Vernal/Dinosaurland

The town of Vernal is nestled in the Ashley Valley in northeastern Utah, where a veritable gold mine awaits those interested in dinosaurs and natural and Native American history. The first must-see is Dinosaur National Monument, a scientific work in progress. 

You can actually view the dig on site and see fossilized bones of hundreds of prehistoric animals encased in the living rock. At this site, there have been recent discoveries of new dinosaurs, raising much excitement.

While at the monument, you can take advantage of extensive hiking and camping facilities. Whitewater rafting is also available on the Yampa River.

Vernal is the home of the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum State Park. This museum offers state-of-the-art, hands-on activities explaining paleontology and geological formations. This new museum allows visitors to experience life as a paleontologist. One interactive activity for visitors is digging through specifically formulated “dirt” and discovering fossil models. 

In the museum’s Eocene Fossil Gallery, individual plant fossils cover the eastern flank of the room. Petrified mud textures, colors, plants and fish are on display.

Outside the museum, take note of 17 life-like prehistoric replicas lining the garden paths, small waterfalls and beautiful foliage.