Guided paleontology museum and fossil laboratory

Morrison Natural History Museum

About 5.4 driving miles from Tiny Town, roughly ten to fifteen minutes

Explore local Jurassic and Cretaceous discoveries through hourly guides, touchable exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on fossil preparation in Morrison.

The place

About Morrison Natural History Museum

Morrison Natural History Museum is a Town of Morrison paleontology museum built around personalized guidance, touchable exhibits, demonstrations, and research-led stories about Jefferson County's natural heritage.

Exhibits cover Jurassic Morrison, Cretaceous Colorado, and the Front Range Ice Age. Visitors can encounter the history of the first Stegosaurus fossils, T. rex and Triceratops material, and a working paleontology lab where guided activities can include cleaning real fossils.

The museum opens daily at 10 a.m. with hourly guided programs through 4 p.m. included in admission. Reservations are required and capacity is limited. General admission is $18 for ages 12+, $12 for ages 3-11, and free for ages 0-2.

What stands out

Join an hourly guide

Use the included personalized program to connect fossils, exhibits, and current research.

Meet Morrison's dinosaurs

Explore Stegosaurus origins, Jurassic giants, and Cretaceous Colorado including T. rex and Triceratops.

Work in the fossil lab

See preparation work and take part in a guided hands-on fossil-cleaning demonstration.

Build a Morrison fossil day

Use the museum as an orientation to Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks, and the area's geology.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Tiny Town & Railroad trip

The measured driving route from Tiny Town is about 5.4 miles, normally ten to fifteen minutes. Book the required museum reservation first, then account for Tiny Town's temporary weekday last-train time and foothills traffic.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursOpen daily at 10 a.m.; final admission and last hourly program at 4 p.m.
  • ReservationsRequired; admission capacity is limited
  • Ages 12+$18 including the daily museum tour
  • Ages 3-11$12 including the daily museum tour
  • Ages 0-2Free
  • PaymentCash and major credit cards accepted
  • DiscountsPublished discounts include military/college, EBT, and disabled group rates; verify eligibility
  • Drive from Tiny TownAbout 5.4 road miles, normally ten to fifteen minutes
  • Visit lengthAllow at least one hour for exhibits and activities

Return to the miniature railway

Add Tiny Town & Railroad

Use the Tiny Town guide for the complete remaining season, temporary heat hours, $4 train fare, access notes, and picnic planning.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is the museum open?

It opens daily at 10 a.m. with final admission and the last hourly guided program at 4 p.m.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. The Town of Morrison says reservations are required and capacity is limited.

How much is admission?

Ages 12+ are $18, ages 3-11 are $12, and ages 0-2 are free. The daily guided tour is included.

What can I see?

Exhibits cover Jurassic Morrison, Cretaceous Colorado, the Front Range Ice Age, local discoveries, and a working fossil laboratory.

How long should I allow?

The museum recommends at least one hour to explore and participate in activities.

Can I pair it with Tiny Town?

Yes, but reserve the museum first and account for the 5.4-mile drive plus Tiny Town's temporary last-train schedule.

Is there a combined dinosaur ticket?

A Morrison Dino Pass combines this museum with Dinosaur Ridge, not Tiny Town. The current joint-pass price is published separately and can change.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.