Keeper of the Plains | Wichita

The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum is an educational institution located in Glendive, Montana, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a single-story structure constructed primarily of concrete block with a metal roof. Its exterior is painted a neutral beige. The main entrance features a prominent sign with the museum's name in large, block lettering. Inside, exhibits are housed in climate-controlled rooms with fluorescent lighting. Display cases are made of glass and metal, and some larger fossil casts are mounted on metal stands.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 122 S. Merrill Avenue in Glendive, Montana. This location is approximately 0.5km south of the city center. Access is via paved city streets. Ample free parking is available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the building. No public transport routes directly serve the museum; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum was established in 1995. Its primary purpose is to display and educate the public about paleontological discoveries made in the Montana region, particularly those related to dinosaurs. The fossils themselves originate from the Late Cretaceous period, formed from sedimentary rock deposits.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view mounted dinosaur skeletons, including a complete Triceratops horridus. Fossil preparation demonstrations are conducted periodically. Educational displays explain the process of fossil discovery and excavation. Interactive exhibits allow for hands-on learning about prehistoric life.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within exhibit areas. There is no dedicated food service within the museum, but vending machines offer snacks and beverages. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the building. No outdoor shaded areas are present.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. For optimal lighting on exhibits, midday hours (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) are recommended. Weekdays generally have lower visitor numbers than weekends. No specific tidal or seasonal conditions affect access or viewing.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact housed at the museum is a fossilized dinosaur egg discovered locally, which is one of the few intact specimens of its kind found in the region. Local lore sometimes speaks of undiscovered dinosaur graveyards in the surrounding badlands, though these remain unverified.

Nearby Landmarks

• Makoshika State Park (2.5km Southwest)
• Glendive Historical Museum (0.8km North)
• Yellowstone River (1.2km East)
• Glendive Dinosaur Trail Museum (0.6km North)