Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center
Explore a world of ancient giants at the Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center, featuring impressive skeletons and a working fossil lab.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the fossil lab in action
Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center
Best Time
Catch the fossil lab in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a world of ancient giants at the Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center, featuring impressive skeletons and a working fossil lab.
"ASK FOR A TOUR GUIDE!!! You'll learn more about dinosaurs here than you ever thought possible!"
🎯 Ask for a Tour Guide!
Essential for a deep dive into dino facts! Guides like Caroline & Danny are highly recommended .
⏰ Visit the Fossil Lab Early
Catch the lab in action; it can be empty on weekends or near closing .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Dinosaur Skeletons
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at over 40 full-size dinosaur skeletons, a truly awe-inspiring sight for all ages.
Working Fossil Lab
Fossil Lab Area
Witness paleontologists at work in a real fossil lab, offering a glimpse into scientific discovery.
Interactive Kids' Dig Area
Children's Activity Zone
Little paleontologists can get hands-on in a fun, educational dig area designed for discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Skip the Guided Tour!
Timing is Key for the Lab
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for a Tour Guide!
Essential for a deep dive into dino facts! Guides like Caroline & Danny are highly recommended.
⏰ Visit the Fossil Lab Early
Catch the lab in action; it can be empty on weekends or near closing.
🚗 Worth the Drive from Denver
Many visitors find the trip from Denver absolutely worth it for this unique museum.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Great selection of souvenirs and dinosaur-themed gifts for all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for a Tour Guide!
Essential for a deep dive into dino facts! Guides like Caroline & Danny are highly recommended.
⏰ Visit the Fossil Lab Early
Catch the lab in action; it can be empty on weekends or near closing.
🚗 Worth the Drive from Denver
Many visitors find the trip from Denver absolutely worth it for this unique museum.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Great selection of souvenirs and dinosaur-themed gifts for all ages.
📸 Green Screen Photos
A fun, laugh-out-loud activity for memorable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center for its educational value and engaging exhibits, especially the guided tours which are highly recommended. While some feel it's a bit like a gift shop with a museum, the kids' enjoyment and the learning opportunities are undeniable. The fossil lab and impressive skeletons are major draws, making it a worthwhile destination for families and dinosaur enthusiasts.
"In order to maximize your experience you MUST ask for a tour guide! If not you’ll breeze through quickly. We learned tons of new facts about dinosaurs. Tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly. Ask for Caroline. She was AMAZING! Prices are family friendly. The gift shop has a variety of options. Incredible place! It’s a must!"
Heather Hester
"The exhibit was fun and very informative. The guides were helpful, we did go on the weekend and close to closing so the lab was empty. I would recommend go during the weekday or not close to closing. The gift shop had a great selection of gifts and souvenirs for the entire family."
David King III
"So glad I came to this museum. Drove from Denver and absolutely worth the drive. Danny was my tour guide and he was so knowledgeable and funny. (And the tour was included in admission). Really cool and fun"
Beth Bertaut
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center is located west of Colorado Springs. The drive from Denver typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Many visitors find it a worthwhile trip, even driving from Denver specifically for the museum.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center is an excellent day trip option from Colorado Springs, located just a short drive away. It's also a great stop if you're heading further up the mountain.
From Denver, take US-85 S to CO-126 W, then follow signs for Woodland Park. From Colorado Springs, take US-24 W directly to Woodland Park. The museum is centrally located within the town.
Public transport options to Woodland Park are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access to the Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered family-friendly. While specific prices can vary, reviews indicate they are reasonable, especially when considering the educational value and the option for guided tours.
While you can buy tickets online or at the zoo, it's often recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on ticketing and potential online booking discounts. Buying at the door is also an option.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Woodland Park Dinosaur Resource Center website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, reviews mention family-friendly pricing. It's always a good idea to inquire about potential discounts for groups, seniors, or children when purchasing tickets.
Refund policies are typically determined by the ticketing terms and conditions. It's advisable to review these policies when purchasing tickets or contact the center directly for specific inquiries.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The center features over 40 full-size dinosaur skeletons, a working fossil lab, an interactive kids' dig area, and offers informative guided tours. You can also find unique casting displays and green screen photo opportunities.
Yes, many visitors report that the guided tours are included in the admission price, making them an excellent value for learning more about dinosaurs.
It's highly recommended for kids! They have a hands-on dig area and are often in awe of the massive skeletons. The educational aspect is a big draw for families.
A quick walk-through might take an hour, but with a guided tour (which can last around 2 hours), you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring and learning.
You can expect to see a variety of dinosaur fossils, including impressive skeletons of well-known species. The center focuses on accurate displays and educational content about paleontology.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the center has a notable gift shop, specific dining facilities are not heavily emphasized in reviews. It's advisable to check their official website or plan to dine in Woodland Park before or after your visit.
Information on outside food and drinks is not readily available. It's best to assume that outside food may not be permitted inside the museum exhibits. Check their policy or enjoy the local eateries in Woodland Park.
Woodland Park offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to family-friendly restaurants, providing plenty of choices for lunch or dinner before or after your visit to the Dinosaur Resource Center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography near delicate exhibits. The green screen photo op is a popular feature.
Yes, the museum offers a fun green screen photo opportunity where you can pose with dinosaurs for a memorable souvenir picture.
The main exhibition hall with the large dinosaur skeletons offers dramatic photo opportunities. The interactive displays and the fossil lab also provide unique backdrops.
Professional photography or videography may require special permission. It's recommended to contact the Dinosaur Resource Center directly to inquire about their policies for commercial or professional shoots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited inside museums and enclosed public spaces for safety and privacy reasons. It's highly unlikely that drone photography would be permitted within the Dinosaur Resource Center.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Seeing the massive dinosaur skeletons up close is awe-inspiring for all ages, and many kids leave with a newfound love for paleontology. Don't miss the green screen photo ops for a fun, personalized souvenir.To make the most of your family visit, consider booking a guided tour. The guides are excellent at engaging children with fascinating dinosaur facts, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Visiting on a weekday morning can also help ensure the fossil lab is active, adding another layer of discovery to your outing.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Denver
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits, especially if you opt for a guided tour, which is highly recommended. The center provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of dinosaurs and paleontology, making it a rewarding detour for those seeking something beyond the typical tourist attractions.
🤓 Enthusiast & Educational Travelers
The museum's collection of full-size dinosaur skeletons is impressive, and the focus on accurate casting and display makes it a valuable stop for learning. Consider dedicating ample time, perhaps with a guided tour, to fully absorb the educational content and appreciate the scientific endeavors happening within the center.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Value of Guided Tours
These tours provide context and detail that bring the ancient creatures to life. You'll learn about the latest paleontological discoveries, the specific species on display, and the geological periods they inhabited. For families, this is an invaluable opportunity to spark curiosity and foster a love for science in young minds.
The guides are adept at tailoring their explanations to different age groups, ensuring everyone can appreciate the wonders of paleontology. Therefore, prioritizing a guided tour is a key recommendation for maximizing your visit.Understanding the Fossil Lab
It’s a chance to see how raw finds are transformed into the impressive displays you see throughout the museum.However, it's worth noting that the activity in the lab can vary. Some visitors have mentioned that the lab might appear less active on weekends or closer to closing time.
A Gem for Young Paleontologists
The museum boasts an interactive kids' dig area, where little ones can get their hands dirty and experience the thrill of unearthing pretend fossils. This hands-on activity is a major highlight for younger visitors, making learning fun and memorable.Beyond the dig area, the sheer scale of the full-size dinosaur skeletons captivates children, sparking their imaginations and leading to countless 'rawr' moments.
The educational content, especially when delivered through a guided tour, is presented in an accessible way that keeps kids engaged. While some adults might view it as a large gift shop with a museum attached, the primary goal of keeping children entertained and educated is consistently met, making it a highly recommended stop for families traveling through Colorado.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit