Discover Hidden Treasures at Cook Museum's New Mining Exhibit

Lillie Beth Warner • August 9, 2024

Dig for Gems and Discover Hidden Treasures in this Interactive Exhibit For All Ages!

If you're looking for a fun and educational activity in Decatur, the Cook Museum of Natural Science has just the thing. Their new exhibit, The Mining Company, offers an engaging hands-on experience where visitors of all ages can discover their own gemstones and minerals. Whether you're a curious kid or an adventurous adult, this exhibit promises a memorable time.

Located in the museum’s courtyard, The Mining Company allows you to purchase a bag of mining material—ranging in price from $6 to $50—and sift through it in a sluice to uncover hidden treasures. Depending on the bag you choose, you could find everything from colorful gemstones to fossils, shark teeth, and arrowheads. It’s a unique way to connect with nature and learn about geology while having fun.

But the experience doesn’t stop at mining. The exhibit also features picnic tables for a relaxing break, a rock and mineral identification center where you can learn about your finds, and play areas for children, including a balance-beam log and a crawl-through log. Inside the mining tent, you’ll find a selection of mining helmets, geode rocks, and other educational items for purchase, along with Dippin’ Dots ice cream and sodas to keep you refreshed.

The Mining Company is currently open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The site is fully accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.

Fall/Winter Hours (August 3 – January 4): The exhibit will be open on Saturdays only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additionally, the exhibit will be open on select school break dates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including:

Labor Day: Monday, September 2
Fall Break: Monday, September 30 – Saturday, October 19
Veterans Day: Monday, November 11
Thanksgiving Break: Monday, November 25 – Saturday, November 30
Christmas Break: Thursday, December 26 – Saturday, January 4

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date, or just looking for something different to do, The Mining Company at Cook Museum is a must-visit. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.cookmuseum.org/mining or call 256-351-4505. Come and uncover the treasures that await at Cook Museum’s Mining Company!

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