Dinosaur State Park

Dinosaur State Park

Sitting on one of the largest dinosaur trackways in North America, Dinosaur State Park offers a window into the Jurassic period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The authentic trackway, which is actually three times the size of what is on display, was discovered by accident in 1966 when the state was excavating for a highway department research laboratory. The state quickly determined the significance of the discovery and designated the area a state park. The trackway is the highlight of the park, featuring 500 prints thought to have been left by a three-toed, meat-eating dinosaur. Two dioramas show what the area looked like millions of years ago. In addition, the park features numerous interactive exhibits, a classroom space, and outside grounds where visitors can explore a butterfly garden, walk a nature trail featuring typical plants from the age of the dinosaurs, and cast a real dinosaur track (visitors must bring their own materials). Pets on a leash are permitted on the park grounds, but are not allowed on nature trails or in the Exhibit Center.