12 Incredible Destinations to Follow in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs may have vanished millions of years ago, but the massive creatures left their imprints all over the planet. Fossilized bone, petrified footprints, or full-fledged excavation sites offer fascinating glimpses into Earth’s prehistoric past. According to Scientific American, dinosaur fossils have been discovered on all seven continents, including Antarctica, and more than 11,000 dinosaur fossils have been unearthed worldwide.
Exploring these destinations allows you to step back in time and walk the same paths as these incredible creatures. Here are 12 must-visit destinations around the globe where you can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs.
Dinosaur National Monument, USA
Spanning over 210,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is a dinosaur enthusiast’s paradise. Visitors to the world-famous Quarry Exhibit Hall can marvel at over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in a towering cliff face.
According to the National Park Service, this site not only showcases fossils but also offers hiking trails, opportunities for river rafting, and glimpses of ancient petroglyph art created by Indigenous peoples.
Petrified Forest National Park, USA
Located in Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a surreal blend of geology and history. According to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the park covers approximately 93,500 acres.
This park holds colorful petrified wood fossils dating back over 200 million years, making it a highlight of the Triassic period. The Painted Desert can be appreciated through panoramic views and several trails that reveal fossilized ecosystems.
Royal Tyrrell Museum, Canada
Situated in Drumheller, Alberta, the Royal Tyrrell Museum offers one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of dinosaur fossils. It houses more than 130,000 fossils, making it a crown jewel of paleontology.
According to the museum’s official resources, interactive exhibits span the entire history of life on Earth. The museum is located in Canada’s Badlands, a landscape famous for connecting to the Cretaceous period.
Cal Orck’o, Bolivia
Home to the world’s most extensive collection of dinosaur footprints, Cal Orck’o, near Sucre, Bolivia, is a real-life prehistoric wall. These tracks—nearly 70 million years old—capture the movements of around 15 dinosaur species.
The sheer volume and variety of footprints etched into the limestone cliffs make this destination a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Argentina
Known as “The Valley of the Moon,” Ischigualasto Provincial Park in Argentina showcases some of the oldest known dinosaur fossils.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans approximately 170 square miles, immerses visitors in the Triassic period. According to UNESCO, the park offers visitors an eerie, lunar-like landscape alongside educational experiences.
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, Montana, USA
Another place you won’t want to miss if you love the idea of digging for fossils is the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center in Montana. This unique destination is renowned for its hands-on paleontological experiences, where visitors can actively participate in excavating real dinosaur bones alongside professional paleontologists.
As a fossil-rich landscape, the heart of Montana is the perfect place for discovery and adventure. Its website emphasizes its mission to make science accessible and engaging, offering educational programs and activities that cater to enthusiasts of all ages.
Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado, USA
Located near Morrison, Colorado, Dinosaur Ridge boasts hundreds of dinosaur footprints frozen in time. Discovered during a road construction project nearly 80 years ago, this site is now a protected area.
Dinosaur Ridge’s official website says tourists can walk along its trails to see these ancient tracks and learn about the area’s geological history.
Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas, USA
For a hands-on experience, head to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. Famous for its well-preserved ancient dinosaur tracks embedded in the Paluxy River bed, this incredible destination offers the chance to step where dinosaurs once walked millions of years ago.
These tracks are among the world’s most significant fossil collections and the easiest-accessible fossil collection. In addition to the tracks, the park offers scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and even life-sized dinosaur models, so everybody has something to do as they learn.
Torotoro National Park, Bolivia
Bolivia strikes again with the incredible Torotoro National Park. This hidden gem allows visitors to walk alongside history and marvel at dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous Period, perfectly preserved for millions of years. According to Kuoda Travel, this fascinating park also boasts a variety of other natural wonders, including dramatic caves, stunning waterfalls, and fossils embedded in rugged cliffs that tell the story of ancient life.
Adventure seekers can explore winding trails, descend into cavernous depths, or cool off by pristine waterfalls. It is the perfect mix of paleontology, magnificent landscapes, and an unforgettable adventure tourism destination.
Morrison Formation, USA
The Morrison Formation, spanning several states across the western United States, is one of America’s most significant and prosperous dinosaur fossil beds. Dating back to the late Jurassic period, approximately 148 to 155 million years ago, it has become a treasure trove for paleontologists. The National Park Service indicates that this formation has yielded some of the most iconic species, including the armored Stegosaurus and the fearsome predator Allosaurus.
Layered sedimentary rock formations of sandstones, mudstones, and limestones offer priceless glimpses into the ecosystems of the era—ancient river systems, floodplains, and other environments full of long-gone prehistoric life. This unique site is still shaping our understanding of dinosaur diversity and evolution in the Late Jurassic.
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Spanning over 500,000 square miles, the Gobi Desert is an unparalleled treasure trove of fossils. Known for significant discoveries, including the first-ever dinosaur eggs, Scientific American has described this expanse as one of the richest sites for Cretaceous-period dinosaur remains.
Its arid landscape is ideal for preserving fossils, providing a stunning window into Earth’s past.
La Brea Tar Pits, USA
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits offer a fascinating glimpse into Ice Age history, preserving an incredible snapshot of prehistoric life. According to the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, the site spans 23 acres and contains fossils from over 600 species that roamed the area tens of thousands of years ago, including saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and ground sloths.
These naturally occurring shore pits are a treasure trove for paleontologists, who have used them to gain insights into ancient ecosystems and climate conditions. Visitors can also explore them.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.