Travel Back in Prehistoric Time with Dinosaur Park
Do you have a kid that digs dinos?
Western Michigan University has welcomed six new residents on campus, but they aren’t students or faculty members.
Six large-scale dinosaurs live on campus in the aptly named Dinosaur Park. If your family includes some future paleontologists, geologists or just animal fans in general, we recommend a trip to visit these prehistoric beasts near Rood Hall.
One of our KZOO kids team members, Cassandra, recently stopped by and shared her experience:
“My boys (preschool and fourth grade) really enjoyed visiting the dinosaurs. While it’s not an activity that takes very long, it’s a unique attraction and so nice that it’s right here on Western’s campus.”
What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Dinosaurs
Before you head out on your dinosaur expedition, here are a few specifics to help:
Where is Dinosaur Park?
Dinosaur Park is located just east of Rood Hall on Western Michigan University’s campus. The dinosaurs are all outside and spread far apart, making social distancing a breeze.
| Rood Hall 2101 Wilbur Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 |
Is it Really Free to Visit?
Yes! There is no admission fee to visit the dinosaurs.
How Many Different Dinosaurs Can We See?
There are five different types of dinosaurs: Spinosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Utahraptor and Parasaurolophus. There are two Utahraptors, bringing the total statue count to six.
How Big are the Dinosaurs?
Bigger than a breadbox- or a fourth-grader. These large sculptures are large enough to enjoy visiting, but not so large that kids find them scary. Cassandra’s preschooler was at ease around the large creatures.
Safety Note: The dinosaurs are definitely a “look but don’t touch” exhibit. There are signs posted to remind visitors not to touch or climb on the statues.
Can We Learn More About the Dinosaurs?
Each dinosaur includes a sign with facts about the animal including its speed, diet, and prehistoric time period.
Dinosaur Park is Still Evolving
Although dinosaurs are extinct, this park is still undergoing its own evolution.
While COVID-19 slowed down its momentum, Western Michigan’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences is planning to expand Dinosaur Park this summer.
This means more dinosaurs (additional ones are already purchased), more plant life, more lighting, and more geological installations. They have a donation page set up to support their efforts.
Make a Museum Stop
Since you’re next door to Rood Hall, stop by The Schmaltz Geology and Mineral Museum, located on the first floor of the building.
Museum Collections include the following:
- The Kelley Collection of fossil and modern shark teeth
- The James Duncan mineral and agate collection
- A Michigan copper boulder
- An ultraviolet fluorescent display
- Mastodon fossils from Van Buren County, MI
- World-class fossil and mineral specimens
- An interactive augmented reality sandbox
The museum is usually open to visitors Monday – Friday, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm as they sometimes close the building due to COVID-19 protocols.
Classes are held throughout the day at Rood Hall, so visitors are asked to be mindful of that during their visit.
Where to Find Parking
Most parking lots are by permit only on Western’s campus. Visitors are encouraged to park at the metered spaces located behind Sangren Hall (Lot 41). Additional metered spaces are available near Sindecuse Health Center (Lot 40) and the Bernhard Center (Lots 68 & 69).
If you plan to visit during parking enforcement hours and want to park in a lot, you can purchase a daily permit here. If you purchase a daily permit online, your license plate is your permit. No physical permit is required. Vehicles without a permit will be ticketed.
For additional information, visit the Parking Services website.
Have you Visited Dinosaur Park?
Leave us a comment with your experience and let us know how it went!
More to Explore
What are the days and times to see the dinosaurs?
What are the days and times to see the exhibit?
Any day or time! They are outside, so families can visit whenever they want. Parking on campus is easier on weekends, so that may be more convenient.
It’s free
What date will the dinosaurs be gone by?
The dinosaurs are now residents on Western Michigan’s campus. We don’t think they are going anywhere!
Where did you park? I don’t want a ticket.
We’ve linked to Western’s parking department in this article for more specifics. Parking is easier on weekends when school is not in session.
Sorry if this is an odd question, but do you know if there are picnic tables in the area?
No picnic tables nearby that we have seen, but we recall seeing some benches not too far away.
Is parking free on the weekend?