Dinosaur State Park and ArboretumAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
Late spring through early autumn offers the full complement of visitor programs and best conditions to explore the fossil exhibits.
Weather & Climate near Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1174 mm/year), wettest in April, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 2° | -8° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - 3° | -7° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 9° | 0° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 26° | 20° | 99 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 29° | 23° | 96 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 94 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 24° | 18° | 99 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 18° | 11° | 94 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 11° | 4° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 5° | -4° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
Dinosaur State Park is just west of Hartford, Connecticut. From I‑91, take local exits to Rocky Hill/West St and follow signs to the park. Public transit options are limited; driving is the most practical method.
Tips for Visiting Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
- Visit the fossil beds early to avoid peak tour times and to get better lighting for photography.
- Bring closed-toe shoes and expect muddy patches around dig sites during wet weather.
- Sign up for guided programs - rangers demonstrate how to interpret dinosaur footprints and the local geology.