Morrison Natural History Museum | Denver

The Morrison Natural History Museum, located in the small town of Morrison, Colorado, is a specialized paleontology museum that offers a deeply personal and hands-on experience with prehistoric life, particularly focusing on fossils from the Morrison Formation, one of the most significant Jurassic fossil beds in the world. Though modest in size, the museum has earned a strong reputation for its educational depth, interactive approach, and rare fossil displays.

Location and Setting

The museum is situated at 501 Colorado Highway 8, just west of Denver and minutes from Dinosaur Ridge and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It sits on a hillside, and its rustic stone-and-wood building incorporates parts of a historic ranch structure. This gives it a distinctly local, non-commercial feel, in contrast to large, urban science museums.

Its compact footprint (approximately 3,000 square feet indoors) allows for close interaction with exhibits and curators, making it ideal for families, school groups, and curious individuals who want direct access to fossil science.

Mission and Experience Style

The museum's primary mission is to present Colorado’s paleontological heritage in a hands-on, immersive way. Unlike traditional museums with passive viewing, this one emphasizes guided tours, fossil handling, paleo lab observation, and interactive displays.

Tours are included with admission and led by knowledgeable guides or paleontology staff.

Visitors are encouraged to touch fossil casts, interact with materials, and ask questions.

Children and adults alike can observe-and sometimes assist with-real fossil preparation in the on-site lab.

Indoor Exhibit Levels

Lower Level – Jurassic Morrison Formation

This section focuses on fossils recovered from the Morrison Formation, which is geologically famous for yielding specimens of many iconic dinosaurs.

Stegosaurus remains, including the first-ever baby Stegosaurus tracks, found nearby in Morrison.

Large fossils and casts of Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and other Jurassic giants.

Trackways, bone fragments, and interpretive displays that explain fossil formation and excavation.

Hands-on fossil tables, where guests can feel the texture of dinosaur bones and claws.

The emphasis is placed on real local discoveries. Many of the items on display were excavated or prepared by the museum team.

Upper Level – Cretaceous Period to Ice Age

This area moves forward in geological time and expands the fossil narrative beyond the Jurassic.

Cast skulls and bones of Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Utahraptor.

Pteranodon wing bones and Tylosaurus marine reptile fossils showcase the diversity of Cretaceous life.

An Ice Age exhibit includes mammoth teeth, fossil bison, and tools used by prehistoric humans.

A unique display connects ancient and modern biodiversity by featuring live reptiles and amphibians near their fossil relatives.

The paleo preparation lab is also located on this floor. Here, museum staff and interns work on real specimens behind glass walls. Visitors can observe-and sometimes discuss-ongoing fossil prep work.

Outdoor Spaces and Features

The museum grounds feature several outdoor educational areas:

Jurassic Garden: A themed garden planted with living plants related to ancient species, paired with geological displays explaining Morrison's ancient environment.

Time Trail: A one-mile self-guided interpretive trail that weaves through local rock formations and explains the timeline of Earth's development.

Fossil Dig Pit: An outdoor activity zone where children can “excavate” cast fossils in sand, simulating real paleontological digs.

These outdoor areas create opportunities for kinetic learning and are especially popular with families.

Educational Programs

The museum conducts both public and school-oriented programming throughout the year:

School group tours customized to meet curriculum standards.

Scout badge workshops related to dinosaurs, fossils, and geology.

Hands-on paleontology days, allowing kids to shadow lab work or participate in mock excavations.

Seasonal events, such as fossil-themed storytimes, Dino Days, or guided hikes on nearby ridges.

The staff frequently include practicing paleontologists and researchers, making this an unusually research-active small museum.

Research Contributions

The museum is respected in paleontological circles for contributing to field research:

It was involved in the discovery and identification of the first baby Stegosaurus tracks, a major scientific milestone.

Curators and staff regularly publish findings, give public lectures, and collaborate with larger academic institutions.

The museum’s collection includes both original fossils and high-fidelity casts of rare specimens, some not publicly displayed elsewhere.

This research focus elevates the museum's role beyond that of a simple exhibition space.

Visitor Information

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last guided tour begins around 4:00 PM. Members can request early entry.

Admission:

Adults: Approx. $18

Youth (ages 3–11): Approx. $12

Under 3: Free

Military, seniors, and educators receive discounts

Combo tickets available for joint admission with Dinosaur Ridge nearby.

Gift shop: Small but well-stocked with books, fossil replicas, toys, and educational kits.

Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

Accessibility: The building has ramps and is generally accessible, though outdoor trails may include uneven surfaces.

Summary

The Morrison Natural History Museum offers a rare opportunity to explore paleontology in a hands-on, intimate, and science-based environment. Its emphasis on tactile engagement, authentic fossils from Colorado, and real-time research makes it an exceptional destination for those interested in dinosaurs, ancient life, or Colorado’s prehistoric landscape.

Despite its small scale, the museum delivers an experience that is often more meaningful and personal than large-scale natural history institutions. It is ideal for children, families, educators, and anyone fascinated by the story of life on Earth.