Have you ever felt that pull to connect with something ancient, something truly epic? Utah is a land where the past feels incredibly close, especially when it comes to dinosaurs.
The area around Salt Lake City is a treasure chest for anyone fascinated by these magnificent creatures. It’s a place where you can walk in the footsteps of giants and let your imagination run wild. You can’t even leave the airport before running into a large dinosaur skeleton.
With so many dinosaur museums to choose from, each one offers a different perspective on these ancient beings.
From fossils to interactive exhibits, the dinosaur museums here bring history to life.
Let’s embark on a journey together to explore the best dinosaur museums this incredible region has to offer.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Nestled in the foothills overlooking Salt Lake City, this museum is a stunning architectural marvel and a gateway to Utah’s natural wonders. The Past Worlds exhibit is where your prehistoric adventure truly begins, guiding you through millions of years of history.
So much more than dinosaurs and ancient beasts, this museum has incredible displays of Native American history, gems and crystals, and science. For the purposes of this post, we will stick with the dino theme.
- Highlights: The museum’s centerpiece is the breathtaking “Wall of Skulls,” a display of 14 horned dinosaur skulls, including the iconic Triceratops and the unique Diabloceratops. You’ll also meet the fearsome Utahraptor and see a herd of duck-billed dinosaurs. The collection is more than just bones; it tells the story of how these animals lived, fought, and thrived in ancient Utah, making it one of the best dinosaur museums to see in the US. Along this journey, I’m incredibly impressed with the young adults and teens that volunteer and work at these museums, taking the time to answer the never ending questions from my son, and engaging with visitors.
- Location: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT
- Nearby Wonders: The museum is right next to Red Butte Garden, a beautiful spot for a peaceful walk among flowers and plants. Nearby is the Hogle Zoo, which deserves an afternoon to itself, with a train ride around the exhibits, a sprawling savanna, and animals to entertain all ages. You’re also just a short drive from the historic Temple Square and the vibrant downtown Salt Lake City area, full of great food and local shops.
Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Ready for an outdoor adventure? This isn’t your typical museum. In Ogden, you get to wander through a large outdoor park where over 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures are hidden among the trees and streams, brought to life with realistic sounds.
George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is a magical experience that feels like stepping onto a different planet. A leisurely walk on well maintained paths with dinosaurs throughout? Yes please! Embark on a journey, you won’t forget at one of the best dinosaur museums in Utah.
- Highlights: The thrill here is discovery. As you walk the paths, you’ll encounter a towering Tyrannosaurus rex or a gentle Brachiosaurus munching on leaves. Inside, the Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Museum features real fossils, a working paleontology lab, and hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious minds of all ages.
- Location: 1544 E Park Blvd, Ogden, UT
- Nearby Wonders: After your dino safari, explore Ogden’s historic 25th Street, known for its charming local eateries, art galleries, and unique boutiques. For more outdoor fun, the Ogden River Parkway offers a lovely trail for walking or biking. Brixton’s is a gourmet baked potato restaurant that we highly recommend. Stuff yourself with the carne asada baked potato, loaded with green salsa, cheese, sour cream, onion and parsley for a treat that can serve at least 2 people.
Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point
Prepare to be amazed. Located in Lehi, the Museum of Ancient Life is one of the world’s largest dinosaur museums. The sheer scale of the exhibits is awe-inspiring, with skeletons posed in dramatic scenes of life and death, making it one of the best dinosaur museums to see in all of Utah.
Of note, you could spend days exploring all of Thanksgiving Point’s theme parks and gardens. I’ll be sure to make a full post on Thanksgiving Point soon, as it is an incredible family destination in its own rite.
- Highlights: The museum boasts an impressive collection of 60 complete dinosaur skeletons. You can’t miss the Supersaurus, one of the longest dinosaurs ever discovered, stretching over 120 feet. Another showstopper is the scene of a Torosaurus defending its young from a Tyrannosaurus rex. Don’t forget to visit the Erosion Table and the Paleo Lab for some hands-on fun.
- Location: 2929 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT
- Nearby Wonders: Thanksgiving Point is a destination in itself. You can also explore the whimsical Ashton Gardens, the enchanting Butterfly Biosphere, or the interactive Farm Country. It’s a full day of exploration and discovery waiting for you.
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum & Dinosaur National Monument
For a trip that takes you deeper into dinosaur country, head east to Vernal. The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is the heart of the “Dinosaur Diamond” and provides an incredible look at the fossils found right in this region. The experience starts before you even walk in, with a garden of 14 life-sized dinosaur replicas.
- Highlights: The museum’s exhibits are designed to make you feel like you’re on a real fossil dig. You’ll see stunning murals and fossils that tell the story of the Uinta Basin’s geology and paleontology. The real star, however, is its proximity to Dinosaur National Monument, where you can see over 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock at the famous Quarry Exhibit Hall.
- Location: 496 E Main St, Vernal, UT (3 hour drive from Salt Lake City)
- Nearby Wonders: Vernal is an adventurer’s paradise. After the museum, a visit to Dinosaur National Monument is a must. You can also explore ancient petroglyphs at McConkie Ranch or enjoy the scenic beauty of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, just a short drive away. Beyond the fossils, the monument offers endless opportunities for exploration. From rafting down the Green or Yampa Rivers to hiking trails that wind through dramatic canyons and past ancient petroglyphs, it’s a place where history and nature intertwine in the most captivating ways.
Each of these museums offers a unique window into a lost world. They invite you not just to look, but to feel a connection to the creatures that roamed this land long before us. So pack your curiosity and get ready for an adventure that will nourish your soul and spark your sense of wonder.
Flying into Salt Lake City? Start with these websites and apps to get your planning started https://thiswanderingsoul.net/my-top-6-travel-apps-and-websites/ as well as ideas to entertain your dino-loving kiddo on the flight right here https://thiswanderingsoul.net/toddler-airplane-activities/
