Montana Dinosaur Trail Celebrates 20th Anniversary: Top Dinosaur-Focused Events to Attend This Summer

Statewide trail has helped millions of people learn about prehistoric dinosaur remains found in Montana

HELENA, Mont., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Montana Dinosaur Trail, celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, has introduced millions of visitors to the ancient wildlife that once roamed Montana by offering world-class dinosaur displays, hands-on field digs and dino-themed events.  

Since the trail's inception in 2005, more than 6 million visitors have made a stop on the trail, including 372,275 visitors in 2024. Signature events include the annual Dino Shindig in Ekalaka, and the daily summer Field Dig Expeditions offered by The Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum.

"We are fortunate to be a top destination for dinosaur enthusiasts, and we look forward to celebrating the trail with so many exciting events this summer," said Mandy Rambo, acting director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

Montana's rich paleontological discoveries include the first identified dinosaur remains in North America found in the Missouri River Breaks in 1854, and the world's first identified T. rex uncovered near Jordan in 1902. Earlier this year, dinosaur nesting grounds near Choteau were named an International Geoheritage Site, and last summer a new dinosaur species of ceratops, or horned dinosaur, was discovered in northern Montana.

"Montana has an incredible paleo story to share with visitors, including some of the very first discoveries and new fossils being uncovered almost daily," said Victor Bjornberg, volunteer coordinator for the Montana Dinosaur Trail. "The trail's museums and interpretive centers showcase these discoveries and give visitors insight to this ancient world while helping them experience the great communities and landscapes of central and eastern Montana."

In celebration of the trail's 20^th anniversary, there are many dinosaur-themed events happening this summer, including:  

• June 1: National Dinosaur Day at Makoshika State Park in Glendive
  • Bring the kids to celebrate National Dinosaur Day and learn about two of the most popular dinosaurs that once roamed Makoshika State Park: Triceratops and T. rex. The event will offer two learning stations on each dinosaur.
• June 7-Aug. 2: Paleo Experience at Makoshika State Park in Glendive
  • Every Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Makoshika State Park staff take visitors on a paleontology experience including a visitor center tour, paleo lab visit and a hike on park trails. $10/person; group limit: 20; reservations required, call 406-377-6256.
• June 21: Fossil Fun Fest at the Depot Museum and Dinosaur Hall in Rudyard 
  • Join Museum of the Rockies Curator of Paleontology Dr. John Scannella and others for a celebration of dinosaurs and rural community fun with a pancake breakfast, 3-on-3 kids' outdoor basketball tournament, dinosaur movies, museum tours and a street dance, along with food and beverage vendors.
• June 21: Dino Days at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center in Fort Peck
  • This event offers kid-friendly dinosaur activities at the center and is held in conjunction with the annual Longest Dam Run as well as the Community Rummage Sale.
• July 1: 30^th Anniversary Celebration at the Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum
  • Join museum staff and community members to celebrate the Montana Dinosaur Center's 30^th anniversary. The center is home to North America's first baby dinosaur fossils and other major fossil finds.
• July 12: Roar and Explore Day at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Phillips County Museum in Malta
  • Meet Leonardo the Mummy Dinosaur, Herb the Triceratops, Roberta the Hadrosaur, Elvis the Brachylophosaurus and more at this kid-focused event, which includes dinosaur story time, prehistoric playland carnival, geocaching, JurRustic scrap metal sculpture contest and dinosaur talks.
• July 24: Dinosaurs & Dark Skies at Medicine Rocks State Park with Carter County Museum in Ekalaka
  • Join the organization for a night of stargazing and fossil phosphorescence at the Sunset Loop in Medicine Rocks State Park.
• July 26-27: 13^th Annual Dino Shindig at the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka
  • Named Montana's Event of the Year, the Annual Dino Shindig attracts visitors from all over the world to hear lectures from leading paleontologists, partake in kids' activities and dance the night away.

Stay up to date with the latest Montana Dinosaur Trail events and news by visiting mtdinotrail.org.

About the Montana Department of Commerce
The Montana Department of Commerce promotes Montana as a place to travel and do business. For more information and to plan your Montana trip, go to visitmt.com.

About the Montana Dinosaur Trail
Featuring stops through central and eastern Montana, the trail consists of 14 locations and 12 communities from the Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum to the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka. Each location offers displays and interpretation of its area's paleontology discoveries and provides visitors with a better understanding of the ancient creatures that once inhabited Montana.

SOURCE Montana Department of Commerce