Fernbank Museum Announces 75-Acre Expansion to Visitor Experience

Today, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is announcing significant expansion plans, which include 75 acres of outdoor experiences. The announcement largely focuses on 10 acres of all-new outdoor experiences, environments and activities, set to open in summer 2016 along with expanded access to Fernbank Forest.

The new outdoor adventure experience will occupy the 10 acres of mature woodlands behind the Museum’s terrace overlook. Fernbank’s expansion will allow visitors to experience the same level of immersive, fun and engaging programming Fernbank is already known for in a new, outdoor setting.

The outdoor expansion will offer incredible new experiences for all ages as visitors explore extraordinary landscapes along with a five-story change in elevation—from dramatic vantage points high in the trees to footpaths winding through rugged, ever-changing terrain. Experiences will include dramatic tree pods, imaginative play areas, immersive ground trails, unique sensory stations, elevated adventure nets, hands-on water cycle activities, a restored wetland, and “floating” walkways.

“We are thrilled to expand our offerings with this new outdoor attraction. This is a rare opportunity to connect our visitors with a truly authentic nature experience, right here inside the city," said Susan Neugent, Fernbank president and CEO. "This is the most significant development at Fernbank since the Museum opened, and we can’t wait for our visitors to experience this fun and invigorating encounter with nature."

The new permanent feature highlights Fernbank’s extraordinary environmental legacy, which began 75 years ago when Trustees organized to preserve Fernbank Forest, one of America’s largest old-growth urban forests.

The outdoor adventure area will open in conjunction with increased access to the 65-acre forest. Construction for the outdoor adventure will not impact Fernbank Forest, where the Museum is currently leading a research-based restoration that includes removal of more than 45 harmful invasive species and restoration of many native species that have largely disappeared.

Fernbank’s outdoor expansion will be included with museum admission at no extra charge and will be free for Museum Members. To learn more about the Fernbank Forest restoration and the upcoming experience, visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Directions and other visitor information can be found at fernbankmuseum.org.