Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation
Dinosaur Park
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Visitor Information

Open to the Public

Dinosaur Park’s small garden area has signs interpreting the history of the site. The garden can be visited from dawn till dusk seven days a week. The fenced in fossil area is restricted and only accessible to the general public during programs. No personal fossil collecting is allowed at the park. All fossils are the property of M-NCPPC. Important specimens may be donated to the Smithsonian Institution and may be placed on display.

Facts About Dinosaur Park

  • The park is unstaffed except during open house hours and programs.
  • The fenced-in fossil pit area is inaccessible during unstaffed periods.
  • Access within the fenced-in pit area is prohibited during unstaffed times.
  • Access and activities are weather permitting.
  • Digging or removal of any fossils is prohibited during unstaffed times.
  • Personal tools or equipment are prohibited at the site.
  • No personal fossil collecting is allowed.
  • There are no restrooms on site; there is only a portable toilet.
  • There is a small picnic area, but no water or amenities on site.

Open Houses

Monthly, first and third Saturdays, 12 noon-4 pm

Come join paleontologists in discovering Prince George’s County’s ancient past at Dinosaur Park! Join experienced paleontologists and volunteers on-site to interpret fossil deposits from the Early Cretaceous period about 110 million years ago. Over the last 150 years numerous fossils of dinosaurs, early mammals, and flowering plants have been found at Dinosaur Park. Come visit and perhaps get a chance to participate in finding fossils from dinosaur times.

Group Reservations

Dinosaur Park offers school and group programs. Groups will be limited to 40 participants.
Fee: Resident $300; Non-Resident $360

Participants will receive an introduction and orientation to the paleontological and cultural history of Dinosaur Park. A paleontologist and volunteers will introduce participants to park fossil deposits, what is found there, its significance, and provide an opportunity to see, touch, and find fossils.

Depending on conditions, activities may include sifting, screening, sorting and searching of fossil bearing clay. These are hands-on activities that involve a moderate amount of work. Clay sifting is somewhat messy and appropriate clothing and closed toed shoes are a must. Program length is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Please call 301-627-7755 for reservations.

Location/Directions

Located in Laurel, Maryland, the park is situated off of Route 1 in Laurel and sits at the end of Mid-Atlantic Boulevard.

From the D.C. area, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Route 295) to Route 197 (Laurel-Bowie Road). Turn west onto Route 197. Turn left onto Contee Road. Turn left onto Mid-Atlantic Boulevard and proceed straight. Dinosaur Park is at the end of the road.

From Route 29, turn East onto Route 198. Cross I-95 and turn right on Route 1 (south). Turn left onto Contee Road. Take the second right onto Mid-Atlantic Boulevard and proceed straight. Dinosaur Park is at the end of the road.

Need a Ride?

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Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA)