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.

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Visitor Tips and News About Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail

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Neglected Dinosaur Statue

The new dino trail is opening Summer of 2009!

[Lauren, 07/04/2008]

June 2009: The dinosaur was decapitated in what police described as a "prank." The head and neck have been recovered, although museum officials aren't yet sure if they can be stuck back onto the body.

Dinosaur.

Dinosaur Statue

The 40 year-old Brontosaurus was part of the Museum of Life and Sciences' now-defunct dinosaur walk. The 30 foot structure is the only remaining part of the trail, and some debate has been made about whether to restore it. It sits behind a fence near the entrance of Rock Quarry Park on the southside of Murray Avenue in North Durham, and is visible from the street.

[Cindy Whitt, 01/25/2007]

Dinosaur in the woods.

Dinosaur Statue

We were on our way to the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, when we noticed a big dinosaur lurking at the edge of the woods at Quarry Trail. On closer inspection, we found he was made of fiberglass and is deteriorating pretty badly. We spoke to a woman on the trail, who said the dino has been there for at least 25 years and used to be part of a nature trail with other dinosaurs. That trail was closed and fenced off after Hurricane Fran damaged both the trail and the statues. So of course we hopped the fence and went looking for other dinosaurs. We found two, toppled over and broken, and a still-standing elephant (mastodon? mammoth?).

[Dean Jeffrey, 04/07/2001]

October 2006: Dean adds that the trail, which opened in 1967, is due to be replaced by a new one in 2008, and that some locals want to save the old 77-ft. long brontosaurus. 2001: Pamela Parris sent a note about Dean's tip: "The dinosaurs were once part of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. The Museum originally was situated across the street from its current location. You viewed exhibits on the grounds and in the buildings, then you could walk the trail and see the dinosaurs."

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Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail

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