Dinosaur State Park Fossil Hunting Guide

Dinosaur State Park is a premier fossil collecting location in Hartford County, Connecticut. The site exposes Early Jurassic fossils where visitors can hunt for dinosaur tracks (trackways).

The site is one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America with over 2,000 Early Jurassic tracks preserved under geodesic dome. Viewing only - no collecting allowed (state park). Indoor exhibit center with excellent displays. Cast-making area where visitors can make plaster casts of tracks during warmer months (May-October; bring 10 lbs plaster of Paris and 1/4 cup cooking oil, or purchase on site). The trackway shows multiple dinosaur species walking across ancient mudflats 200 million years ago. Tracks primarily from three-toed theropod dinosaurs including large Eubrontes (likely made by Dilophosaurus-like dinosaurs), medium-sized Anchisauripus, and small Grallator. Park also features 2.5 miles of nature trails through geological exhibits. Open year-round Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee charged. One of the most important Early Jurassic tracksite localities in the world.

In 1966, excavation for a new state building exposed one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America with over 2,000 tracks. The site was preserved and became Connecticut’s first National Natural Landmark in 1968. Dinosaur State Park officially opened in 1968. Over 2,000 tracks are now preserved under a geodesic dome constructed in 1968.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil viewing at Dinosaur, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit. Rocky Hill provides the nearest services and amenities for visitors.

Location and Directions

Dinosaur State Park is located at 400 West St Rocky Hill CT. The fossil viewing site is in Rocky Hill, Hartford County, Connecticut.

When you arrive, the fossil viewing area is located at the park visitor center and exhibit building with geodesic dome.

What Fossils You’ll Find

Fossils at Dinosaur date to the Early Jurassic. Dinosaur tracks are the most commonly found fossils at this Rocky Hill, Connecticut site.

Geologic History

Dinosaur exposes the Portland Formation, a significant Early Jurassic geological unit in Hartford County, Connecticut.

Millions of years ago, the area that is now Rocky Hill, Connecticut was an ancient river floodplain and shoreline environment. The climate was warm and humid with seasonal variations; dinosaurs left tracks in muddy sediments along rivers and lakes.

As these ancient organisms died, sediments buried and preserved their remains. Over millions of years, geological processes transformed these sediments into the fossil-bearing rocks visible at Dinosaur today.

How Dinosaur State Park Became a Fossil Collecting Site

Dinosaur State Park originally operated as an industrial site where commercial activities exposed fossil-bearing rock layers. Quarrying, mining, or excavation operations removed overlying sediments and revealed ancient deposits that had been buried for millions of years.

After industrial operations ceased, Dinosaur State Park transitioned to a location where fossil enthusiasts could legally collect specimens. The legacy of this industrial activity created the accessible rock exposures that make fossil collecting possible today. Many of the world’s most productive fossil sites share this history of industrial operations inadvertently revealing paleontological treasures.

Collecting Rules & Regulations

Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?

Dinosaur State Park does not allows fossil collecting.

Sources

Connecticut State Parks Dinosaur State Park website; National Natural Landmark documentation; Connecticut geological surveys