Best Dinosaur Museums In Texas
From dinosaur fossils and dinosaur bones to dinosaur eggs and dinosaur tracks, these paleontology museums in Texas are the best places to learn about dinosaurs.
These museums have been collecting dinosaur fossils including bones, teeth, and trace fossils.
Some of the museums are the only places you can see specimens local to Texas such as the Onion Creek mosasaur and the Alamosaurus.
Here are our favorite places to take little paleontologists for an afternoon of exploration and discoveries.
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American Museum Of Natural History New York
Did you know Ben Stillers famous dinosaur museum movie, Night At The Museum, was filmed here? Go on a self-guided tour and revisit your favorite scenes from the film at the AMNH.
And as you explore its halls, marvel at the enormous Tyrannosaurus rex from the movie whos on display at the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs. This dino has teeth as long as six inches and a jaw as long as four! You and your family will surely enjoy and get lost in wonder as you explore the museums dinosaur world.
Lastly, did you know the American Museum of Natural History is home to over 600 fossil specimens? And out of that, 100 are dinosaur fossils! Its no wonder the AMNH is dubbed as the museum with the largest dinosaur collection in America. Their collection is just incredible.
- Tickets: starts at $28 , $16.50
- Operating Hours: 10 AM 5:30 PM, Wednesday to Sunday
- Location: 200 Central Park West New York, NY 10024-5102
- Phone Number: 212-769-5100
Museum Of The Rockies Montana
Montana is that place up north in the west where ranches abound and incredible fossils of dinosaurs are found. The Museum of the Rockies is a reflection of all the incredible finds from the area and around the country, all curated in one incredible dinosaur museum.
Step foot into their Siebel Dinosaur Complex and explore dinosaur exhibits like Dinosaurs Under The Big Sky and Landforms/Lifeforms. From those displays, youll meet an impressive T. rex sculpture named Big Mike and an Allosaurus named Big Al. Theres a lot to do and a lot of dinosaurs to meet in this dinosaur attraction!
- Tickets: starts at $14.50 , $9.50
- Operating Hours: 9 AM 4 PM, Daily
- Location: 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Bozeman, MT 59717
- Phone Number: 404-994-2251
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Museum Of The Rockies Bozeman Montana
Best dinosaur museum
The Museum of the Rockies is a world-renowned museum that is located in Bozeman, Montana. The museum has a collection of over one million fossils, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive dinosaur museums in the United States. The museum also has a wide variety of exhibits that focus on different aspects of dinosaur life, from anatomy to behavior. The Museum of the Rockies is a must-visit for anyone interested in dinosaurs, and it is also a great place to learn about the history of Montana and the Rocky Mountains.
Witte Museum In San Antonio
The Witte Museum in San Antonio is a great place to see the dinosaurs that lived in Texas million years ago.
The Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery is perfect for kids of all ages.
They can see Acrocanthosaurus, marine prehistoric reptiles such as mosasaurs and giant sea turtles, flying pterodactyls, and of course everyones favorite T-Rex!
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Dinosaurs That Lived In Texas
Dinosaurs were exceptional creatures that pushed the limits of evolution. These beautiful creatures occurred in various shapes and sizes, from the enormous long-necked Diplodocus to the bipedal predators like the Tyrannosaurus. Dinosaurs were on the planet for 165 million years before their rule came to an abrupt end. As Texas had a diverse topography even before the present-day animals started to exist, the land before Texas also hosted a variety of prehistoric animals, some of which were mighty dinosaurs.
Texas is home to many fossils, and dinosaur bones and footprints are among these fossilized remains. In a large strip that spans central Texas, some of these so-called Early Cretaceous fossils can be seen exposed on the surface. Below, we list 14 dinosaurs that lived in Texas and where you can see their fossils today.
The Field Museum: Chicago Illinois Usa
Located near Lake Michigan, the Field Museum opened its doors in 1894 with exhibits that had debuted at the Worlds Columbian Exposition one year earlier. Over 65,000 artifacts found a home at the newly established museum, named for Marshall Field, the man who donated the $1 million needed to start the project.
The museum opened its current building in 1921, and has been educating and entertaining visitors ever since. The Field Museum is an important place because it houses Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the most complete skeleton of the creature to date. The museum attempts to display the real fossils whenever possible, but also includes casts of some of the creatures using accurate molds of fossils.
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University Of California Museum Of Paleontology Berkeley California
dinosaur museum
The University of California Museum of Paleontology is one of the most well-known dinosaur museums in the United States. It is located in Berkeley, California, and has a large collection of fossils and artifacts from all over the world. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and admission is free for all visitors.
Dinosaur World Glen Rose
If you visit Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, a stop at Dinosaur World is a must.
This 20 acre park offers fun for all the family, but especially for the youngsters that are fascinated by dinosaurs. Visitors have an opportunity to literally walk among the dinosaurs 100 life-size dinos along a winding walkway.
Dinosaur World in Glen Rose also has fossil replicas and natural fossils, a dinosaur dig for the kids, a playground and picnic tables. Pets are also welcome as long as they are on a leash.
Note: On writing this post the fossil dig, gem dig and playground are all closed due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dinosaur World1058 Park Road 59, Glen Rose254-898-1526
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Other Places With Dinosaur Tracks
The Leander Dinosaur Tracks are in a creekbed near U.S. Highway 183. Parking is located near 601 S. Gabriel Dr. in Leander, Texas. Free to enter.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
West of San Antonio, visit at 12,000-acre natural preserve with 40 miles of trails along with camping. Take the Joe Johnston Route for 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
Located at 12861 Galm Rd. Adult admission is is $6. Open from Friday until Monday.
Dinosaur Attraction Cabazon Dinosaurs Cabazon California
Cabazon Dinosaurs is a fun roadside attraction off HW 10 in between Palm Springs and San Bernardino. It is not a paleontology museum but rather a collection of man-made dinosaurs of close to their natural size. T-rex and what looks like an Apatosaurus are the stars of the show. You can see them outside the main exhibit for free. And you can also get INSIDE the T-Rex, right into his head, and roar your lungs out!
Inside the paid exhibit you can see several replicas of smaller dinosaurs. They are set up in a garden-like area with blooming flowers. Kids can also mine for minerals on site.
Recently, Cabazon Dinosaurs established a new cute tradition they are re-painting the two main dinosaurs according to the up-coming holiday and add some holiday-specific decorations too. We v for additional photo opportunities. We visited the place during Christmas break and the T-Rex was dressed as Santa. In February the dinos were re-painted in St. Valentines appropriate colors with T-Rex wearing a tuxedo. And for Easter the T-Rex became a huge bunny!!
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Wyoming Dinosaur Center Wyoming
Just beside Montana is their neighboring dinosaur world, Wyoming. This state offers interesting exhibits at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and has been named the Worlds Coolest Places 2019 by TIME Magazine for Kids. The dinosaur museum also has programs like Dinosaur Academy, Paleo Prep, and Kids Dig to add to the many activities you can do during your visit.
- Tickets: starts at $10 , $8
- Operating Hours: 8 AM 6 PM, Daily
- Location: 110 Carter Ranch Road PO Box 351 Thermopolis, WY USA 82443
- Phone Number: 307-864-2997
Royal Tyrrell Museum: The Best Dinosaur Museum In The World
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology in Alberta, Canada, is without a doubt the best dinosaur museum we have ever visited.
Living in London, we have enjoyed visiting the famous Natural History Museum (and its less famous relative, the Tring Natural History Museum. We have two dinosaur mad kids in our family and seeking out dinosaur themed days out is a high priority. Recently, we took them to the Isle of Skye to walk in the dinosaur footprints!
When we found out that the Royal Tyrrell Museum was a dinosaur museum, located in Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of the World AND located in the awesome sounding Canadian Badlands, we knew we had to include it in our Canadian itinerary. And if that description doesnt make you want to visit too, then we dont know what will!
We promise, you will not be disappointed with a visit to this dinosaur museum if you are visiting Drumheller with kids. Even if you are not traveling with kids, this museum is truly fascinating and is one of the best things to do in Drumheller.
Heres our complete guide to visiting the museum so that you have everything you need to plan your visit.
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George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
Another one of the best museums in Texas is the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum.
The museum, located in College Station, contains a collection of interesting objects and interactive exhibits about former President George H.W. Bush while he was growing up and his life while serving as president including memorabilia from all over the world.
One section features a replica of Air Force One and displays on foreign policy.
Another section allows you to go back in time and provide commentary for presidential events like the Berlin Wall coming down.
The Presidential Library is one of our favorite museums in College Station!
Amazing & Cool Dinosaur Museums In Texas
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Categories Texas Travel Inspiration
Texas is home to several amazing dinosaur museums.
From the small to the large, they all have one thing in common- they are educational, fun, and open to everyone!
These museums are great for kids of all ages where they can learn about dinosaurs or even volunteer at some of the museums that offer educational programs.
Check out these dinosaur museums in the Lone Star State to visit with your kids.
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Burke Museum Of Natural History
The Burke Museum of Natural History is also located in Seattle, on the campus of the University of Washington.
The Burke Museum offers a variety of family days throughout the year, including a dinosaur day, so make sure to check out their web site for event dates.
The Life and Times of Washington State exhibit includes a life-sized saber-toothed cat skeleton, in addition to mastodon and stegosaurus skeletons.
For more information see
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackways Near Moab
Try out this 15-minute easy trek to see tracks in the red rock likely left by the Apatosaurus and the Diplodocus. To get there, head south on U.S. 191 toward Moab. At mile marker 148, turn east on a dirt road to the trailhead for Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackways.
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Dinosaur Valley State Park Texas United States
Discover dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River, where the prehistoric creatures roamed long ago. Families can also camp, swim, fish, and paddle in the river, ride a horse or visit the interpretive center. There are also 20 miles of trails to explore.
Info: Adults $7 for the day, Children 12 and under FREE campsites available
Good to Know: Contact the park for trail status and dinosaur track visibility before your trip. The dinosaur tracks in the riverbed are not always visible
Museum Hours And Fees
The Heritage Museum is open Wednesday Sunday, from 12 pm to 4 pm.
The entry fees to the museum are very nominal and cost just $4 per adult and $3 for kids.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to see the tracks, historic exhibits, and explore the museum.
If you are also going on the Fossil Ridge Tour, then we recommend keeping aside an entire day at the museum.
The Heritage Museum of Texas Hill Country is a fascinating place to visit with kids of all ages.
Even adults enjoy seeing the fossil tracks of the dinosaurs.
The museum also offers many educational programs and activities for kids.
We definitely recommend the Heritage Museum, Canyon Lake TX attraction for a fun and educational trip.
Did you like the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country reviews? Let us know in the comments.
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The North Dakota Dinosaur Tour
If youre are heading to the Badlands, consider taking the whole North Dakota Dinosaur Tour of eight total museums that display some of North Americas most fascinating discoveries. For example: 30-million-year-old horse, Mesohippus, at North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 6 million years worth of artifacts, specimens, and displays at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum while youre in the area, dont miss the opportunity to go on actual fossil dig. The fossil above was found in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Check out these 15 natural wonders youve likely never heard of.
* Please keep in mind that all text is machine-generated, we do not bear any responsibility, and you should always get advice from professionals before taking any actions.
* Please keep in mind that all text is machine-generated, we do not bear any responsibility, and you should always get advice from professionals before taking any actions
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The First Dinosaur Discoveries
Ancient people immortalized footprints in their pictographs in the Utah area, suggesting they had found dinosaur footprints. Though the official discovery of dinosaurs was in England in the 1820s.
Soon after in the 1830s, footprints were found in Connecticut. Though the real excavation didnt start in the U.S. until the end of the 1800s with the Bone Wars. Two scientists and their scientific discovery teams raced to the Rocky Mountains and discovered over a hundred new species between the two competing crews.
Then the natural museums got in the game and formed their own dig teams. Soon scientific dig teams dispersed across the continent to discover then fill museum halls with dinosaur discoveries.
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The Field Museum Chicago Usa
Chicagos Field Museum is home to the largest dinosaur discovered to date, the titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum. Named Máximo, the dino is 122 feet long and would have weighed more than 10 African elephants. Other highlights include the fossil skeleton of a 42-foot-long T. rex named SUE and Illinois state fossil, the Tully monster. From talks with real palaeontologists to otherworldly dinosaur bones, this museum has something for everyone.
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The Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis
dinosaur museum
This might be the best childrens museum for kids because of its fun activities and great dinosaur attractions. Its also the worlds biggest childrens museum with over 1 million visitors yearly.
The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis is perfect for young children who are just starting to learn about science and dinosaurs.
Visit the Dinosphere and meet special dinosaurs like Leonardo. Hes a Brachylophosaurus who is a Guinness World Book of Records title holder for being the best-preserved dinosaur remains.
The Dinospheres dinosaur attractions will keep your kids busy with interactive activities like games, stories, and programming.
Tickets: starts at $24
Operating Hours: 10 AM 5 PM, Daily
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Fernbank Museum Of Natural History Atlanta Georgia
dinosaur museum
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the largest museum for natural sciences in the region. Its the only museum with a display of the gigantic Argentinosaur. As you enter the chambers of their dinosaur exhibit, Giants of the Mesozoic, youll see prehistoric creatures in real-life poses.
At the exhibit, youll see a life-size replica of the Argentinosaurus fighting a Giganotosaurus. While you watch, other life-size replicas of prehistoric reptiles and animals will add to the action. Its a recreation of Mesozoic life that will give you excitement like no other.
Tickets: starts at $20 , $18
Natural History Museum: Paris France
The Natural History Museum has 14 sites around France, with 4 situated in Paris. The museum is the third-largest collection of specimens in the world, with about 62 million in reserve.
There are many dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals to be found at the Natural History Museum, and the vast array of animals represented will be sure to satisfy the most curious paleontologist-in-training!
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Dinosaur Provincial Park And Royal Tyrrell Museum Alberta Canada
The Canadian Badlands region has been known as a rich source of dinosaur fossils since 1884, with the discovery of the appropriately named Albertosaurus, a tyrannosaurid whose remains were found along other fearsome carnivores like Gorgosaurus and Daspletosaurus in the area. Most recently, this region made paleontological news again for the discovery of a new tyrannosaurid: the reaper of death, a smaller and older relative of the T. rex. Make your own discoveries with the help of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which offers age-appropriate tours and activities, such as fossil casting and an express dinosaur dig. Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a guided Centrosaurus Quarry Hike and a Fossil Safari.