Step back in time at the Morrison Natural History Museum and discover Colorado's dinosaur legacy, complete with expert guides and a free audio tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No strenuous physical effort required; suitable for all fitness levels including families and seniors.
Wildlife
History
Morrison is historically significant for its rich fossil beds discovered in the late 19th century, contributing to Colorado’s paleontological fame.
Conservation
The museum supports sustainable fossil excavation and conservation efforts that protect the environment and scientific integrity.
Morrison Natural History Museum
Step back in time at the Morrison Natural History Museum and discover Colorado's dinosaur legacy, complete with expert guides and a free audio tour.
Morrison Natural History Museum, located in Morrison, Colorado, preserves and interprets local and regional paleontology through exhibits, public programs, and field research. The museum offers general admission access to fossil exhibits and ongoing research displays, with expert guides leading visitors through curated specimens and explaining the scientific context.
General admission includes a complimentary audio tour that guides guests through highlights and research stories, and the museum is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Denver, making it accessible for day visitors. Beyond the museum floor, the institution supports hands‑on fieldwork opportunities. One notable program is the Triceratops Gulch Project, a three‑day fossil expedition based in Wyoming that invites participants to engage in active excavation, learn field techniques, and contribute to real paleontological research under professional supervision.
The project emphasizes safety, practical skills, and scientific methods used in digging and documenting fossil finds. The museum collaborates with trained staff and volunteers to maintain exhibits and to run educational programs aimed at a wide audience, from casual visitors to aspiring paleontologists. Programming focuses on clear, evidence-based interpretation of fossils and the processes that preserve them, ensuring visitors encounter accurate scientific information. Accessibility from Denver and the combination of museum exhibits with active field projects make the Morrison Natural History Museum a practical option for visitors seeking both educational exhibits and immersive fossil dig experiences. Educational resources include interpretive signage, specimen labels, and rotating displays that reflect ongoing discoveries and research collaborations. Programs welcome families, students, and adult learners of all experience levels regularly.
Location
Morrison, CO
About 25 minutes from Denver
Triceratops Project
3 days
Hands-on fossil expedition in Wyoming
Guided Tours
Expert Guides
Leads through exhibits and research
Audio Tour
Complimentary
Included with general admission
Reserve general admission for museum exhibits and the complimentary audio tour, or apply for the Triceratops Gulch Project three-day fossil expedition in Wyoming—details and tickets available online.
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Plan your visit during morning hours on weekdays for a quieter, more personalized experience.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Though mostly indoors, the museum requires walking through multiple exhibit halls.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your visit; water stations are available onsite.
Check Museum Hours in Advance
Hours may vary seasonally or for special events, so verify before you go.
Comfortable walking shoes
To comfortably explore the museum’s indoor exhibits and facilities.
Light jacket or sweater
Ideal for cooler spring temperatures and indoor climate control.
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Reusable water bottle
Helpful for staying hydrated throughout your visit.
Rain poncho or umbrella
Useful to stay dry if visiting during Colorado’s unpredictable spring showers.
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