Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834
Take a break from exploring Big Bend National Park’s rough-and-tumble landscapes with this exhibit dedicated to millions of years of the area’s natural and geological history. There’s more than your typical aging visitor-center exhibit here, with ancient fossils (and touchable casts), life-size replicas of prehistoric creatures, interactive displays, and a short trail with views on geologic points of interest.
The basics
The exhibit center lies a short drive south of the Big Bend entrance station and north of the Panther Junction Visitor Center, making it a great first stop on any visit to the national park. Open from dawn to dusk, the self-guided exhibit is organized into four sections dedicated to the marine environment, coastal and inland floodplains, volcanic highlands, and Cretaceous-era dinosaurs. After viewing the displays, hike the short panoramic trail around the center.
Things to know before you go
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is ideal for travelers interested in local geology and natural history.
The exhibit is free to visit (outside of park entrance fees).
The site is fully wheelchair-accessible and has an accessible vault toilet.
Facilities include a shaded picnic area and fossil-themed climbing structures for kids.
Visitors usually have cell reception.
The exhibition space has tactile displays for people with vision impairments.
How to get there
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is on the Fossil Discovery Exhibit Road, just off Highway 385 in the northern section of Big Bend National Park, a short drive from the Panther Junction Visitor Center. Parking is available near the exhibit, though it’s not recommended for trailers and RVs. The site is open year-round and offers easy access for visitors.
When to get there
The exhibit is open from dawn to dusk daily when the national park is open. From October through April—especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other holiday periods—the park sees an influx of visitors, with developed campsites full every night. Consider visiting at other times to avoid the crowds.
Big Bend National Park’s famous fossils
In 1940, Barnum Brown, famous for discovering Tyrannosaurus rex, and his assistant R.T. Bird ventured into Big Bend National Park’s desert badlands to search for fossils. They uncovered significant specimens, including skulls of Deinosuchus, Edmontonia, and Kritosaurus, contributing to the park’s paleontological importance.
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