Our Eccles Dinosaur Park guide covers practical planning for Eccles Dinosaur Park Utah — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.

Eccles Dinosaur Park Travel Guide — Utah

For an unforgettable journey back in time, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden, Utah, stands as a premier destination. This unique outdoor museum features over 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures set within natural, sprawling landscapes, complemented by an engaging indoor museum that showcases real fossils and interactive exhibits. It’s an immersive educational experience that captivates visitors of all ages, offering a blend of natural history and imaginative play.

Why Visit Eccles Dinosaur Park

The Eccles Dinosaur Park Utah offers a truly distinctive experience, appealing to both ardent paleontology enthusiasts and families seeking an engaging day out. What sets this park apart is its commitment to creating a realistic prehistoric environment. Imagine wandering along paved trails, surrounded by dense foliage, only to encounter a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex or a gentle Brontosaurus, each sculpted with remarkable detail to reflect current scientific understanding of their appearance, including skin textures and even feathers. These aren't just static displays; some of the robotic models move and roar, bringing the ancient world to life with a state-of-the-art sound system.

Beyond the impressive outdoor exhibits, the indoor Stewart Museum of Paleontology houses a fascinating collection of real dinosaur fossils, gems, and geological specimens. Here, aspiring paleontologists can participate in interactive children's digs and observe fossil preparation in a working lab, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting. The park continuously evolves, with ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and update exhibits to reflect new discoveries, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and intriguing. We appreciate its dedication to both education and entertainment, making it a valuable stop for anyone exploring the natural wonders of Utah.

Who It's Best For

Eccles Dinosaur Park is truly a destination for everyone, though certain groups will find it particularly captivating. Families with young children will discover a wonderland where imagination runs wild. The life-sized, realistic dinosaur sculptures provide endless opportunities for awe and discovery, while the interactive playground and children's dig site offer hands-on fun. The park's inclusive new dinosaur playground features ADA-accessible elements, ensuring children with varying abilities can enjoy the play space.

Educational groups, from school field trips to scouting troops, will find a rich learning environment. The indoor museum's fossil lab, gem and geology exhibits, and educational programs offer deep dives into paleontology and earth sciences. Adults, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with older children, will also appreciate the scientific accuracy of the models and the detailed information provided. It’s an excellent spot for anyone with a general interest in natural history, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience. We've found that the park's self-guided nature allows visitors to explore at their own pace, catering to diverse interests and energy levels.

How to Get There & Parking

Reaching Eccles Dinosaur Park is straightforward, located at 1544 Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401. For most visitors, driving is the most convenient option. The park is easily accessible from I-15; travelers should take exit #344 and head east for approximately 5 miles. You'll find the park about half a mile west of the junction of Valley Drive and Park Boulevard, with clear signage guiding the way.

Parking at Eccles Dinosaur Park is ample and free for guests, with a main parking lot and additional overflow parking located across the street. This makes planning your visit hassle-free, even during peak times. For those without a personal vehicle, the park is also reachable from downtown Ogden via taxi or local public transport, with city bus routes passing close enough to allow for easy inclusion in your itinerary. Additionally, scenic bicycle paths lead to the park for those who prefer an active approach. We recommend checking the park's official website for any real-time updates on directions or parking availability before your visit.

Top Things to Do

There are numerous things to do at Eccles Dinosaur Park, ensuring a full day of discovery and excitement for all ages. The primary attraction is undoubtedly the outdoor sculpture park, spanning 8.5 acres and featuring over 100 life-sized dinosaur models. We suggest taking your time to wander the paved trails, admiring the incredible detail of each creature, from the mighty T-Rex to the soaring Pterodactyls. Many of these robotic dinosaurs move and make sounds, creating a truly immersive prehistoric atmosphere.

Inside, the Stewart Museum of Paleontology offers a wealth of interactive exhibits. Here, you can view real dinosaur fossils, learn about geology and mineralogy, and even observe paleontologists at work in the fossil lab. For younger visitors, the children's dig site provides a hands-on opportunity to unearth their own "fossils". The park also boasts a new, inclusive dinosaur playground, complete with ADA-accessible features, where kids can burn off energy. Don't forget to visit the gift shop for dino-themed souvenirs. Throughout the year, the park hosts various special events, such as "Dinos in the Snow" in December and "Dinos in the Dark" around Halloween, offering unique ways to experience the park. We also recommend keeping an eye out for "Science Saturdays" during the summer, which feature special activities and exhibits. These things to do at Eccles Dinosaur Park ensure a memorable visit.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit Eccles Dinosaur Park can significantly enhance your experience. The park operates with varying hours throughout the year, so checking the official website before your trip is always a good idea.

During the spring and summer (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), the park enjoys extended hours, open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The outdoor park often remains open an hour past the indoor museum's closing time, allowing for cooler evening strolls. This period is ideal for enjoying the outdoor sculptures and taking advantage of the picnic areas and playground. However, summer can also bring larger crowds and hotter temperatures, so we suggest visiting in the morning or late afternoon to beat both the heat and the busiest times. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Fall hours, from Labor Day to November 1st, see the park closed on Mondays, with Tuesday-Saturday hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The outdoor park extends to 6:00 PM during these times. Winter hours (November 1st to March 14th) are the most limited, with closures on Sundays and Mondays, and Tuesday-Saturday hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the outdoor park closing at 5:00 PM. The park is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Special events like "Dinos in the Snow" in December and "Dinos in the Dark" in October offer unique seasonal experiences, though these are timed-ticketed events with specific dates and hours.

For comfortable exploration and fewer crowds, we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall. The weather is typically pleasant, and you'll have more space to enjoy the exhibits. Always confirm hours and any special event schedules on the park's official website.

Eccles Dinosaur Park Lodging: Where to Stay Nearby

When planning your visit to Eccles Dinosaur Park, finding convenient and comfortable Eccles Dinosaur Park lodging is key to a relaxing trip. Ogden, Utah, offers a variety of accommodations, from well-known hotel chains to unique local options, many just a short drive from the park.

Several highly-rated hotels are located within a few miles of the park. Home2 Suites by Hilton Ogden, situated approximately 4.5 miles away, is a 3-star hotel with an excellent traveler rating, offering amenities like complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and in-room kitchenettes, making it ideal for families and longer stays. Tru By Hilton Ogden, UT, also 4.5 miles from the park, provides a vibrant atmosphere, modern accommodations, a free daily buffet breakfast, and an indoor pool. The Hilton Garden Inn Ogden UT is another solid choice, located just 3.9 miles away, known for its impressive review rating. Other reliable options in Ogden include the Best Western Plus High Country Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Ogden, Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn & Suites. The Courtyard by Marriott Ogden, in particular, is in downtown Ogden, close to Historic 25th Street, offering access to restaurants and entertainment.

For those seeking a more unique experience, the Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville, set in the Ogden Valley, offers a boutique hotel experience amidst breathtaking scenery, though it's a bit further out. If you're looking to save some money, budget-friendly options like Motel 6 Ogden, UT- Downtown are also available. When considering Eccles Dinosaur Park lodging, we recommend reviewing amenities and location to best suit your travel style and needs. Many hotels in Ogden cater to outdoor enthusiasts, providing convenient access not only to the Dinosaur Park but also to ski resorts in winter and hiking trails in summer.

Eccles Dinosaur Park Hiking Trails

While Eccles Dinosaur Park is primarily known for its impressive dinosaur sculptures and museum, it also offers pleasant outdoor spaces that can be considered light hiking or walking trails. The park itself spans 8.5 acres with paved trails that meander through natural settings, allowing visitors to encounter the life-sized dinosaur replicas amidst lush greenery and along the Ogden River Parkway. These trails are designed for easy navigation and are even ADA-accessible, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The experience of walking these Eccles Dinosaur Park hiking trails is unique: you're not just on a nature walk, but on a prehistoric safari. The paths are well-maintained, offering a relaxing stroll punctuated by the exciting discovery of another ancient creature around each bend. While these aren't strenuous backcountry hikes, they provide ample opportunity for exercise and fresh air, particularly for families with young children who might not be ready for more challenging terrain. We recommend taking advantage of the picnic areas situated along the trails for a break, and bringing quarters to feed the fish in the river, an added delight for kids. The park's setting along the Ogden River also connects it to broader trail systems in the area, offering possibilities for extended walks outside the park if desired.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

To make the most of your visit to Eccles Dinosaur Park and the surrounding Ogden area, we’ve crafted a sample 2-day itinerary. This plan balances prehistoric exploration with other local attractions, offering a comprehensive Northern Utah experience.

Day 1: Dinosaur Immersion & Ogden River Parkway

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Eccles Dinosaur Park Deep Dive. Arrive shortly after opening to take advantage of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Dedicate the morning to exploring the outdoor sculpture park, marveling at the life-sized dinosaur models along the paved trails. Allow plenty of time for photo opportunities and for children to enjoy the new inclusive playground. Head indoors to the Stewart Museum of Paleontology to see real fossils, interactive exhibits, and the fossil preparation lab.
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic at the Park or Local Eatery. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park’s designated picnic areas, or grab a bite at the Raptor Shack Cafe. Alternatively, venture into Ogden for a local restaurant experience.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Ogden River Parkway & Botanical Gardens. After the park, take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the adjacent Ogden River Parkway. This scenic pathway offers beautiful views and a chance to unwind. Consider a visit to the Ogden Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis nearby.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Historic 25th Street & Dinner. Head to Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, a vibrant district known for its unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Enjoy dinner at one of the many highly-rated restaurants.

Day 2: Ogden's Heritage & Nature

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Union Station & Hill Aerospace Museum. Start your day at Union Station, a historic landmark housing multiple museums, including the Utah State Railroad Museum, the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum, and the Ogden Union Station Museum. Afterward, drive to the Hill Aerospace Museum, one of our favorite stops in Weber County, featuring numerous indoor and outdoor aircraft exhibits with free admission.
• Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Casual Lunch in Ogden. Grab a casual lunch at a cafe or diner in Ogden.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Antelope Island State Park or Waterfall Canyon Trail. Choose your adventure:
  • Option A: Antelope Island State Park. Drive to Antelope Island State Park, home to free-roaming bison, antelope, and stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. Enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, and a short hike. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake. For more information, check out our guide to Antelope Island State Park.
  • Option B: Waterfall Canyon Trail. For a more vigorous activity, hike the Waterfall Canyon Trail, a popular local trail offering rewarding views of a beautiful waterfall.
• Evening: Departure or Relaxed Dinner. Enjoy a final dinner in Ogden, perhaps trying a different restaurant on Historic 25th Street, or begin your journey home.

This itinerary provides a robust exploration of Eccles Dinosaur Park and the best of Ogden. For broader Utah adventures, consider exploring our comprehensive Best Places in Utah guide or planning a larger USA Road Trip.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Our team confidently asserts that Eccles Dinosaur Park is absolutely worth visiting. This isn't just another roadside attraction; it's a thoughtfully designed educational and entertaining experience that consistently receives high praise from visitors. The sheer scale and realism of the over 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures, many of which are animatronic, create an immersive environment that transports you millions of years into the past. It’s a place where both children and adults can marvel at the majesty of prehistoric creatures and gain a deeper appreciation for natural history.

Beyond the impressive outdoor exhibits, the indoor museum offers a valuable complement with its collection of real fossils, interactive displays, and educational opportunities like the children's dig site and fossil lab. The park's commitment to accessibility, including its new inclusive playground, further enhances its value as a family-friendly destination. Whether you're a dedicated dinosaur enthusiast, a family looking for an engaging day out, or simply passing through Northern Utah, Eccles Dinosaur Park provides a unique blend of education, entertainment, and outdoor enjoyment that makes it well worth the trip. We find its continuous efforts to update and expand its offerings, like the "Hatchery" for building new models, demonstrate a dedication to remaining a top-tier attraction.

Last updated: 2026-07-13 by the Roam States team.