Millions of years ago, dinosaurs did not roam the lands of Kansas. Instead, prehistoric creatures swam around these parts. Massive sharks, Mosasaurs, and other “sea monsters” called Kansas home. For dinosaur fans, Kansas has a wealth of spots to learn more about the prehistoric past. Read on to learn about the sites and museums filled with fossils, as well as a few of the state’s quirkier dino stops.
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In the following blog post, you’ll find museums with massive fossil collections and you’ll find parks where dinosaurs roamed (or more likely sea monsters swam). And then, you’ll find some fun dinosaur additions that are less scientific or historically-accurate, and more playful. These include Erie Dinosaur Park and the children’s garden at Botanica Wichita. No matter their age, though, I think dinosaur lovers will enjoy this tour of Kansas sites!
Kansas history: When sea monsters and sharks swam here
Kansas was once underwater, where giant prehistoric marine reptiles — or as I like to think of them, sea monsters — once swam. The fossil remains of these ancient reptiles, and several flying reptiles, have been fascinating paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters for years. According to Kansas Historical Society, “some of the creatures found in the sea were as long as the width of a basketball court. Some fish had enormous mouths that opened 8 feet high.”
Many of these amazing finds have been discovered in western Kansas, particularly in the Niobrara Chalk formation. You can still find bits of fossils today. I’ve seen bits of shelled creatures on hikes at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. The area was part of the Western Interior Seaway during the Cretaceous period, and some of the notable fossils found int he area include mosasaurs and plesiosaurs.
Fun fact: Kansas’ state fossils are the Tylosaurus (the official state marine fossil) and the Pteranodon (the official state flying fossil). The Tylosaurus is a giant mosasaur that grew up to 40 feet long or more. The Pteranodon was a winged pterosaur with a wingspan of 24 feet or more. Pteranodon fossils have been mostly found in Smoky Hill Chalk of western Kansas.
Museums, parks & attractions featuring dinosaurs & fossils
Looking For Dinosaurs In Kansas
Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Hays)
Located near Fort Hays State University, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History skillfully displays live animals of today next to fossils of related creatures from millions of years ago. For kids, it’s an excellent way to make a connection to the past.
Sternberg’s most famous exhibit is the “Fish Within A Fish” fossil. It is exactly what it sounds like. Scientists suspect the massive creature must have died almost immediately after swallowing the smaller fish, and that’s how the bones were found the way they were. The fossil was found in Western Kansas.
There are several fossil displays throughout the museum that tell the story of Kansas, including the state’s official state fossils. . You’ll also see the largest mosasaur fossil in the U.S. at the museum.
Head upstairs for impressive dioramas that spark the imagination. The huge female T.rex steals the show. Nearby is a small dig pit and The Discovery Room. If you’re visiting with younger kids, don’t skip The Discovery Room. There are hands-on activities, tons of drawers to pull out and discover oddities like different types of poop, and more live animals to see.
Tip: The Summer of 2024 will bring a huge, temporary exhibit, “Exhibition Dinosaur.” It’ll be a hit for families.
Fick Fossil & History Museum (Oakley)
Fick Fossil & History Museum is tucked away in the small town of Oakley, but it's well worth seeking out. The fossil display is small but is a well curated collection of fossils found mostly within 40 miles of Oakley.
The other point of interest for dinosaur fans is the art on display made by Mrs. Vi Fick. She was a self-taught artist who used whatever she had on hand for her art, including the fossils she and her husband found. Several of her pieces are on display, many with fossils incorporated into the paintings.
One of the more interesting Vick paintings is an eagle holding a snake. I'm fairly certain the snake head is/was a real snake head.
The Museum At Prairiefire (Overland Park)
You'll spend quite a bit of time at the Museum of Prairiefire visiting the Paleontology Galleries, interacting with the ALIVE Experience and checking out the Sternberg fossils on display (yes, that Sternberg of the Sternberg Musem of Natural History).
The ALIVE Experience is an interactive video screen in the lobby showing real-time images of you in the Great Hall while prehistoric creatures (run by or swoop your head. Doesn't matter how old you are, it's fun to see this.
If you're visiting with younger kids in tow, be sure to go to the Discovery Room. It's divided into different areas of science – anthropology, field biology, paleontology, etc. – where kids can learn through play and hands-on exhibits.
Be sure to check the museum's website to see what temporary exhibit is on display.
Castle Rock Badlands (Quinter)
When I visitied Castle Rock, my guide described it as the "most underrated Badlands park.” I totally agree. It's off-the-beaten-path but well worth the effort too seek out.
Castle Rock is on private property, and as such, there are no marked trails, no entrance fees, and really, no rules. It's a good and bad thing since you're allowed to explore wherever you want -- and these Badlands are impressive. But, at the same time, people write on the rocks and the Niobrara chalk is so delicate, they are crumbling in parts where people have traversed.
Castle Rock is open to the public, though its hours are from sunrise to sunset. There are no bathrooms here, so be sure to go ahead of time.
Tip: The rock formation that gives the area its name, Castle Rock, is actually the least impressive part of the park.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park (Logan County)
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is a remote park in northwestern Kansas. There are two marked trails open to the public, but I highly recommend booking a guided tour for your visit (you'll need to reserve it months in advance, but it's worth it for the information you'll learn and the access you'll get to the Badlands...plus, it's free).
The trails have interpretive signage, which is helpful explaining the ecosystem and plants you see there. One trail is much longer than the other, so if you don't want much of a hike choose the trail that leads to the scenic overlook.
Tip: As a state park, there is a $5 entrance fee, but on the positive side, there are bathrooms and picnic tables there.
Monument Rocks (Oakley)
Monument Rocks is another privately-owned park in northwestern Kansas that is free and open to the public. It's considerably smaller than Castle Rock, and in my opinion, less impressive, but it does boast one of the most Instagrammable photo opps in the entire state: The keyhole.
Tip: Monument Rocks is fairly close to Little Jerusalum, making a visit to both manageable in a day. They're only about a 30-minute drive apart.
Erie Dinosaur Park (Erie)
Erie Dinosaur Park is a fun addition to this list, and not at all related to any science or actual fossils. The dinosuar sculptures at this little park in southeastern Kansas are all made out of farm implements and cars, by a retired aerospace engineer.
The hours to the park are limited. As of my last visit, it was open two days a month - second Saturday and third Sunday from April to September.
More Places Of Interest
- Museum of World Treasures (Wichita). There are several galleries you'll want to visit, including the Fossil Gallery, Sea Creatures of the Plains, and The Cenozoic Era.
- Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica (Wichita). Botanica is one of my favorite botanical gardens, and its children's garden is what I judge all other children's gardens against. Look for the replica Fossil Wall with a display of a Claosaurus fossil, There’s also a sandbox to dig for fake fossils.
