Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum

Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, is a state park established to protect an extensive set of dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. The site combines paleontological exhibits with an arboretum and outdoor trails.

The park’s main attraction is an enclosed exhibit pavilion that preserves and interprets hundreds of fossilized dinosaur footprints visible in a bed of early Jurassic sandstone. Outdoor areas include an arboretum with labeled tree plantings, nature trails and educational displays about the region’s ancient environment and geology.

The fossil tracksite was discovered in the 19th century and scientific interest led to protective measures and the creation of the park to conserve the footprints and provide public education. The pavilion and interpretive facilities were developed to allow year-round viewing while protecting the fragile surface.

The park is located in Rocky Hill in central Connecticut, along the Connecticut River valley, with road access from nearby Hartford and surrounding communities.

• Protected trackway display: Contains a large display of preserved dinosaur footprints in an enclosed pavilion so the fragile tracks are protected from weather.

What to See #

• Exhibit pavilion (track shelter): A covered concrete pavilion that protects the exposed dinosaur track-bearing sandstone slab and indoor exhibits interpreting the fossils.
• Arboretum and trails: An arboretum area with trails showing a collection of native and introduced trees, plus outdoor walking paths that connect interpretive displays to the fossil site.