Dinosaur State Park Re-opens After Discovery Room Renovations In Time for April School Vacation

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Dinosaur State Park Exhibit Center has re-opened after extensive renovations to the Park’s Discovery Room.   

Park visitors will be able to explore new, state-of-the-art exhibits for both adults and children. From “Connecticut’s Geologic Treasures” that features an interactive geologic map of the state to a “Life Through Time” exhibit that showcases hundreds of fossil specimens from different time periods all over the world – visitor of all ages will be amazed and delighted by all there is to see.   

DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “Visitors will enjoy the new state-of-the-art exhibits and hands-on experiences waiting for them at this authentic spot, where dinosaurs roamed millions of years ago.  Come see us for the first time or return to see how we’ve improved – you won’t be disappointed. You will learn not only about dinosaurs, but about fossils, geology and rock formation in our state.”   

Highlights of Exhibits  

• Flat Screen 80 inch TV showcases an interactive Connecticut Geologic Map
• Connecticut Rock and Mineral Display
• Hundreds of specimens that have never been on display
• Interactive Magnetic Mesozoic Mural
• Investigation Station – visitors can examine mica, crystal structures and more

The renovation of the Discovery Room is the result of many years of planning by the Friends of Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum who financed the initial design costs.  The State of Connecticut funded the remainder of the project.   

Location   

Dinosaur State Park is located at 400 West Street in Rocky Hill.  Exhibit Center hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday.  The Center is closed on Monday’s and on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.   Nature Trails are open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.