Montana’s history is a tale older than time and etched in stone–literally! Dinosaurs once roamed the place we now call Big Sky Country, and you can explore the legacy and science behind these giants right here in Northeast Montana’s Missouri River Country along the Montana Dinosaur Trail, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
What is the Montana Dinosaur Trail?
The Montana Dinosaur Trail is a statewide collection of 14 locations, each offering a glimpse at the historic discoveries in the state and providing visitors with a better understanding of the giants that once inhabited our planet. Four of the Trail’s stops are found in Northeast Montana’s Missouri River Country—two in Malta, plus Fort Peck and Jordan—making this region an ideal place to begin your journey. From full-scale replicas and fossils to dino digs and interactive exhibits, these stops along the Montana Dinosaur Trail are a must for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
Malta - Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Phillips County Museum
Malta is the epicenter of dino activity in Missouri River Country. At the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, you’ll find fossils of plants, invertebrates, fish, turtles, crocodiles, and dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous, such as Triceratops and hadrosaurs. One of the most famous residents is “Leonardo,” a mummified Brachylophosaurus listed in the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records as the Best Preserved Dinosaur. Leonardo’s skin impressions cover more than 90% of his body, offering an unprecedented look into dinosaur anatomy. The museum also features kids’ dig pits, guided tours, and fossil prep demonstrations. And don’t miss the life-sized dino models out front!
Right next door, the Phillips County Museum offers even more local context with fossil finds from the dino discoveries from the nearby Judith River Formation. The exhibits blend natural history with the stories of homesteaders, cowboys, and Native American communities who’ve called this region home. While visiting the museum, you will get to meet “Elvis” the 33-foot-long Brachylophosaurus fossil and will be greeted at the door by an Albertosaurus. Don’t miss the life-sized dino models out front, either!
Fort Peck - Fort Peck Interpretive Center
Next up, head to the
Fort Peck Interpretive Center. Located on the shores of Fort Peck Lake, this museum features a towering replica of a
Tyrannosaurus rex, affectionally known as “Peck’s Rex.” The discovery the replica is based on was unearthed near Fort Peck in 1997—and is still considered one of the more complete T. rex skeletons ever discovered.
Visitors will also find marine fossils, wildlife exhibits, and stories of the monumental Fort Peck Dam project.
Jordan - Garfield County Museum and Cowboy Dino Digs
Jordan may be small, but it’s a giant in terms of paleontology. The
Garfield County Museum interprets the Hell Creek Formation (latest Cretaceous, ~66–70 million years ago) with fossils and casts that include a T. rex skull, a full-size Triceratops cast, and more. Fun fact: the first identified Tyrannosaurus rex was unearthed in the Hell Creek area near Jordan in 1902 by famed paleontologist Barnum Brown.
Looking to dig up something amazing? Consider a little pit stop along the Montana Dinosaur Trail for an authentic dinosaur dig with
Cowboy Dino Digs, a family-owned and operated business in the Hell Creek Formation. Cowboy Dino Digs offers full-day, and half-day guided dig experiences. Spots are limited and seasonal, so book ahead if you want to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience, perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
Start Your Dinosaur Journey in Northeast Montana
Whether you're traveling with kids, chasing fossils, or just enjoying the slower pace of life under the big sky, the Montana Dinosaur Trail offers a unique way to connect past and present.
So come roam where the dinosaurs once did and start your journey in Northeast Montana. There's more room to roam–and so much to discover. Grab your
Prehistoric Passport and start planning your adventure on the Montana Dinosaur Trail!
