Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

10/20/2026

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has something for visitors of all ages! Our Visitor Services Manager, TJ Drummond, recently joined Ken South on WJTV 12 News’s podcast to talk about what the museum has to offer.

Listen to the full episode here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4pZwE9L4es6reTpKGC3blV

South Bound with Ken South · Episode

10/20/2026

October is Bat Appreciation Month! 🦇 Let’s bust some common myths about bats.

Myth: Bats are blind.

Fact: Bats can see! Many species also use echolocation to navigate and locate prey. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off nearby objects, then process the returning echoes in fractions of a second. This helps them navigate and catch insects, even in the dark!

Want to learn more about bats? Visit the Mississippi Bat Working Group booth at Park After Dark on October 23! Our biologist, Katelin Cross, will be there to answer your questions and share ways you can help protect bats.

10/18/2026

Pumpkin season is here! 🎃🐾

10/17/2026

Our brand-new Treehouse Play Area is officially open! 🎉

Come explore, imagine, and discover the wonders of nature from a whole new perspective.

We can’t wait for you to experience our newest outdoor addition at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science!

10/16/2026

Spooky fun is coming your way...to Park After Dark, 2026!🎃

See you Friday, October 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are on sale NOW until noon on October 22.
Get tickets and learn more: https://www.mdwfp.com/events/park-after-dark-0

10/15/2026

The Melonworm Moth (Diaphania hyalinata) is a native species with translucent wings. While adult moths feed on nectar, their larvae can damage the leaves of cucumbers, melons, and squash.

📸Tom Mann

10/12/2026

📸 It’s Monday, show us something you’ve seen in nature.

Featuring a baby Snapping Turtle on a paddle, captured by Joyce Drakeford.

Snapping Turtles are found throughout Mississippi and spend most of their lives in freshwater habitats. Baby snapping turtles may be tiny, but they grow into some of the largest freshwater turtles in North America. Snapping Turtles have powerful jaws and can deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened.

Share your nature photos in the comments for a chance to be featured in our Monday Nature Series!

10/11/2026

October is Bat Appreciation Month! 🦇 Did you know some bats can eat up to half their body weight in insects in a single night? These mammals help control insect populations and play an important role in our ecosystem.

MMNS Research Biologist Jack Creely joined Mississippi Outdoors to talk about the bats found in Mississippi.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlgpJPDbUdI&t=1033s

10/11/2026

Our native plant garden is getting into the fall spirit! 🍂 You might find a few new faces in the garden.

10/10/2026

👻 No tricks, just TWO treats!

Grab your little ghosts and goblins for a night of trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and spooky science at Park After Dark!

Two museums. One night. $15 per person! Tickets will be available at the door.

Learn more: https://www.mdwfp.com/events/park-after-dark-0