Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park is a paleontology park in Laurel featuring fossils from the Early Cretaceous period dating back about 115 million years. The site occupies a modest area and sits along Mid-Atlantic Boulevard, where remains from ancient marine and land creatures have been discovered.

The first major fossils in Prince George's County were discovered in 1858 during mining operations in the area. These early finds sparked scientific interest that eventually led to the creation of the park as a research and education site.

This place serves as a gathering spot where visitors of all ages can connect with ancient life forms through hands-on field work. People come together to learn collection methods directly from scientists, making fossil hunting feel like a shared activity rather than just a museum visit.

The park operates during scheduled public programs on specific dates throughout the month with no admission fee. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for weather, as most activities take place outdoors on open ground.

This site holds fossils of Astrodon Johnstoni, Maryland's state dinosaur, which roamed the earth long before the more famous Tyrannosaurus rex. This species represents an early chapter in dinosaur evolution and remains a local symbol of the region's deep paleontological roots.