Excavate Along the Montana Dinosaur Trail

The Montana Dinosaur Trail is every bit as exciting and intriguing as you'd expect. Visitors can get a "Prehistoric Passport" and earn a stamp for each location they visit.

MONTANA DINOSAUR HISTORY

Dinosaurs lived on the earth for 165 million years and went extinct about 65 million years ago. Montana is North America's richest dinosaur fossil site. Previously buried under miles of rock, dinosaur bones were brought to the surface when the Rocky Mountains formed.

The first dinosaur remains found in America were found in Montana.

MONTANA DINOSAUR TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

The trail has 14 locations featuring historical discoveries. In addition to museums, visitors can participate in field digs at three sites.

MAKOSHIKA STATE PARK

Makoshika State Park is home to some of the world's most significant dinosaur fossil finds. Here, scientists have discovered ten dinosaur species and are still making discoveries.

THE MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES

The Museum of the Rockies is one of the world's finest dinosaur museums. Visitors will find Montana's T.rex at the Siebel Dinosaur Complex. This T. rex is one of the most complete dinosaurs ever found. The museum houses the world's most extensive collection of Triceratops and T. rex specimens.

An Allosaurus, Big Al, is also on display. In addition, visitors can watch experts clean fossils in the Bowman Dinosaur Viewing Laboratory.

UPPER MUSSELSHELL MUSEUM

The Upper Musselshell Museum is home to Ava, an Avaceratops lammersi. This impressive fossil was found in the nearby Judith River Formation. The museum is also home to a variety of other dinosaur fossils.

THE OLD TRAIL MUSEUM

The Old Trail Museum features a life-size Maiasaura set against a mural or the natural environment. Visitors can also touch an actual fossilized dinosaur bone to appreciate dinosaurs better.

TWO MEDICINE DINOSAUR CENTER

Two Medicine Dinosaur Center features hands-on dinosaur dig programs in the summer. Visitors to the center can see the first baby dinosaur fossils found in North America.

THE DEPOT MUSEUM AND THE H. EARL CLACK MUSEUM

The Depot Museum exhibits the Oldest Sorehead, a Gryposaurus dinosaur. Visitors can view ancient dinosaur eggs and embryos at the H. Earl Clack Museum.

BLAINE COUNTY MUSEUM

The Blaine County Museum displays Gorgosaurus, hadrosaur, and ankylosaurus fossils. The museum also has ancient fossils of giant marine reptiles and invertebrates. In addition, visitors can handle fossils that are millions of years old.

GREAT PLAINS DINOSAUR MUSEUM AND FIELD STATION

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is home to Leonardo, a Brachylophosaurus. This impressive dinosaur was found in Montana in 2001. Leonardo is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-preserved dinosaur.

The museum exhibits a wide variety of fossils. In addition, visitors can join field digs and educational programs in the summer.

PHILLIPS COUNTY MUSEUM

Phillips County Museum features the Elvis Brachylophosaurus fossil. This fossil is known as one of the best-articulated fossils on display. Visitors can get up close to a 700-pound dinosaur femur.

At Fort Peck Interpretive Center, visitors can see Peck's Rex, one of the most impressive T. rex skeletons ever found.

Additional stops include the Garfield County Museum, the Frontier Gateway Museum, and the Carter County Museum. Visitors will discover fossils and exciting exhibits at each visit.

ENJOY HISTORIC AND SCENIC MONTANA

Montana is home to a rich and diverse history and features beautiful, rugged landscapes. Get the most out of your visit and enjoy the best drives in Montana.