Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum
Our museum is a hidden gem that visitors have compared favorably to some of the best and largest museums in the world!
The Prehistoric Museum creates understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural processes that formed the geologic, fossil and prehistoric human records found in eastern Utah. We do this through educational and interpretive programs based upon our academic research, preservation programs, authentic exhibits, and the creative efforts of our staff and community.
Nestled in the heart of a resource rich archaeological, paleontological and geological play land, our museum has much to offer in diverse prehistoric subjects. One thing that makes our museum so unique is that our items on display were actually discovered within a stone's throw of the actual museum location! Dinosaurs and other finds from this region are world-famous, but only here can you see them surrounded by their original context.
Dinosaurs, Ice Age and Archaeology! Another unique aspect of our museum is that we are not simply a dinosaur museum. We encompass so much more. This rich region spews forth paleontology, archaeology and geology in abundance, and it is with this advantage, we strive to bring the cutting-edge world of discovery directly to you. The Utah State University - College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum is one of only five accredited museums in the state of Utah, and the only accredited museum located off the Wasatch Front, as well as a state and federal repository.
In the upper level of our Hall of Dinosaurs, you can find Utahraptor , discovered in the 1990's with a flurry of other new species. It is the slashing fiend that adults and children love to photograph! It stole the thunder from the original museum mascot Al the Allosaurus with his arrival just prior to the release of the movie Jurassic Park. The fictional raptors in that movie were actually brought to reality with the discovery of Utahraptor.
Drawing upon our collections of thousands of bones, we can have more actual dinosaur bone on display than any other museum in the region, as well as relatively complete mounted skeletons reproduced straight from the bones we have dug. This results in excellent dinosaur displays such as the Utahraptor killing claw, the land of armor display and many more.
In the lower level of the Hall of Archaeology you can view the famous Huntington Mammoth, one of the most pristine examples of a Columbian mammoth in existence, reigning over impressive mounts of other animals from Ice Age Utah. You can also see the Pilling Figurines, iconic artworks of the Fremont Culture, profiled multiple times in National Geographic and hailed as the most complete and well-kept figurines in existence. The Hall of Archaeology also has baskets, pottery, the Fremont flute, and so much more!
Our children's discovery area is sure to please. Whether your little ones are digging for dinosaur bones, unearthing pottery shards, coloring or playing with the puppets and games, there is something for kids of all ages in our play area. The museum also houses a rotating art gallery, so chances are that there will be a new exhibition every time you visit.
Don't forget to stop by the museum store and choose from the wonderful selection of items to remember your visit. We have a great selection of books, toys and shirts to choose from.
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