Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum

One of Vernal’s 3 State Parks

Right along the Main Street of Vernal, Utah … which is actually Highway 40 … you will find the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. It is one of several fascinating stops in the state for anyone with even a passing interest in dinosaurs, geology or the story of life on Earth.

Vernal is known as “Dinosaurland.” You will see references to dinosaurs just about everywhere you go in this area. This museum lives up to the name. Now, I’m not going to say it is as captivating as the Natural History Museum of Utah … which has more than 2 million artifacts … but it is still pretty cool.

My wife and I paid a short visit to this Utah State Park on our recent road trip which eventually took us through Vernal and Dinosaurland.

Not Your Typical State Park

The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum (that’s a mouthful I know) isn’t your typical state park. You won’t find hiking trails or fishing holes here. You will, though, step into a place that transports you across millions of years of prehistoric history.

The museum itself serves as a gateway to the nearby dinosaur quarries, ancient rock formations and fossil-rich landscapes of the Uinta Basin and the greater Dinosaur National Monument area.

That is how I would look at this museum. A gateway or precursor of bigger things to come. Inside, interactive exhibits, life-sized dinosaur replicas and genuine fossils bring Utah's prehistoric world to life albeit on a smaller scale than the big park.

The Museum and Exhibits

The museum features 22,000 square feet of indoor exhibits exploring the geology, paleontology and natural history of eastern Utah. You will find:

• Life-size skeletons and fossil displays of iconic dinosaurs like Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus.
• The always-beckoning interactive exhibits for kids including fossil excavation activities.
• Displays highlighting the region’s rich Native American history.
• Geologic exhibits explaining the formation of the nearby Uinta Mountains and other natural wonders.
• An extensive rock and mineral collection from Utah and beyond.
• There are also some full-size mounts of various wildlife indigenous to the region.

Dinosaur Garden

Out back, the Dinosaur Garden is a must-see. More than a dozen full-size dinosaur replicas stand in a landscaped outdoor setting including Utahraptor, Triceratops, and even a towering Tyrannosaurus rex.

It is a great photo opportunity and a fun space for kids to stretch their legs as we saw multiple families wandering through this area.

A Hub for Dinosaur Country

The museum is also an ideal starting point for exploring the wider Dinosaur Land region. Within easy driving distance, you’ll find:

• Dinosaur National Monument – Just 7 miles north of Jensen, Utah which is about 20 minutes east of Vernal. It has a world-famous dinosaur quarry and ancient petroglyphs.
• Red Fleet State Park - known for its dinosaur tracks and scenic reservoir just north of Vernal.
• Steinaker State Park - a reservoir providing water fun, fishing and camping just a few miles from Vernal.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area – an awe-inspiring landscape with striking canyons and water recreation. And an incredible Scenic Byway.

History of the Park

The Utah Field House of Natural History opened in 1959 to showcase the incredible prehistoric resources of the region. The area around Vernal has produced countless dinosaur fossils earning global recognition.

Over the decades, the museum has expanded its exhibits while partnering with paleontologists and universities to share Utah's fossil story with visitors from around the world.

Visitor Information For
Utah Field House of Natural History
State Park Museum

- Hours: Open year-round 9 AM to 5 PM daily (closed on major holidays).
- Day-Use Fees

• Adults: $10.00
• Seniors: $8.00
• Children (6-12 years old): $5.00
• Children (5 years and under): Free
• Remember, the always-reasonable yearly Senior Pass for Utah State Parks in only $65.
• You can also check fees on the state website as they are subject to change. 

Tips for Your Visit

- Plan at least an hour to explore the museum and Dinosaur Garden.
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds especially during summer tourist season. On an early June Friday afternoon, it wasn’t crowded at all
- Combine your museum trip with a visit to Dinosaur National Monument for a full prehistoric experience.
- Don’t miss the rock and mineral displays. They are some of the best in Utah.

Final Thoughts

The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum is a portal into Utah’s distant past. Whether you are a fossil fanatic, a curious traveler or a family with dinosaur-loving kids, it is well worth the stop.

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
496 E Main St, Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: (435) 789-3799
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utah-field-house/

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