Most People Have No Idea This Unique Park In Kentucky Exists
When most people think of a park, the first thing that comes to mind is trees, flowers, and chirping birds. Perhaps even a bench or picnic table set up to have lunch, or relax and enjoy the view. The first thing that doesn’t come to mind is a place where life-size dinosaurs gaze at you while you eat. But you can have this unique experience and visit dinosaurs in Kentucky at this one-of-kind park. Dinosaur World is a dinosaur park in Kentucky that blatantly breaks the “normal” view of parks in our state.
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Mammoth Cave is a big attraction. Before you get there you can see another pretty big attraction from Hwy 65. Life-size dinosaurs loom over the tree tops, a short distance away at Dinosaur World in Kentucky. Southern Living Magazine quoted this exit off the expressway as one of the best… partially because of the giant Tyrannosaurus Rex that watches the cars go by.
When paying a visit to Dinosaur World, pricing comes in two packages.
The Excavation tickets include the park, museum, and one of the excavation experiences, including fossil or gem. The general admission tickets only include the park and museum. For the most up-to-date pricing information, visit here.
...but it was not the first of its kind. Dinosaur World was the dream of Christer Svensson, a Swedish businessman who moved to Florida in the early 90s. The first Dinosaur World was opened there, with all models made by park employees from fiberglass, concrete and steel.
It isn’t as big as many other Kentucky parks, but the dinosaurs are the biggest beasts you will see anywhere in the state… though they are manmade. There are more than 150 different life size models scattered around the park. They were designed to be like we assume they were in life. Some travel in herds, others, like the T-Rex, traveled on their own. An information plaque is located near each herd or individual explaining what it is, and other general questions.
You have some great trails that nature enthusiasts can hike around. You will run into dinosaurs, but also plenty of nature and “live” animals natural to the area. It is a very relaxing place with well maintained flora and fauna, along with some elder trees.
the park has some fun activities. There is a playground for the little ones near a covered picnic area. There is also a fossil dig that allows you to dig and see what you find. There are plenty of fossils in the area, including shark teeth, shells, claws and more. The Dino Gem dig is much the same. You can pan and try your own luck for natural stones and minerals, or buy a bag that already has some beauties in it.
Dinosaur World is also the only dinosaur museum in Kentucky.
You can check out the inside museum to get out of the elements. They have a nice variety of both real and faux fossils that were cast from real bones. There is information beside each exhibit that explains what it was, where the fossils are normally found, and answers to standard questions.
Dinosaur World is possibly the most unusual park in Kentucky. You can see so many varieties of our prehistoric friends, and get a chance for a rare gem or fossil souvenir. There is no food available for purchase, but there is an abundance of nice places to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. It is also a pet-friendly park, as long as you control and clean up after your pets. Take a closer look here…
Quick Hits: Dinosaur Park In Kentucky
By Andrea Limke
What museum has the best dinosaur exhibit in Kentucky? To see manmade dinosaurs and exhibits featuring these prehistoric giants, you really have two options in Kentucky. Dinosaur World, as explained above, has an incredible outdoor museum, and also offers more to see indoors. The other place is the Creation Museum in Petersburg. While dinosaurs are not the focus here, they do have an entire section dedicated to them.
Did dinosaurs live in Kentucky? Scientists do believe that dinosaurs once roamed the Bluegrass State, which of course looked very different way back then. During the Jurassic Period, Kentucky was abundant with plantlife, which made for a great habitat for dinosaurs of all sorts.
Are there dinosaur fossils in Kentucky? There are dinosaur fossils in Kentucky, and many have been discovered. One of the best places to learn about this time period in Kentucky is at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union. Here you’ll find a small museum with many fossils, and hiking trails that take you back through time.
What are the best dinosaur attractions in Kentucky? As mentioned earlier, the best dinosaur attractions in Kentucky are Dinosaur World, the Creation Museum, and Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. Each of these destinations is very different from the other, so check out all of them before planning a visit.
If you are a fan of all things prehistoric, this is a spot you will want to check out. This dinosaur park in Kentucky is a great place to go and beat the crowds. You might enjoy checking out some of the Bluegrass State’s other renowned parks and adventures too.
For more information on Dinosaur World, visit its website here. And to get to the park, head here… Address: 711 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, KY, 42127
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
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