Ohio has become associated with dinosaurs over the years, as the remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals have been discovered in the state, such as the authentic mastodon skeleton that was dug up in the Canton, Ohio, area and which has been displayed at the McKinley Museum of History in the city. From Cleveland to Columbus to Cincinnati, museums throughout the state feature dinosaur exhibits.
Dinosaur remains and replicas on permanent display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History include a Tyrannosaurus rex, a Triceratops horridus, and a life-sized cast of a juvenile tyrannosaur named Jane. The museum houses the only certain specimen of a nanotyrannus—a small tyrannosaur. The museum also has many other types of dinosaurs on display. A popular feature of the museum is a sculpture of a stegosaurus that sits outside the museum entrance, which was created by New York sculptor Paul Jones for the New York World’s Fair in 1964-65.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive
University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
216-231-4600
cmnh.org/site/index.aspx
The Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science features the Dino Hall exhibit, which includes a fossil timeline path, an interactive resource center and dinosaur models and fossils from the Ohio Valley area. While the museum does not house a permanent dinosaur collection, it frequently features temporary dinosaur-themed traveling exhibits. The museum also hosts many special events, such as an annual Dinosaur Field School trip to Montana to participate in an actual dinosaur dig.
Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science
1301 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
513-287-7000
cincymuseum.org/explore_our_sites/natural_history/default.asp
The McKinley Museum of History features a hands-on interactive science center, which includes Natural History Island, an exhibit that focuses on dinosaurs. Visitors can participate in a simulated fossil dig and view an authentic mastodon skeleton that was discovered in the Canton area.
McKinley Museum of History
800 McKinley Monument Drive NW
Canton, Ohio 44708
330-455-7043
mckinleymuseum.org
Located at Ohio State University, Orton Geological Museum features a 4-foot-long replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, a late Jurassic Cryolophosaurus ellitoti and a 20-foot-long dunkleosteus.
Orton Geological Museum
Orton Hall
School of Earth Sciences
155 S. Oval Mall
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-292-6154
library.osu.edu/sites/geology/museum
