Houston Museum Of Natural Science Houston Texas
dinosaur museum
Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular dinosaur museums in the United States. The museum has over 120,000 square feet of exhibition space and offers an extensive collection of fossils, artifacts, and specimens from all over the world. The museum also has a research department that is dedicated to studying the biology and evolution of dinosaurs.
Selection Of Temporary Exhibits
- Ancient Denver, a series of paintings by local artists that depict the Denver area from 300 million years ago to the present.
- Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, a large exhibit covering art, culture, astronomy, religion, ball games and warfare, as well as potential reasons for the collapse of the Mayan empire.
- Whales: Giants of the Deep, an exhibit that originated in New Zealand, where there was a large whale-fishing industry. The exhibit includes whale skulls and skeletons, videos, cultural artifacts, and “explaration stations”.
- Traveling the Silk Road, artifacts from the ancient trade route, from Xian, the imperial city of China’s Tang Dynasty, to Istanbul.
Why We Were There: Dinosaurs
Thats right. Our focus was on the Prehistoric Journey exhibit. We had NEVER visited a dinosaur exhibition of any sort ever before this so we had no idea what to expect. Do you know what? Thats our new favorite way to experience an exhibit. There were no expectations ahead of time so we didnt know if we were seeing an awesome collection or something totally lame. Well, actually we know it wasnt lame as there were so many parts to the exhibition.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science knows how to do a dino-show. The Prehistoric Journey starts with pre-dinosaurs and then continues beyond them. Its fun to think about actually because the exhibition is set up like an actual story from micro-organisms to the scientists working on fossils. Its totally a storybook diorama and you get to be a character.
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Pops The Triceratops Comes To The Denver Museum Of Nature & Science
The Colorado Front Range has become the epicenter of community-based fossil discoveries, including horned dinosaur skeletons excavated in Brighton, Thornton and Highlands Ranch, and a major post-extinction ecosystem from rocks just east of Colorado Springs. However, an overlooked fossil discovered nearly 40 years ago near the small town of Briggsdale, in the eastern plains of northern Colorado, arrived at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in October and may end up rewriting the story of horned dinosaur evolution.
The specimen, consisting of a nearly complete skull and parts of the skeleton of a dinosaur similar to Triceratops, was originally collected in 1982 from a ranch then owned by Roland Sonny Mapelli and family. Hoping to see the discovery inspire local children and dino enthusiasts, the Mapelli family donated the specimen, later nicknamed Pops, to Weld County in 1986 under the condition that it remain on public display.
The fossil originated in the Laramie Formation, in rocks deposited along an ancient lowland plain teeming with turtles, crocodiles and small mammals between 69 and 68 million years ago. This makes it up to two million years older than the Thornton Torosaurus and Highlands Ranch Triceratops discoveries, suggesting that it may be a key in understanding the origins of these iconic last dinosaurs.
Entering The Denver Museum Of Nature And Science
Why in the world do we even need to mention actually entering? Because youll be faced with so many options. So heres the rundown at any given moment, not taking into consideration the super awesome robot exhibit that we didnt go to but realllllly wanted to:
Like any noteable museum of any sort all around the world, there are exhibits that make pit-stops here and theyll be an additional fee. Also, there are special movies and IMAX presentations that you can purchase tickets for ala carte.
Tip: actually research museums ahead of time, especially the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to see what youll want to spend time doing BEFORE you get there. We planned half a day here and needed a full day including lunch. #LessonLearned
Also, if youre local to the Denver area or visit the city more than once a year, take a moment to see if you should actually purchase a membership to the museum.
Tip: purchasing a membership might be a better deal than you realize. Membership also gets you into oodles of other science centers around the country.
Bonus tip: if youre a member at someplace at home, check if you already have free admission to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
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Sue: The T Rex Experience
When: February 11 April 25
Cost: $8 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Explore the mysteries of SUE the T. Rex and the dinosaurs rival the Triceratops during SUE: The T. rex Experience. You can see the difference between two full-size casts of the ancient creatures and hear from scientists about the Late Cretaceous period and all that the dinosaurs would have experienced.
Arriving At The Denver Museum Of Nature And Science
Thank goodness its not in downtown. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is outside the downtown core at the City Park. This also happens to be where the Denver Zoo is located. The City Park is a really beautiful place with ponds, trees and walking trails. Oh, and the Museum of Nature and Science and the zoo. Basically, the City Park is huge.
While you could try doing street parking or use the VERY LARGE zoo parking lot, its worth it to park in the garage or lot right next to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Why? Because there are dinosaurs in the parking garage!!!! For realz. I believe we encountered an apatosaurus and velociraptor before we even got the the ground level of the garage. For that alone, try to park in the garage.
Tip: arrive as close to opening as possible as the lot and garage fill up quickly and the traffic management above ground isnt well executed. If youre later in the day, use the zoo parking lot and walk the five minutes to the museum.
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University Of Colorados Museum Of Natural History Boulder Colorado
The University of Colorado Boulders Museum of Natural History is home to a variety of prehistoric fossils in its Paleontology Hall. The museum houses 150,000 catalogued specimens from all over the United States and the world, but the fossil vertebrate collection is focused on the Rocky Mountain region. In addition to prehistoric creatures, the museum houses invertebrates and plants, including beautiful pieces of petrified wood. Family friendly and full of interesting exhibits, CUs Museum of Natural History is one of Boulders best free spots for learning and exploring. Admission to the museum is FREE. The museum is open during Monday Friday 9-5, Saturday 9AM -4PMm Sunday 10AM 4PM . The CU Museum of Natural History is located at CUs Henderson Building, 15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309.
Denver Museum Of Nature And Science Denver Colorado
best dinosaur museum
Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of the top dinosaur museums in the United States. The museum has a vast collection of fossils and artifacts from all over the world, and its a great place to learn about the history of dinosaurs. The museum is also home to one of the worlds largest indoor exhibits, which features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs.
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Where Can I See Dinosaurs In Denver
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, with fantastic exhibits. Displays include skeletons of the stegosaurus, allosaurus, diplodocus and many more. Observe scientists working on fossils from the recent discovery by construction crews of the Thornton Torosaurus, the first torosaurus ever discovered in Colorado as well as the most complete torosaurus skeleton ever found in the world.
Denver Museum Of Nature And Science Denver Co
Since the very beginning of the dinosaur rush in the 1870s in the western United States, Colorado has been one of the best places in North America to find dinosaurs. Not surprisingly, then, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of the best places to see them displayed. The Prehistoric Journey exhibit at the museum is a wonderful trip through earths history as seen in the fossils on display.
As you step inside the Denver Museum of Nature and Science , the very first thing you are sure to notice is a huge cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex. It is standing on one leg, in almost full upward extension. It is such an unusual position for a T. rex fossil, its hard to imagine it in real life now that we know more about how Tyrannosaurus moved. Even as odd as the posture is, it makes you appreciate just how long a Tyrannosaurus was. Every time I go there, visitors with cameras make sure their children stand under the lifted foot and imagine getting stomped on. It is an interesting display, for sure. I have heard it called the Dancing T-rex, which seems an appropriate nickname.
Tyrannosaurus rex
HIGHLIGHTS
Thalassomedon Dimetrodon EryopsAllosaurusStegosaurusDiplodocusDaeodon.
IF I DONT LIKE DINOSAURS, WILL I ENJOY MY VISIT?
WHAT COULD BE BETTER?
DID MY CHILDREN ENJOY THEIR VISIT?
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I PLAN TO SPEND THERE?
OVERALL:
Rating Aspects of the Museums Fossil Displays:
Number of Fossils/Dinosaurs on Display:
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Dinosaur Journey Museum Fruita Colorado
Dinosaur Journey, part of the Museums of Western Colorado, concentrates its exhibits on the geology and paleontology of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. The museum features interactive exhibits, animatronic dinosaurs, fun events, educational programing, and area dinosaur trails. Dinosaur Journey hosts special exhibitions every summer running from mid-May to September that YOU can join! Located at 550 Jurassic Ct, Fruita, CO 81521.
At The Denver Museum Of Nature And Science
Its time for some dinosaur spotting
Did you know that Colorado is one of the states where most dinosaur fossils were found? In fact, Denver is said to be built on very fossil-rich land and people discover dinosaur parts and fossils on a regular basis .
So number 1 on our to-do list in Denver was the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. More specifically The Prehistoric Journey exhibition, which takes you on A journey through the eons that allows you to trace the evolution of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to lumbering dinosaurs to the inhabitants of todays world. The huge dinosaurs on display, like the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus for instance, are very impressive, and you can even watch scientists work live on newfound fossils.
The museum is huge and you really need more than a day to enjoy it. Apart from the dinosaurs we enjoyed the beautiful dioramas and we chose to see the Mineral exhibition. It shows the most colourful stones from all over the world, like Mexican Topaz, California Watermelon Tourmaline and the amazing six-foot wall of blood-red rhodochrosite crystals. Very, very impressive!
After a full day of nature and science its time for food. Read all about our favourite culinary street of Denver next time!
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Discoveries And Research On The Last Cretaceous Dinosaurs From The Front Range Of Colorado
Excavation of the most complete Torosaurus fossil ever found
Thornton, Colorado, 2017
The discovery of a partial horned dinosaur in late August 2017 at a construction site for a new public facility in Thornton, Colorado led to the excavation of the most complete Torosaurus specimen ever found, nicknamed Tiny. Torosaurus, a rare cousin of Triceratops, is known for its larger, thinner frill with open fenestrae . In addition to a complete, disarticulated skull, approximately one quarter of the skeleton was recovered, including ribs, limb bones, and part of the pelvis.
Denver Museum Of Nature & Science
One of the best places in Denver to find dinosaurs is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, one of the premier natural history museums in the country. The Museum has close to 115,000 dinosaur, plant, and mammal fossils in its collections. You can visit the award-winning Prehistoric Journey exhibition, which features a Stegosaurus fossil discovered near Cañon City by a high school teacher, and an Allosaurus skeleton found by a 13-year-old girl in Moffat County.
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Ftcollins Museum Of Discovery Ft Collins Colorado
The Ft. Collins Museum of Discovery features Wildlands & Wildlife, exploring the creatures and lands that existed in Ft. Collins millions of years ago! Prehistoric beasts and flora are accompanied by a complimentary exhibit showing the plants and animals that inhabit Ft. Collins today. Kids will love the fossil wall, as well as the many other exciting STEAM exhibits including: the music and sound lab, the tornado chamber, tot spot and more! The Museum of Discovery is an excellent way to explore dinosaurs and fossils in Colorado. The Ft. Collins Museum of Discovery is located at 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
Is Sue The T Rex Still In Denver
The Denver Dinosaur Museum is home to one of the worlds most famous Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons Sue. Sue was discovered in the 1970s and has since been on display at the museum.
However, some people believe that Sue is not actually a T. rex and may instead be a different type of dinosaur. If Sue is found to be a different type of dinosaur, the Denver Dinosaur Museum may have to change her name.
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Houston Museum Of Natural Sciences
dinosaur museum
Were excited to see the animatronic dinosaurs at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences!
The Houston Museum of Natural Sciences Dinosaur Discovery exhibit is where youll find lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. You can also explore a 3D experience in the museums Dinosaurs Alive IMAX Theater. Theres plenty to do at this top dinosaur museum in Houston.
Tickets: starts at $25 , $16
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Take a different look at the earths prehistoric life at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, just west of Pikes Peak near Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. Here, enormous petrified redwoods and detailed fossils of ancient insects and plants tell a story of Colorado’s past. The enormity of fossils in the area can be credited to gigantic volcanic eruptions that quickly buried the then-lush valley.
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Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Woodland Park Colorado
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is a kid-friendly museum featuring unique and spectacular dinosaurs including T-Rex, raptors, giant flying and marine reptiles, huge carnivorous fish and life restorations. Visitors can witness an actual fossil preparation laboratory, making casts and preparing fossils for museums around the country. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is located at 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park, CO 80863.
Fishing For The Truth
As you come to the end of the dinosaur exhibit in the Prehistoric Journey gallery, be sure not to miss the opportunity to discuss what might have happened to the dinosaurs as you view a large replica of a rock exposure from which a four-inch-long sample of layered rock that records evidence of a large comet or meteor strike. It contains bits of quartz ejected from the impact. According to many evolutionists, this impact was responsible for the mass extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Some creationists believe that this impact occurred during the middle or late stages of Noahs Flood.
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Numbers In Nature: A Mirror Maze
When: June 4 September 19
Cost: Possible Additional fee with $19.95 museum admission here
The Lowdown: Experience the wonders of the Earth with Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze. The exhibition explores how math takes shape in nature with patterns in flora, spotting in fauna and more. You can take participate in interactive elements with art, music and a mirror maze.
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience Caon City Colorado
Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is a family-friendly interactive museum featuring full-scale dinosaur fossil casts, science-focused interactive displays, animatronic dinosaur exhibits, as well as hands-on exhibits with real dinosaur fossils. Kids will enjoy the kids dig area, multimedia exhibits, games and outdoor recreational-focused activities including a multi-story ropes course. The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is located at 44895 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212.
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Where We Are Working
Northwestern Colorado
Dinosaurs from northwestern Colorado include the iconic Denver Museum of Nature & Science Allosaurus, currently on display in the Museums permanent Prehistoric Journey exhibition and several important finds from the area currently under study in the earth sciences collections. Additional fieldwork in the region has focused on relocating past localities for future excavation and research.
Garden Park, Colorado
Dinosaur fossils from the Garden Park Fossil Area north of Cañon City, Colorado, fill many of the large museums of the eastern United States and include many discoveries that were the first of their kind. Spectacularly complete skeletons from the area, including the Kessler Stegosaurus currently on display in the Museums permanent Prehistoric Journey exhibition and the Small Stegosaurus collected by Museum scientists in the early 1990s, make this area an important source of historic information and new discoveries.
Comanche National Grassland
Led by USDA Forest Service regional paleontologist Bruce Schumacher, important new discoveries of dinosaurs continue to be made in an area better known for Jurassic dinosaur tracks. This includes a partial skeleton of a giant Apatosaurus under preparation and study at the Museum, among other dinosaur remains from the region.
Kaycee, Wyoming