Dinosaurs in North Carolina: Take your family for some prehistoric fun across the state
Dinosaur fans have many attractions and exhibits to check out in North Carolina. From fossil digs to life-sized bones on display, there are many ways to go back to pre-historic times.
What dinosaurs lived in North Carolina?
A fossil from the Hypsibema crassicauda was found in 1969 in Sampson County. These herbivores were known for having strong legs and a powerful tail.
While not technically a dinosaur, Raleigh was once home to an Aetosaur, which is described as a "crocodile-like reptile with spiked armor."
Where can you see dinosaurs and dig for fossils in North Carolina?
There are a lot of museums and exhibits featuring dinosaur bones and even chances for your family to dig for some fossils in North Carolina.
Museum of Life and Science (Durham, North Carolina)
You can dig for fossils and see take a look at a dozen life-sized dinosaurs along the Dinosaur Trail at Durham's Museum of Life and Science. Keep an eye out for the Parasaurolophus, which is the only dino on the trail that isn't behind a barrier. It is perfect for family photos. The Fossil Dig site features shovels and real marine fossils.
Admission: $23 for adults, $18 for children 3 to 12 years old
Location: 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
Greensboro Science Center (Greensboro, North Carolina)
The Greensboro Science Center has lots of fun exhibits, including Prehistoric Passages: Realm of Dragons, which features three galleries of dinosaur fun. There are two galleries that illustrate some of the different ways scientists have approached paleontology, and one main gallery that explores what we know about dinosaurs. Admission to Prehistoric Passages: Realm of Dragons is included with general admission to the Greensboro Science Center.
Admission: General admission is $13.50 for adults ages 14 - 64, $12.50 for children ages 3 - 13 and $12.50 for seniors ages 65+. Children 2 and under as well as Greensboro Science Center Members are free.
Address: 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh has lots to explore for dinosaur fans. First, see giant megalodon teeth on the first floor of the nature exploration center. Hit the third floor to see the Prehistoric North Carolina exhibit, which takes you back in time to see Willo, a Thescelosaurus, and even a giant ground sloth discovered near Wilmington.
The Nature Research Center portion of the museum has an entire section devoted to ancient fossils. Fossils here include a giant T-rex, mammoths and mastadons.
In April 2024, the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit is expected to open at the museum. It features a T-rex and a triceratops which were found buried in a single grave together. This exhibit will include the only 100% complete tyrannosaur skeleton discovered in North America. In addition to the exhibit, there will also be a lab for visitors to see the fossils and meet some of the scientific team behind the discovery.
Bronto on the Greenway Trail (Durham, North Carolina)
While walking along this heavily-wood trail near the Museum of Life and Science and Northgate Park, you can spot this full-sized dinosaurpeering from behind some branches. Over 70 feet long, Bronto has been in Durham for over 50 years – the last remaining piece of the museum's original Dinosaur Trail, which opened in 1967.
Admission: Free!
Location: Ellerbe Creek Trail across from the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science.
NC Museum of Natural Science Whiteville
This is a satellite location for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and features a fun fossil pit for children to dig through to find fossils of their own.
Admission: Free
Location: 415 S. Madison St., Whiteville, NC 28472
Sweet Valley Ranch (Fayetteville, North Carolina)
This walking tour features more than 40 dinosaurs that come to life as you walk by. There are also a fossil museum and fossil dig for hands-on fun. You can even take rides on a dinosaur. The farm opens for the year in March.
Admission: Check their website for updated prices
Location: 2990 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312
Aurora Fossil Museum (Aurora, North Carolina)
Fossil exhibits at the Aurora Fossil Museum include Pleistocene Age mastodon to shark's teeth. Explore the collections inside and then go outside and dig for your own fossils in the fossil park.
Admission: Free
Location: 400 Main St, Aurora, NC 27806
Asheville Museum of Science (Asheville, North Carolina)
See a teratophoneus (or t. curriei) dinosaur skeleton at the Asheville Museum of Science located in downtown Asheville.
Admission: $10 per person for everyone ages 3 years and up. Children 2 and younger are admitted free.
Location: 43 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County (Hendersonville)
One of the most popular exhibits at the Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County is the fossil corner, which has a large cast of a T-rex head. See a replica of a mastodon thigh bone, tusk and tooth. Plus see skeletons of the first and last sabretooth cats. They have also added an actual leg bone of a wooly mammoth. For a hands-on treat, there is a dino egg nest display where you can actually touch a real fossilzed egg.
Admission: Free
Location: 400 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
