Montana Dinosaur Center

The Montana Dinosaur Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and educational institute located in Bynum, Montana. Established in 1995, it is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail and plays a significant role in the region's paleontological research and education.

Mission

The center's mission is to provide hands-on educational experiences for the public by utilizing actual research sites and research personnel. It aims to promote scientific research and publication, collect, preserve, and interpret items related to the physical and cultural heritage of the world, and share information with other organizations for the advancement of science and public education[2].

Collections and Exhibits

The Montana Dinosaur Center is home to a variety of dinosaur fossils, including specimens of hadrosaurs, ceratopsians, and tyrannosaurs[1]. Notably, it houses the first baby dinosaur bones collected in North America, specifically the Maiasaura bones from Egg Mountain[1]. The center also features a skeletal model of what is believed to be the world's longest dinosaur, a diplodocus[1].

Public Engagement

One of the unique aspects of the Montana Dinosaur Center is its offer of hands-on dinosaur fossil expeditions available to the public. These expeditions allow participants of all ages to engage in real-world paleontological research during the summer months from June to September[3][4]. By participating in these digs, visitors contribute directly to ongoing scientific research while gaining firsthand experience of paleontological fieldwork[4].

Operations and Impact

The center operates without government funding, relying on donations and public support. It is one of the few museums in Montana employing degreed paleontological staff, providing assistance to other institutions along the Montana Dinosaur Trail by helping build exhibits and develop educational programs[1][2]. The Montana Dinosaur Center is committed to high standards, as evidenced by its membership in the American Alliance of Museums and adherence to their Pledge of Excellence[2].

Year-Round Activities

While the center's hours vary by season, it is open seven days a week during the peak summer months. The Montana Dinosaur Center offers a range of activities beyond the dig expeditions, including seminars and public programs designed to educate the public about paleontology and natural history[1][3].