Research. Preserve. Educate. Inspire.
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is more than a museum—it’s an active center for paleontological research, fossil preservation, STEM education, and community outreach. Our work protects southern Utah’s unique prehistoric past while inspiring curiosity for generations to come.
OUR MISSION
To research, preserve, interpret, and exhibit the fossil resources of this site and region for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of our communities and the scientific world.
Every footprint, fossil, and exhibit helps tell the story of a 200 million-year-old lakeshore—and the scientists, students, and families who continue to explore it today.
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Southern Utah is one of the most significant Early Jurassic fossil locations in the world. Our research team:
- Studies fossil footprints, sedimentary structures, and biological traces
- Conducts fieldwork at the tracksite and surrounding areas
- Collaborates with universities and federal agencies
- Publishes peer-reviewed scientific papers
- Supports student research at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Our discoveries help reveal how dinosaurs moved, interacted, and lived within their environment-providing important insights into prehistoric behavior and climate.
FOSSIL PRESERVATION & COLLECTION CARE
Protecting fossils is a long-term commitment. Behind the scenes, our staff and volunteers carefully:
- Clean, stabilize, and prepare newly discovered fossils
- Document and catalog specimens
- Create molds and casts for educational use
- Monitor the tracksite for preservation needs
- Build exhibit components and interpretive displays
- Maintain one of the region’s most important trace fossil collections
Our work ensures that Utah’s prehistoric heritage remains safe, accessible, and scientifically valuable.
EDUCATION & STEM PROGRAMS
- Curriculum-aligned school tours
- Add-on learning experiences (track-making, fossil lab tours)
- STEM outreach events across Washington and Iron counties
- Resources for teachers, homeschool groups, and youth programs
- Family-friendly museum activities and scavenger hunts
Each year, we engage with more than 15,000 students and community members outside the museum walls.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Our team loves connecting science with people beyond our walls in real ways. You’ll find us at:
- STEM festivals
- Library programs
- Community events
- University collaborations
- Local workshops and presentations
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION
- U.S. Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- National & State Parks
- Local schools and universities
- Regional museums and research partners
FOSSIL DISCOVERIES PROGRAM
Our newest program brings the public into the field for hands-on scientific work. Participants:
- Learn how fossils form
- Discover and identify real specimens
- Work alongside our paleontology team
- Gain insight into real scientific processes
This program helps support research while giving visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
Our staff and collaborators contribute to ongoing research in paleontology and trace fossil science. We offer:
- Open-access papers (where available)
- Research summaries
- Fossil identification guides
- Educational videos
- Digital resources for classrooms
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
Every fossil tells a story, and every visitor helps us preserve it. Your support allows us to:
- Protect delicate fossil surfaces
- Expand educational programs
- Fund research and student opportunities
- Maintain the museum and its collections
- Share discoveries with the world
When you visit, donate, volunteer, or become a member, you’re helping keep the stories of the Early Jurassic alive.
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