Utah Field House of Natural History State Park

Description

History

By 1870, the Uinta Basin was known for its abundant vertebrate fossils when O.C. Marsh from Yale University first identified Eocene (35-45 million years old) mammals. In 1909, Earl Douglass of the newly-formed Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, discovered fossil dinosaur remains near Split Mountain, 20 miles east of Vernal. This discovery, one of the world's best concentrations of dinosaur fossils, is now part of Dinosaur National Monument.

 

 

Rather than lose the prehistoric wealth of the area to eastern universities and museums, Arthur G. Nord and other community members formulated the idea of a field house. In 1945, the Utah legislature established the Utah Field House of Natural History to house and display "the fossil remains of ancient plant and animal life and other objects of natural history." The field house subsequently became a Utah state park.

Picnicking

A picnic area is located behind the museum.

Dinosaur Garden Tour

Step back in time as you walk through the dinosaur garden. Look up to a full-size replica of a 20-foot tall Tyrannosaurus with 6-inch knife-like teeth, or look down on a ferocious 4-foot, meat-eating Coelophysis.

The dinosaur garden contains a swamp area, rock area, small lake and a waterfall. 17 sculptures, most of which are actual life-size dinosaurs are found along the trail that leads through each area. Sculptor Ebert Porter created the models, which were acquired by the state of Utah in 1977. A group of 3 concrete dinosaurs by sculptor Millard F. Malin completes the outside display.

During the summer, evening lectures are held in the garden amphitheater.

Museum Tour

The Utah Field House of Natural History Museum features ancient fossil skeletal reproductions, archaeological and geological exhibits, fluorescent minerals and other natural history aspects of the Uinta Mountains and Uinta Basin. It also offers exhibits on eastern Utah history, dinosaur fossils, American Indian artifacts and one of the best geology displays anywhere.

In addition to exhibits, the museum maintains a specimen collection for future displays, educational programs and research. The museum houses a small gift shop, science reference library and a classroom.

Hotels/motels

There are hotels and motels in Vernal with something for every taste and price range.

Camping

There is no camping in the state park, camping is available at Steinaker and Red Fleet state parks, just north of the Vernal.

Resources

• DesertUSA Trading Post
• Hunting Dinosaurs in the Desert Southwest
• Desert Dinosaur Hunting Grounds
• Desert Dinosaurs

Cities & Towns

• Vernal, Utah: Park is within Vernal.
• Duchesne, Utah: 58 miles west.
• Provo, Utah: 122 miles northwest.
• Roosevelt, UT: 40 miles west.
• Craig, Colorado: 93 miles east.

Parks & Monuments

• Dinosaur National Monument: 20 miles east.
• Steinaker State Park: 5 miles north.
• Red Fleet State Park: 10 miles north.
• John Jarvie Historic Ranch: 42 miles north.
• Starvation State Park: 63 miles west.
• Recreation & Wilderness Areas
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: 35 miles north.
• High Uintas Wilderness Area: 75 miles west.
• Ashley National Forest: 10 miles north.
• Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge: 35 miles north.

Historic & Points of Interest

• Uintah & Ouray Indian Reservation: Various locations nearby.
• Western Heritage Museum: (Vernal) 435-789-7399.
• Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery: (40 miles northeast) 435-789-4481.
• Triassic Period Dinosaur Trackway: (Red Fleet State Park) 435-789-4432.