Exhibits

Dinosaurs & fossils

The largest number of dinosaurs on display in North Dakota, including full skeletons of Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Triceratops, Edmontosaurus, Albertosaurus, and Thescelosaurus.

Tyrannosaurs
We have a range of tyrannosaur fossils on display, including a cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, a real Tyrannosaurus rex leg, a mounted cast of Albertosaurus, and many teeth, claws, and other bones. In 2022 we added the jaws of "Sisyphus": a new Daspletosaurus specimen collected in 2020.

Triceratops - "Bill" and "Larry"
"Bill" is the one of the best real Triceratops prorsus skulls on display anywhere, but had spent the past 20 years trapped in the middle of our public preparation lab. However, we recently moved him into the main exhibit area so that he can be admired from every angle. Also on display is "Larry" (a near-complete Triceratops skeleton), part of the frill of a juvenile Triceratops, and bones of other Triceratops individuals, including "Jack's Low Trike" which was munched by a Tyrannosaurus rex!

"Ankylomania"
A skull and skeleton of an armored dinosaur from northern Montana. The bones of this probable new species are still being prepared in the public preparation laboratory, but as they are cleaned they are added to the display in the main hall.

Edmontosaurus
We have two skeletons of the duckbill Edmontosaurus on display. The partial skeleton "Warwick's Duck" is unique in that it suffered a terrible injury to its tail late in its life. Also on display in the central sandpit is a complete composite skeleton, assembled by Larry and Alice League.

Ontogeny: Eggs and Baby Dinosaurs
The exhibit explores the evolution and function of eggs, focusing on how new research is discovering how dinosaurs grew and the effects that change through growth had on their ecology and evolution.

The League Collection (minerals & crystals)
An extensive exhibit of colorful crystals, minerals, and precious stones. This world-class collection was accumulated over 20 years by Alice and Larry League. The collection includes a display of minerals that glow under ultraviolet light.

Claws!
Discover how carnivorous dinosaurs like Acheroraptor used their fearsome claws. This exhibit is based on recent research (2009-2013) into dinosaur claws, and features award-winning new models of feathered dinosaurs specially created for this exhibit.

More dinosaurs, ice-age mammals, and other fossils
The exhibit features skull casts of the dinosaurs Diplodocus, Oviraptor, Pachycephalosaurus, Stegoceras, and Corythosaurus; with bones and teeth of many more dinosaur species, mainly collected from the 4-state region of Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.

You can also see a large selection of other fossils, including shellfish, fossil leaves, insects trapped in amber, and a large number of skulls and other fossils from the Age of Mammals.

Hands-on science exhibits

Create mountains, coasts, and even volcanoes with our Augmented Reality sandbox. Examine bugs and minerals in close-up with or digital microscope. Our family area features various puzzles, books, and other activities to keep your kids busy while you take a well-deserved rest!

Preparation Lab

See some of the newest dinosaur finds being prepared in our public viewing lab.