Montana Dinosaur Attractions and Events | Dinos and Designs

Blaine County Museum

What to Expect

Dive into Montana’s prehistoric seas at the Blaine County Museum! Discover the giants that once swam in the ancient ocean that covered this region, with impressive fossils of marine reptiles on display.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum’s paleontology exhibits include fossils of hadrosaurs, Gorgosaurus, and ankylosaurs found in the area. It also features displays of giant marine reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs that lived in the ancient inland sea.

Hours: September: Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm. October-May: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Carter County Museum

What to Expect

Visit Montana’s very first dinosaur museum, the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka! This museum has a rich history of paleontological discoveries and showcases some of the most significant dinosaur finds in the state, offering a genuine glimpse into the world of fossil hunting.

The Prehistoric Experience

As Montana’s first dinosaur museum, it displays a fully mounted skeleton of an Anatotian copei, a complete Triceratops skull, and mounts of Pachycephalosaurus and mosasaur. The museum is a key stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.

Hours: April 1 – October 31: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. November 1 – March 31: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 1pm-5pm.

Depot Museum

What to Expect

All aboard for a prehistoric adventure at the Rudyard Depot Museum! This unique museum, housed in a historic railway depot, features the ‘Oldest Sorehead,’ a complete Gryposaurus skeleton that is sure to delight dinosaur fans.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum’s Dinosaur Hall displays a fully articulated Gryposaurus known as the ‘Oldest Sorehead,’ which was discovered locally. It also features a life-like Maiasaura and an egg nest display.

Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Winter by appointment.

Dino Shindig

Dates: July 25, 2026 to July 26, 2026

What to Expect

Don’t miss the most exciting dinosaur event in Montana! The annual Dino Shindig in Ekalaka brings together world-renowned paleontologists, families, and dinosaur enthusiasts for a weekend of fascinating talks, hands-on activities, and even the chance to join a real fossil excavation.

The Prehistoric Experience

This annual two-day event features lectures from leading paleontologists, kids’ activities, and opportunities for the public to participate in a fossil field expedition in the fossil-rich areas around Ekalaka.

Hours: 9am to 5pm

Fort Peck Interpretive Center

What to Expect

Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center! Home to the famous ‘Peck’s Rex,’ this center offers a fascinating look at the dinosaurs that roamed this area millions of years ago, right alongside the impressive history of the Fort Peck Dam.

The Prehistoric Experience

The center’s main paleontological exhibit is “Peck’s Rex,” one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. Visitors are greeted by a life-sized model of the T-Rex.

Hours: Open Saturdays through October 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Additional hours may be available based on staff and volunteer availability, call to confirm.

Frontier Gateway Museum

What to Expect

Say hello to ‘Margie’ at the Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive! This museum offers a wonderful look at the diverse prehistoric life of the Hell Creek Formation, featuring a full-size skeleton of a swift, ostrich-like dinosaur.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum’s main dinosaur exhibit is a full-size skeleton cast of a Struthiomimus named “Margie,” which was found near Glendive. It also has fossils from Triceratops, Stegoceras, and hadrosaurs.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sundays and Holidays: 1pm-5pm. Off-season by appointment.

Garfield County Museum

What to Expect

Step into the heart of the Hell Creek Formation at the Garfield County Museum. This museum is located near the site where the world’s first T-Rex was discovered, offering an authentic connection to the golden age of dinosaur discovery.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum displays a full-size cast of a Triceratops skull and other dinosaur fossils from the surrounding Hell Creek Formation. It commemorates the discovery of the first T-Rex in the area in 1902.

Hours: Seasonal, typically Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call for specific hours.

Glendisaurus

What to Expect

Snap a selfie with a friendly giant in Glendive! The Glendisaurus is a massive, life-sized Triceratops statue that makes for a fun and quirky photo opportunity on your Montana dinosaur adventure.

The Prehistoric Experience

Glendisaurus is a ten-foot-tall, life-sized metal sculpture of a Triceratops located in a city park. It was created by community volunteers between 1994 and 1997.

Hours: 24/7

Great Plains Dinosaur Museum

What to Expect

Journey back to the Cretaceous Period at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, located in the heart of Montana’s dinosaur country! Prepare to be amazed by their incredible collection of dinosaur fossils, including a rare ‘mummified’ dinosaur.

The Prehistoric Experience

This museum features a variety of dinosaur fossils, including Triceratops and Stegosaurus. Its most famous exhibit is “Leonardo,” a mummified Brachylophosaurus with preserved skin and soft tissues.

Hours: May – September: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12:30pm-4pm. October – April: By appointment only.

H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum

What to Expect

Uncover ancient secrets at the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum in Havre! This museum offers a rare glimpse into the early lives of dinosaurs with its incredible display of 75-million-year-old dinosaur eggs and embryos.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum exhibits 75-million-year-old dinosaur eggs and embryos from the Judith River Formation. It also displays a skull cast of a Stygimoloch.

Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Winter: Tuesday-Saturday 1pm-5pm.

Makoshika State Park

What to Expect

Explore the dramatic badlands of Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park, where dinosaur fossils are eroding out of the hillsides! Hike the trails and immerse yourself in a landscape that was once home to Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.

The Prehistoric Experience

The park’s landscape is part of the Hell Creek Formation, and fossils of numerous dinosaur species have been discovered here. The visitor center displays a Triceratops skull and other local fossil finds.

Hours: Park: Daily 7am-10pm. Visitor Center Summer Hours (May 1 – September 30): Daily 9am-5pm. Visitor Center Winter Hours (October 1 – April 30): Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.

Museum of the Rockies

What to Expect

Embark on an unforgettable journey through time at the world-renowned Museum of the Rockies! This premier destination offers awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits that will thrill visitors of all ages, making it an essential stop for anyone fascinated by Earth’s prehistoric past.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum boasts one of the most important collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, including the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever discovered. The Siebel Dinosaur Complex features numerous full-scale dinosaur skeletons, real fossils, and detailed exhibits on Montana’s rich paleontological history.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.

Old Trail Museum

What to Expect

Discover the ‘Good Mother Lizard’ at the Old Trail Museum in Choteau! This charming museum showcases the fascinating story of the Maiasaura, a dinosaur that cared for its young, with exhibits that will captivate the whole family.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum’s Dinosaur Antechamber features exhibits on discoveries from the Two Medicine Formation, including a life-size Maiasaura, skulls, and skeletons of nestlings, hatchlings, and adults.

Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm.

Phillips County Museum

What to Expect

Meet ‘Elvis,’ the Brachylophosaurus, at the Phillips County Museum! This friendly museum offers a fantastic look into the prehistoric world of Montana, with impressive dinosaur skeletons and hands-on exhibits for a fun and educational experience.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum features the articulated skeleton of “Elvis,” a 33-foot-long Brachylophosaurus. It also displays an Albertosaurus and other fossils from the Judith River Formation.

Hours: April through December: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

The Montana Dinosaur Center

What to Expect

Unleash your inner paleontologist at The Montana Dinosaur Center, a unique hands-on museum! Famous for the groundbreaking discovery of the first baby dinosaur bones in North America, this center offers the thrilling opportunity to participate in real dinosaur digs.

The Prehistoric Experience

The museum displays the first baby dinosaur bones found in North America and a Guinness World Records’ longest dinosaur reconstruction, a Seismosaurus. It is an active research center and offers public participation in fossil expeditions.

Hours: May 1st – Memorial Day Weekend & Day after Labor Day – September 30th: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day: 9am-6pm daily (closed July 4th). October 1st – April 30th: By appointment only.

Upper Musselshell Museum

What to Expect

Meet ‘Ava,’ the unique horned dinosaur, at the Upper Musselshell Museum! This museum is home to the first fossil of its kind ever discovered, making it a special destination for those looking to see a truly one-of-a-kind prehistoric creature.

The Prehistoric Experience

The centerpiece of the museum’s collection is “Ava,” the fossil of Avaceratops lammersi, which was the first of its kind to be discovered. The museum also displays other dinosaur leg and hip bone fossils.

Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.