocated to Montgomery in 2003 [3, 7, 9]. The museum features over 270 displays of meticulously preserved animals, birds, fish, and reptiles in realistic dioramas [6, 7, 8]. These three-sided displays allow visitors to walk up close and examine the animals and their habitats, which are recreated with natural materials collected from the actual sites where the animals lived [3, 5, 12]. Exhibits showcase a wide array of North American fauna, including the deer, bear, and skunk families, as well as foxes, cats, and various fish and bird species [7, 8]. A unique 'danger section' highlights poisonous insects, venomous reptiles, and toxic plants [7]. Interactive elements, such as touch-and-feel displays, allow visitors to engage with the exhibits and learn about the textures and characteristics of different animals [3, 7, 12]. The museum also features authentic fossils, including saber-tooth tiger remains, mastodon tusks, and woolly mammoth bones, providing a glimpse into the prehistoric past [7, 8]. The Education/Seminar Room can seat more than 200 people and is available for seminars, meetings, and banquets [8].
Local tips
- Check the Montgomery Zoo's website for combo tickets to save on admission to both the zoo and the museum [6].
- Take advantage of the touch-and-feel displays to enhance your learning experience, especially if you're visiting with children [3, 7, 12].
- Allow ample time to explore both the museum and the Montgomery Zoo in a single day, as the museum's operating hours align with the zoo's [9].
A brief summary to Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
- 325 E Vandiver Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama, 36110, US
- +1334-240-4900
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From within the Montgomery Zoo, follow the signs directing you towards the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum [7]. The museum is located near the Waters of the World exhibit and the Zoo's Chimpanzee exhibit [7]. It's a short walk from most areas of the zoo [7].
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Public Transport
The nearest bus station to the Montgomery Zoo is Montclair & Vandiver, which is a 7-minute walk away from the museum [13]. Use the Moovit app for detailed bus schedules, routes, and fare information [13]. A single bus fare costs approximately $1.25 [13].
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Driving
The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is located at 325 E Vandiver Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36110 [17]. From Interstate 65, exit on Exit 173 and follow Northern Blvd for four miles [17]. Exit on Coliseum Parkway [17]. From Interstate 85, exit on Exit 6 and turn North, following Eastern/Northern Blvd for eight miles [17]. Exit left on Coliseum Parkway [17]. Parking is available in the Mann Museum parking lot [2, 7]. Parking is free [6, 7, 14].
