Day Trips - Big Bend National Park Fossil Discovery Exhibit
- Jan 25, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6, 2022
Marathon is the closest town to Big Bend National Park’s north entrance (the Persimmon Gap Entrance and Visitor Center). Marathon offers the quickest route to many of the Park’s north and eastern most features, including the magnificent Fossil Discovery Exhibit.
There, you'll find a replica of the skull of Bravoceratops. This is a brand new dinosaur discovered in 2013 in Big Bend National Park, and named after the Rio Bravo (another name for the Rio Grande, that flows along the Park's southern perimeter).
To get there, just head south from Marathon! Big Bend National Park's Persimmon Gap Entrance and Visitor Center is just a forty minute drive from Marathon.
The Persimmon Gap Entrance is open year round, although the Visitor Center is only open seasonally.
Take your time on the drive to enjoy beautiful scenery between Marathon and the Park.
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit was added to the Park in 2017 and is located on the same road (385) going into the Park just 18 miles south of the Persimmon Gap Entrance. Don't forget, the speed limit inside of the National Park is 45 MPH on paved roads, unless otherwise noted. So take your time, and slow down to enjoy the grand landscape.
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is an award-winning solar powered pavilion, chronicling 100 million years of geologic and environmental transformation. Its open air architecture features multiple exhibits with life size replicas of fossils that were found within the Park.
Meander through its breezy rooms and discover the Park as it was transformed from a shallow sea to a volcanic highlands environment to its present-day state over a timespan of millions of years.
Learn how scientists interpret geologic time using index fossils, and take a peek at the famed “K-Pg” boundary from a lookout site.
Gaze at replicas of real fossils found in the Park and learn about what it was like when they lived there.
Relax on numerous benches or at the shaded picnic tables.
Many of the exhibits are life-size and hands-on! Kids of all ages love to play on the kid-friendly dinosaur mock-ups located in the “Boneyard” by the picnic tables.
It’s hard for anyone to pass up the chance to touch a life size cast of a dino skull in the Gallery of Giants.
You’ll get a crash course in paleontology and learn about some of the different rock features visible in the Park. It’s a great place to pop in for a short afternoon or bring a lunch and have a picnic. There's a short hiking trail to a lookout spot. The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is wheelchair accessible and has a vault toilet on location.
The next time you stay in Marathon, enjoy a trip to the interactive Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Its exhibits are engaging to a variety of age levels and it makes a great visit all on its own or as part of a multi-stop itinerary. You can get sandwiches and other deli foods to-go from the French Co. Grocer and the V6 Cafe in Marathon to bring with you!
The texas roadhouse family meal deal is a great option when you want a hearty meal that everyone at the table can enjoy. It usually includes generous portions of their famous steaks, chicken, or ribs with classic sides that make sharing easy. If you’re planning a family dinner, it’s definitely worth taking a moment to check the latest deal and see what’s included.
This was a really interesting read! I didn’t know much about this topic before, but the way you explained it made everything much clearer and easier to understand. It reminded me of how useful structured and persuasive methods can be, like the ones you find in is a 2.1 degree good. Even though that’s usually about writing, the idea of organizing ideas clearly and presenting them in a way that keeps the reader engaged really applies here too. I sometimes struggle to grasp new topics quickly, but posts like this make it much easier. I liked how it was simple to follow without skipping important details. Thanks for sharing I feel like I learned something new today and will definitely…
A professional basement finish transforms unused space into a comfortable living area for family or work. It also improves insulation, lighting, and overall home value through proper planning and quality construction.
This article makes the Fossil Discovery Exhibit at Big Bend National Park sound like a truly unique and educational day trip — from life-size fossil replicas to scenic drives and picnic spots, it seems like a great adventure for families and explorers alike! It reminded me that making memories, whether on a road trip or celebrating a friend’s new home, is all about thoughtful moments — like choosing the best housewarming gifts that make people feel appreciated and inspired. Thanks for sharing these great travel ideas!
After Obama says they're real, bharat club Trump orders release of government files on UFOs