The Museum Store is a highly impressive natural science museum that offers a wide range of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. The museum is large, spanning three stories, and features a variety of displays focused on North Carolina's natural environment, including oceans, forests, geology, and more. One of the main highlights is the collection of live animals, which gives the museum an aquarium-like side. Visitors can see dinosaur bones, rocks, minerals, fish, foliage, and other fascinating exhibits that cover many topics. A standout feature is the Research Center, accessible via a bridge, where visitors can observe animal checkups and watch vets care for animals. Some visitors have been lucky enough to see live surgeries, such as a snake operation. The staff is friendly, positive, and passionate about sharing knowledge, especially during demonstrations and educational programs. The museum also has a Discovery Room packed with hands-on activities suitable for children, along with a plexiglass bee hive that allows visitors to watch the bees in action. Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events and special exhibits, making it a lively educational space. The nearby Prairie Ridge Ecostation offers outdoor walks and a nature play area, emphasizing native plants and outdoor learning. Admission is mostly free, making it an accessible and affordable destination. Visitors frequently praise the museum's size, variety, and engaging exhibits, often spending hours exploring. Overall, The Museum Store is a fun, educational, and family-friendly place that continues to impress all who visit.
The museum shop was so cute and had a great variety of items. All of the kids found something small to take home, and the staff was very friendly and kind to them.
August 2023
I think that this would be a better visit if you had never gone to any natural history museums anywhere else. However I have gone to a number of different museums and this was lacking on content. Some of the things were "cute", but for the most part it was okay. Also the air conditioner didn't seem to be working well.
August 2023
The museum was small and interesting. I'm used to the one in LA so this one seemed like a miniature version. Granted it was warm out, but their AC was struggling and we were a little uncomfortable. Exhibits we're good but just seemed to be lacking.
