2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Montana Dinosaur Trail. This statewide expedition allows visitors and locals alike to explore the prehistoric history of Montana. From eggs and embryos to fully articulated skeletons, the 14 stops along the trail feature dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re road-tripping the whole trail, or just visiting an exhibit for the day, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the stops along the Dino Trail:
As you travel along the Dino Trail, your Prehistoric Passport shares information about the dinosaurs you’ll encounter along the way. Each of the trail's 14 stops offers a unique stamp to add to your passport. Collect all 14 stamps to receive a gold seal that signifies completion of the trail as well as a Prehistoric Passport T-shirt.
Check out the full-size skeleton cast of this dinosaur that was found near Glendive.
Enjoy a paleontology experience at the park, including a visitor center tour, a visit to the paleontology lab and an interpretive hike. Reservations are required for this experience, which is offered June-August, and can be made by calling the park at 406-377-6256.
Makoshika isn’t just a stop on the Dinosaur Trail — it’s Montana’s largest state park. After you see the fossils on display in the visitor center, explore the unique rock formations that make up the park’s badlands terrain with a hike, a bike ride or even a night of camping and stargazing.
The first Tyrannosaurus rex was identified just outside of Jordan in Hell Creek in 1902. Today, check out a T. rex skull at the museum as well as a full-size Triceratops cast and a Stygimoloch skull.
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See one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever discovered! In addition to the skeletal remains, which were uncovered in 1997, the center features a fleshed-out model of the dinosaur and a hands-on exhibit of the skull.
The centerpiece of this exhibit was found just north of the museum and was the first of its kind to be discovered.
See Montana’s T. rex skeleton, the growth series of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex, “Big Al,” the Allosaurus and many other one-of-a-kind exhibits.
This Phillips County find is one of the most well-preserved dinosaurs in the world, with fossilized skin still covering parts of its skeleton. Leonardo is the most studied and complete “mummy” dino, with over 90% of its body covered in skin impressions.
Coming in at 33 feet long, this is one of the best articulated dinosaur skeletons ever found.
Spend the morning at an active dig site led by an experienced paleo-technician, then head back to the museum for the afternoon to explore the exhibits. This experience is offered on select dates in July. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
These fossils were found in 1978 near Choteau, and are now on display along with many other exhibits.
Experience a real archaeological dig at an active fossil site! Full and half-day expeditions are offered every Wednesday-Monday from June through September.
Along with the skulls, view nestling, hatchling and adult Maiasaura skeletons and a cast of the Saurornitholestes.
This museum showcases some of the first discovered eggs and embryos from the duck-billed lambeosaur and features local human history as well.
Featuring talks from Museum of the Rockies’ curator of paleontology, dinosaur-themed activities and tours of the museum, make sure to check out this festival each summer.
The fully articulated Gryposaurus is the Depot Museum’s claim to fame.
Here, you can handle fossils of the sea creatures, plants and dinosaurs that once lived in central Montana.
This annual event features talks from leading paleontologists, activities for the kids and other festivities.
The Carter County Museum was the first of its kind in the state and was created to display dinosaur remains.
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