Wyoming Dinosaur Center
4.7(1.5K)google
EducationalFamilyFossilsHands-On
Overview
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is located in East Thermopolis, Wyoming and is one of the few dinosaur museums in the world to have excavation sites within driving distance. The museum displays the Thermopolis Specimen of Archaeopteryx, which is one of only two real specimens of this genus on display outside of Europe. Fifteen minutes from the museum are their many dig sites.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM –6:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeOpen all year. Summer mornings from May to September are optimal, allowing visitors to tour the world-class indoor fossil exhibits—including a rare Archaeopteryx—and participate in an active outdoor dinosaur dig site excursion.
Getting ThereLocated just south of downtown Thermopolis at 110 Carter Canyon Rd. Drive via US Highway 20 (US-20) and turn at the large dinosaur roadside signage. The museum provides an expansive parking lot accommodating cars and large RVs.
Travel Tips
- The premier Dig Site Tour and hands-on 'Paleontologist for a Day' programs are not included in standard museum admission. These active field experiences have strictly capped availability and require booking months ahead on their website.
- The active outdoor dig sites are located on exposed, arid shale hillsides. Regulations strictly require fully enclosed, rugged hiking boots or work shoes (sandals and mesh sneakers are barred). High-SPF sun protection and a water flask are mandatory.
- Located in Thermopolis, it is a 3-plus hour drive from Yellowstone. Pair it with local hot springs; for photography, the optimal vantage point to capture full-scale sauropod skeletons is from the corner angles of the second-floor mezzanine.
Reviews
Positive
- A paradise for dinosaur lovers, featuring a stunning display of complete fossil skeletons, including the unforgettable giant 'Jimbo'.
- The ultimate highlight is paying to join a real fossil excavation (Dig for a Day), letting you step directly into an active dig site.
- The science guiding inside is top-notch; the tour docents are all professional geologists and paleontologists who answer queries brilliantly.
- The indoor path layout is well-planned, wheelchair access is smooth, and air conditioning is great, perfect for a kids' educational day trip.
Heads up
- Joining the guided tour to the actual hillside fossil dig sites costs a hefty extra fee; indoor-only tickets offer average value.
- The dinosaur toys and fossil replicas in the gift shop are priced quite high, and many are generic plastic items lacking unique design.
- Located on the edge of Thermopolis, it is a drive away from core routes like Yellowstone or Jackson, requiring a dedicated detour.
- The on-site snack bar is frequently closed, and there are no dining choices within walking distance; you must pack your own lunch.