Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites
Written By: Sarah Reish
I knew there were once dinosaurs that roamed the open ranges here in Wyoming, but I don’t think I understood how prevalent they once were or how many digs are producing high quality fossil remains. While visiting Thermopolis we took some time to check out the Dinosaur Museum! This is a must see stop if you are traveling in or around Wyoming. This is a family friendly museum with interactive programs and exhibits.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites
Unfortunately, we missed our opportunity to visit and help at the dig site by just the tiniest of bits, as the first snow had arrived the day before; however, the museum was impressive and we had a great time exploring it. Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites is a nonprofit organization that does more than curate dinosaur exhibitions. They have managed more than 130 dig sites and they offer quite the variety of interactive programs to immerse young and old alike into the world of paleontology. There is also a lab inside the museum which is where they work on the specimens they uncover.
The digs
While we didn’t make it to the digs I don’t want to skip this. Visitors can sign up for a day at the dig site or even a multi-day experience. The Dino-Expedition is a 5 day experience designed for grandparents and grandchildren. The 5 day program is designed with mornings spent at the dig and afternoons in the lab. This immersive experience is sure to give Dino lovers the ultimate adventure into a world of rediscovery and we love it!
The fossils
The museum itself is quite impressive and starts with fossil exhibits showcasing a variety of fossil types, aquatic, bird, reptile, and foot/paw trail prints that were left on the ground. One of the more impressive of these fossils is a trail fossil that spans an entire corner of the museum.
The dinosaurs
After making your way through the fossil sections you will enter into this expansive space showcasing the dinosaurs in their full size! This, without a doubt, has to be everyones favorite area. It had been quite a while since I had been to a museum that had a dinosaur exhibit and I was overwhelmed with the size.
Interactive
What makes this a great museum for families with children who love dinosaurs is there are various areas with interactive exhibits. There is a viewing area to watch work being done in the lab. The window opens right up to work areas. While we were there there was no work being done but the lab left real specimens out with signs explaining what it was and the work being done. Another area has cubbies where children and adults can reach inside and guess what type of fossil they feel. The hands on learning is fun and allows visitors to experience the displays using more than their sense of sight. There is also a giant leg bone that you can stand next to and gain a real understanding of the massive size these animals were.
The Details:
Hours:
Sept 15-May 14, 10 am - 5pm daily
May 15 - Sept 14, 8am - 6pm daily
Fees:
Museum - adult $12, children $10
Museum and Dig: adult $20.50, children $16.50
Other program fees can be found here
Be a Paleontologist
Whether for an hour, a day or a week the Wyoming Dinosaur Museum & Dig Sites is a must see and bucket list experience for any age. We cannot wait to go back next summer and spend time at the dig. Be sure to capture photos of your experience and share with us on social media. Tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld