Digging the Dinosaur Scene
A hidden gem in Morrison holds big surprises
By Elizabeth Leer on March 22, 2017
Dinosaurs are one of those topics that straddle the line between imagination and fact that stimulate the mind in a world of possibilities. Maybe that’s why kids and adults alike love them so much. Morrison, Colorado’s Dinosaur Ridge is the perfect place to get your dinosaur fix and your exercise all at the same time.
Where to Locate Dinosaur Ridge
Although it is not actually located in Denver, Morrison Dinosaur Ridge is located a short fifteen-minute drive west of the city making it a great mini-excursion for the whole family. You will find the entrance to Dinosaur ridge just off of C470 where I70 and C470 meet up before heading up into the Rockies. Its location can make it quite windy at times, so be prepared since all of the experience, except the small museum and gift shop, are outdoors.
Museum and Gift Shop
Your adventure starts and ends at the small museum and gift shop combo building that provides you with some basic sculptures, and fossils so that you can see what you will be looking for as you walk one of the two trails.
Be prepared for the kids not to want to leave the excavation pit, where they can leisurely dig for imitation fossils just like a real archaeologist. Once their done, don’t forget to let them take their favorite find inside for labeling so that they can take it home as a free souvenir.
Types of Tours
Besides walking one of the two exploration trails, there is also a bike path, as well as both guided and self-guided tours. For those looking for a more relaxed view of the fossils, there is a guided bus tour that takes about an hour and provides you with information about the dinosaurs that used to live in this region as well as the fossils on display and information about the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark (as Dinosaur Ridge Park has been designated by the National Park Service), its history, and its mission.
Special Events
Dinosaur Ridge has a year-round calendar of events to keep you coming back, from summer camp to GeoCaching; making it a great place to incorporate fun and learning into one activity.
In addition to their calendar of events, you can also book children’s birthday parties and special events. The Ridge is a great alternative to traditional birthday parties and will keep your little one’s friends busy so you don’t have to; with the added perk of there is nothing for them to break.
Dinosaurs and More
With more than 300 footprints and 37 trackways, you are bound to see something that sparks your interest. Besides the many imprints, you will also see 150 million-year-old bones that have been encased in sandstone, that you can touch allowing you to reach back in history to the Late Jurrasic-Floodplains era.
Morrison’s Dinosaur Ridge is an excellent way to get your outdoor fix while spending bonding time with friends and family as you learn about those creatures that lived here long before man ever did.
Other Great Reads by Elizabeth Leer
Passing Ships Are Not Always Quiet
5/5 stars
In a small northern California coastal town, twelve year old John and Sheila witness as Billy the mailman is killed by a drunk driver and have to help Sheriff Stark prove it was Gordon Stockholm after his father Frank Stockholm uses his mobster flunkies to cover it all up.
Buy On AmazonA Fish Who Wanted To Fly
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Jessika spent her life swimming around the beautiful lagoon she was born in, staring at the skies wanting to fly like those amazing creatures of the sky. Join her and her friends on her adventure to accomplish her dream.
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