Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Did you even know that there is an actual dinosaur state park in the New England?
“We are one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath our geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago.”
I had no idea until my family was heading in that direction and looking for a place to stretch our legs somewhere along the journey.
We prepared a little ahead of time and brought some supplies with us so that we could make our very own cast of an actual dinosaur footprint as a souvenir! (For supply list and how to follow this link)
TIP – Make your plaster cast first – that way you can enjoy the rest of the park while it is hardening!
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| Preparing the Ring |
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| Pouring the Plaster |
After making our plaster cast we headed in doors to the Exhibit Center – where the owner of that foot print was proudly displayed!
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| A Life Size Model of Dilophosaurus |
The Exhibit Center featured the history of the site, the actual footprints, five hundred of the tracks are now enclosed within the Exhibit Center’s geodesic dome, and various interactive displays as well as a gift shop, restrooms and an auditorium.
Surrounding the Exhibit Center are picnic facilities, nature trails and the Arboretum of Evolution.
TIP – Pack a lunch and enjoy the grounds – while we were there we came across beautiful birds, butterflies and some very vocal frogs!
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| One of the exhibits alongside a trail |
While there, we took advantage of a scavenger hunt activity that they offered and a film that was playing in the auditorium – they are included with admission during the weekends – for a schedule click here.
It was a great way to break up a trip, stretch our legs, learn a little New England history and make a true stepping stone for our garden – Dino Sized!
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