Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum

The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum is a breathtaking destination located in the state of Montana, USA. As the second-largest private dinosaur museum in the state, it covers approximately 20,000 square feet. Visitors to the city of Glendive are greeted by an unusual sight: a massive Tyrannosaurus head seemingly bursting through the building's facade.

Inside, the museum showcases a magnificent collection of over 23 full-size exhibits. You can see a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, a powerful Acrocanthosaurus, and giant marine reptiles like the plesiosaur and Tylosaurus. Of particular interest is the Ice Age mammal hall, where visitors can find a mammoth and the legendary saber-toothed tiger.

The museum's uniqueness lies in its approach to presenting discoveries. All exhibits are viewed through the lens of the biblical history of creation, setting it apart from traditional scientific centers. Owned by the organization Advancing Creation Truth, the museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore a creationist perspective on paleontology.

To plan your visit to this unique site, please review the main contact information. Note that operating hours may change, so it is advisable to call ahead or check for the latest information online before your trip.

Inside the museum's halls, visitors will encounter incredible reconstructions of the planet's ancient inhabitants. You can spend hours examining the powerful jaws of a T-Rex or the elegant curves of sea turtle skeletons. The exhibition is designed so that guests can trace the history of life on Earth through the lens of geological formations and unique finds from the Hell Creek Formation.

The interactive portion of the program deserves special attention. One of the most popular services is the museum-sponsored digs in the surrounding badlands. Under the guidance of professionals, you can search for fossils yourself, learn how to identify them, and properly extract them from the ground. This is an ideal activity for families with children and anyone who dreams of being a real paleontologist for a day.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the museum offers educational tours and halls featuring triceratops and Ice Age fossils. Regularly updated displays and new finds make every visit unique and inspiring.

The museum is conveniently located for road trippers. It is situated at the northeast corner of Exit 215 off Interstate I-94. The exact address for navigation is: 139 State St, Glendive, MT 59330. If you are driving from Billings, the journey east will take about 3 hours.

For those who prefer air travel, the closest option is the local Michaels Field airport right in Glendive. You can quickly reach the museum by taxi from the airport or the city center. Additionally, its location makes it easy to combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Makoshika State Park.

The history of this unique institution began in 2009 when Otis Kline Jr. realized his long-held dream. Construction of the building took four years—from 2005 to 2009. Notably, most of the work was carried out by dedicated volunteers, and the total project cost is estimated at $4 million.

The museum is owned by the non-profit organization Advancing Creation Truth. Initial startup capital was raised through donations from Montana residents. A significant contribution was made by the Gianforte Family Foundation, which funded the creation of the Acrocanthosaurus exhibit and gifted the museum a replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

The museum's primary mission is to present paleontological finds from a creationist perspective. It places special emphasis on biblical history and the idea of humans and dinosaurs coexisting. Since its opening, the site has sparked immense interest, attracting thousands of curious tourists every month with its unconventional look at our planet's past.

To leisurely explore all the main halls and impressive skeletal reconstructions, a typical visitor will need about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the optimal amount of time to get acquainted with the collection and read the informational materials.

If you plan to take a guided tour or want to study the Ice Age exhibits and the marine hall in more detail, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours for your visit. For those seriously interested in paleontology who wish to participate in organized digs in the badlands, the trip should be planned for a full day.

Currently, exact operating hours for the museum are not provided in public sources, as the schedule may depend on the season and internal organization events. Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to visit the official website or contact the administration by phone.

Exploring the surroundings of Glendive can significantly enrich your travel experience. In addition to paleontological treasures, you will find historical landmarks and cozy spots that capture the spirit of the real Montana.

After immersing yourself in the world of ancient reptiles, consider visiting the following sites located in the immediate vicinity: