Durham, North Carolina: Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail
A big brontosaurus, decapitated and then repaired, is near the new Dino Trail at the Museum of Life and Science.
Museum of Life and Science
- Address:
- 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham, NC
- Directions:
- Museum of Life and Science. North of I-85, take US Hwy 501 for about a mile, left on Murray Ave.
- Hours:
- Tu-Sa 1-5 pm, Su 12-5 pm. (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 919-220-5429
- Admission:
- $9.50-$12.50 museum/dino trail; free brontosaurus statue across street.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 8... Page of 2 [Next 3 items]
Brontosaurus Statue: A number of tipsters have reported that Durham, NC's old statue of a brontosaurus was decapitated. [06/03/2009] Complete Story...
Visitor Tips and News About Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Decent enough excuse to park the car and go for a walk if you've been on the road for several hours. Though don't make the mistake I did, and forget to stop by the full dinosaur park that's supposedly nearby.
[Alex, 06/30/2025]He is no longer visible from the street. You have to walk a short way on Bronto trail.
[Jon, 02/11/2019]
In addition to having his severed head reattached, the vandalized brontosaurus across the street from the Museum of Life and Science has had a new fence installed around him. Fund raising continues in hopes of giving the statue a new coat of paint.
In the meantime, the new Dinosaur Trail on the grounds of the Museum of Life and Science, originally slated for 2008, opened this past July. There are eight separate dinosaur installations, with what looks like one more left to come. They range in size from a couple of small bird-like dinos up to the giant alamosaurus, who looks to be at least as big as the old brontosaurus, and maybe even bigger.
[Dean Jeffrey, 11/05/2009]
The NC Dinosaur is looking better than it has in years! The head has been replaced (or rebuilt, I'm not sure which) and various holes in the body have been patched up. Repairs are still ongoing, with many spots of unpainted fiberglass visible.
A museum employee happened by and we chatted briefly. He mentioned a few years ago a homeless person had taken up residence inside the dino and had lived inside through an entire winter.
[Greg Brown, 08/05/2009]Page of 2 [Next 3 items]
Nearby Offbeat Places
Mercury-Redstone Rocket Replica, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.
Gene Dillard Mosaic House, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.
Flossy: Tooth Fairy Bull, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
A fitful dream of dino parks unseen!