Story By: Manasi Bhambure, Hometown Highlight Editor
If you’re looking for a thrilling experience that combines learning and adventure, the Dinosaur Journey Museum is the perfect destination. Nestled in the picturesque city of Fruita, Colorado, this regional paleontological and geological museum is a treasure trove of real fossils, cast skeletons, and dinosaur reconstructions, showcasing the history of life in western Colorado and the surrounding areas.
The Dinosaur Journey Museum offers a hands-on and interactive experience for visitors, with over 15,000 fossil specimens in its collections, exhibits, and displays. The museum features discoveries from the region, including fossils of ancient sea creatures, plant life, and the bones of numerous dinosaurs.
Paleontologist and museum visitor Mark Sanders said “One of the things that makes the Dinosaur Journey Museum so special is that they have a lot of local fossils on display. People can really connect with the history of this area and learn about the creatures that used to live here. I’ve been interested in dinosaurs ever since I was a kid, I could spend hours looking at all the different specimens and learning about their behaviors and habitats.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of the museum is its viewable paleontology laboratory, where visitors can witness dinosaur bones being prepared for display. The lab is staffed by skilled technicians who use specialized tools to clean, preserve fossils, providing visitors with a unique insight into the painstaking process of dinosaur bone preservation.
In addition to the laboratory, the museum also boasts an earthquake simulator, where visitors can experience the intensity of an earthquake, and a dinosaur library reading are, where they can learn more about these fascinating creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.
“I brought my kids here for a field trip, and they had the absolute best time of their lives. They loved getting to dig for dinosaur bones in the quarry site and I really appreciate how interactive an engaging the exhibits are,” said visitor Rachel McHugh.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the Dinosaur Journey Museum offers a sandbox where visitors can make their own dinosaur tracks and a “quarry site” where kids can uncover actual Jurassic dinosaur bones. The quarry site is a favorite among young ones, who enjoy the thrill of discovering dinosaur bones buried beneath the sand.
The museum is located in a beautiful area of western Colorado, surrounded by stunning scenery and numerous outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can explore the nearby Colorado National Monument, go mountain biking on the famous Kokopelli Trail, or hike the stunning trails of the Grand Mesa. The Dinosaur Journey Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the prehistoric world. With its impressive collection of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and fossils, this location offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Whether you are a seasoned paleontologist or a curious traveler, the museum is sure to leave you in awe of the incredible history of life on earth.
The Dinosaur Journey Museum is open Sunday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and they are located at 550 Jurassic Ct., Fruita, CO, 81521
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