Wyoming Dinosaur Center

A journey into the prehistoric past becomes a reality in the town of Thermopolis, home to one of the top ten paleontological museums in the world. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center offers a unique opportunity to trace the history of life on our planet — from simple organisms to the majestic giants of the Mesozoic. This location in the USA is rightfully considered a must-visit for all science and nature enthusiasts.

The crown jewel of the exhibition is the Hall of Dinosaurs, which displays colossal skeletons. Visitors are invariably drawn to the giant Brachiosaurus, whose neck and tail stretch across the entire museum space. Most of the fossils presented here are rare originals found by paleontologists at nearby sites, which adds special value to the collection.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is not just a static exhibition but a living scientific complex. It successfully combines museum halls, a laboratory, and active dig sites. Visitors can not only observe scientists at work through the glass but also experience the process of searching for ancient creatures themselves, making the visit truly exhilarating.

When planning your visit to this amazing world of ancient reptiles, it's helpful to have all the necessary contact details at hand. You can check tour details or book special programs in advance via the official website or by phone. The table below provides up-to-date contact information for the center's administration.

The highlight for many guests is participating in the famous "Dig for a Day" program. This full-day adventure begins within the museum walls, after which participants head to the world's only confirmed dinosaur feeding site. Under the guidance of experienced paleontologists, you can personally take part in the excavations, using professional tools to search for real fossils.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, visiting the modern laboratory is an excellent option. Every afternoon, sessions are held where guides teach visitors the intricacies of cleaning and preparing dinosaur bones for display. This interactive activity is especially popular with families, allowing them to feel like part of a large scientific team.

Be sure to walk through the museum halls to examine the rare exhibits in detail and learn more about the evolution of life on Earth. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop, which offers a wide selection of themed gifts and educational kits. The warm welcome and the staff's readiness to answer any questions will make your immersion into the world of paleontology as comfortable as possible.

The easiest way to reach this paleontological complex is by car via US-20. The town of Thermopolis is about a two-hour drive from Casper, and the route passes through the scenic landscapes of Wyoming. Ample parking is provided for visitors on the museum grounds.

Since public transportation is limited in this part of the country, renting a car is the most preferred option for tourists. If you are already staying in the town center, a taxi ride will take no more than 5–10 minutes, and for those who prefer an active outing, the bike ride is just a few kilometers.

A visit to the museum is easy to combine with other natural attractions, such as the local hot springs. Its convenient location near major tourist routes makes this site an accessible and essential stop when exploring the region.

The history of this research complex began in 1993, when the first dinosaur bones were discovered on the mountain slopes near the town of Thermopolis. This discovery served as the catalyst for the creation of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which quickly grew into one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world.

One of the most exciting chapters in the center's history was the discovery of a unique feeding site of prehistoric giants — the only confirmed site of its kind on the planet. This discovery allowed scientists to make significant progress in studying dinosaur behavior. The museum's collection is constantly expanding thanks to active excavations conducted in the immediate vicinity of the building.

Among the many finds, a special place is held by Jimbo — the famous Supersaurus skeleton that has become the museum's hallmark. The meticulous work of paleontologists to extract and restore its remains attracted the attention of the global scientific community. Today, thousands of people visit every year to see the result of this titanic labor and touch the secrets of the distant past.

For a standard tour of the museum halls and its main dinosaur skeletons, 1 to 2 hours is sufficient for most tourists. This is enough time to explore the exhibits at a leisurely pace, peek into the laboratory, and visit the souvenir shop.

However, if you want to get the most out of your visit and plan to participate in the excavation program, you should set aside a full day. "Dig for a Day" programs usually take up all daylight hours and include a field trip to the site. Laboratory fossil cleaning sessions typically last about an hour and can be added to your main itinerary if desired.

The doors of this paleontological complex are open to guests daily, making it easy to plan a visit at any convenient time. The operating schedule remains consistent throughout the week, providing access to unique collections on both weekdays and holidays.

Museum operating hours:

• Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

The surroundings of Thermopolis are famous for their unique natural sites and cozy small-town atmosphere. Exploring nearby locations will allow you to enjoy the full diversity of this region — from thermal pools to picturesque viewpoints.

Many interesting spots are located just a couple of minutes' drive or a pleasant walk from the paleontological museum. The table below presents the nearest points of interest to help make your trip even more rewarding.