Rex Marks the Spot: Discovering Treasures at the Museum of the Rockies

With one of the largest collections of  dinosaur fossils in the United States, the Museum of the Rockies is a key stop on Montana's Dinosaur Trail that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Inside the museum, life-sized dinosaur displays, both real fossils and replicas, tower imposingly. The museum also has a state-of-the-art planetarium and regularly hosts events such as fossil hikes and bird watching outings.

This museum not only houses an impressive array of fossils but also boasts an active research institution. As a member of the American Alliance of Museums since 1989 and a Smithsonian Affiliate since 2005, the Museum of the Rockies is deeply connected to both national and international scientific communities. These affiliations signify the Museum's dedication to excellence in the field of paleontology and its commitment to promoting public understanding of natural history.

Where is the Museum of the Rockies?

The Museum of the Rockies is on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.  It takes a little over 20 minutes to drive to the museum from the airport, and about 5 minutes from downtown.

History

In 1957, the Museum of the Rockies took shape, thanks to a sizable gift from Caroline M. McGill. The museum underwent three phases of construction from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, including an expansion in 1989 that tripled its size.

Kathy Wankel, an amateur fossil hunter, struck gold in 1988 when she discovered "Wankel’s Rex" in Montana. At the time, it was the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found. A dedicated field crew from the Museum of the Rockies excavated the skeleton between 1989 and 1990.

To commemorate this extraordinary discovery, a bronze statue named "Big Mike" was created in 2001 from a mold of "Wankel's Rex" and proudly stands outside the museum.

The museum continued its expansion by opening the Explore Yellowstone! Martin Children's Discovery Center in 2010, and reopening a completely refurbished Taylor Planetarium in 2013.

What is there to see at the Museum of the Rockies?

"Big Mike"

"Big Mike" is a life-size bronze statue of a Tyrannosaurus rex, proudly displayed at the Museum of the Rockies. This sculpture represents MOR 555, a legendary Tyrannosaurus rex fossil discovered by Kathy Wankel near Montana's Fort Peck Reservoir that is also known as "Wankel's Rex". Research Casting International of Ontario, Canada created the statue in 2001 from casts of the original fossil. Standing 15 feet tall, measuring 38 feet in length, and weighing 10,000 pounds, "Big Mike" serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. Michael P. Malone, the 10th President of Montana State University.

Siebel Dinosaur Complex

The Siebel Dinosaur Complex is a world-renowned exhibit in the Museum of the Rockies, housing one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils. The complex is home to one of only two complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens in the world, along with the largest Tyrannosaurus skull ever discovered. Other paleontological highlights include a baby Triceratops and an ovulating T. rex, making it a must-visit destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and paleontologists alike.

Paugh Regional History Hall

The Paugh Regional History Hall at the Museum of the Rockies offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Northern Rockies. The exhibit features a diverse collection of artifacts, from old cars and textiles to houses, providing a tangible connection to the past. It serves as a window into the region's rich history, offering visitors a chance to explore and understand the area's cultural and historical evolution.

Enduring Peoples

The "Enduring Peoples" exhibit at the Museum of the Rockies provides an in-depth exploration of the Native American history in the Northern Rockies.

Explore Yellowstone! Martin Children's Discovery Center

The Martin Children’s Discovery Center is a haven for young explorers at the Museum of the Rockies. This interactive exhibit is designed specifically for children up to eight years old, offering a range of Yellowstone-themed activities, including a mock geyser.

Taylor Planetarium

The Taylor Planetarium at the Museum of the Rockies offers visitors a journey through the cosmos. This 40-foot, 104-seat domed theater presents a variety of shows that explore the mysteries of the universe. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can gaze at the stars, learn about celestial bodies, and delve into the wonders of space exploration.

Living History Farm

Experience the past at the Museum of the Rockies' Living History Farm. This seasonal outdoor exhibit recreates an 1890s Montana homestead, featuring the Tinsley House and its surrounding gardens, orchards, and fields. Visitors can explore the homestead and gain a deeper understanding of rural life in the late 19th century, offering a unique and immersive historical experience