This Dinosaur-Themed Road Trip Through Utah Is The Ultimate Family Adventure
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 02, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Utah, we love our dinosaurs. Our history is rich with these incredible creatures and we have attractions dotting the state that take us back in time to when they once walked on the earth. Whether you are an avid dinosaur lover or you have a youngster who can name dozens of these remarkable beings, we have an adventure for you! This dinosaur-themed road trip through Utah will take you to several dinosaur attractions in the state. It’s one family-friendly adventure that is going to leave a big impression!
During this road trip, you will travel approximately 300 miles and should plan at least 5.5 hours of drive time. We know there are several other dinosaur attractions around the state — some that we will pass on our way and others near Moab and southern Utah. Unfortunately, we just don't have time for them all. But, you can use this interactive map to add even more stops along your journey and customize this dinosaur-themed road trip through Utah for your family.
Our road trip begins at the incredible George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park near the mouth of Ogden Canyon. This incredible park features more than 100 dinosaur sculptures with informational kiosks to teach you a little about the magnificent creature in front of you. Some are even outfitted with robotics and will move and create sound effects — making you feel like you truly did step back into a prehistoric time.
The Natural History Museum of Utah is designed to help all guests discover the natural world and how humans fit in it. During your visit, you will learn all about Utah and some of its unique features from geology to astronomy. But, the dinosaurs are going to be a highlight of your visit. Here, you will see several dinosaur skeletons and you’ll certainly leave with a new appreciation for dinosaurs and the entire state of Utah.
Tucked away in Thanksgiving Point is the Museum of Ancient Life. This museum claims to have one of the world’s largest displays of mounted dinosaurs. During your visit, you can view up to 60 complete dinosaur skeletons and participate in more than 50 hands-on exhibits like a quarry dig. This is one museum that will amaze both the young and young at heart.
The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is where you will find an incredible collection of dinosaur bones and fossils. In fact, more than 12,000 bones from at least 70 different prehistoric creatures have been excavated in this quarry. Before you hop back in the car and continue with your dinosaur-themed road trip through Utah, make sure you take the nature walk here as well.
Utah Field House of Natural History Museum, Vernal
Located on Main Street in Vernal is the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum. This incredible museum is not just for dinosaur lovers but for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who simply love Utah. During your visit, you’ll discover more than 3 billion years of the earth’s history but for dinosaur lovers, the Dinosaur Garden may just be your favorite spot. Here, you can walk by 17 full-size dinosaur replicas.
Dinosaur National Monument is actually located on the Utah and Colorado state line. This place is remarkable as some of the most significant dinosaur fossils discoveries have been made here. While the Quarry Exhibit Hall is just one of the things you can do here, there are trails, campgrounds, and visitors centers that you can visit to learn even more about dinosaurs and the time when they walked on the earth. If time allows, we suggest spending at least one full day – if not longer — at this national monument.
Before you head out on this road trip, make sure to check each attraction’s website or Facebook page for information such as current hours and pricing. Then, let us know all about your experience and if you added any stops along the way in the comments!
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