Dinosaur Footprints Reservation
Step back millions of years at this free reservation, home to hundreds of ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in stone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prints are clearer
Dinosaur Footprints Reservation
Best Time
Prints are clearer
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back millions of years at this free reservation, home to hundreds of ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in stone.
"So glad we stopped- we enjoyed our visit. It’s a quick stop that is ‘legit’."
👀 Look Closely for Prints
Some prints are obvious, others require careful observation. Don't miss the smaller ones!
🚶♀️ Easy Downhill Walk
The path to the tracks is a short, easy walk downhill. Wear comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jurassic Footprints
The main trackway
Hundreds of ancient dinosaur tracks preserved in stone, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
Scenic Riverside Walk
Path leading to the trackway
A pleasant, short downhill walk alongside the water, adding to the overall experience.
Informative Signage
Near the parking area
Read the signs to understand the discovery and geological significance of the footprints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Dinosaur Tracks
Manage Expectations for a Quick Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👀 Look Closely for Prints
Some prints are obvious, others require careful observation. Don't miss the smaller ones!
🚶♀️ Easy Downhill Walk
The path to the tracks is a short, easy walk downhill. Wear comfortable shoes.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is easy and right off the busy road. Just pull in.
💡 Read the Signs
Background info on the discovery enhances the visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👀 Look Closely for Prints
Some prints are obvious, others require careful observation. Don't miss the smaller ones!
🚶♀️ Easy Downhill Walk
The path to the tracks is a short, easy walk downhill. Wear comfortable shoes.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is easy and right off the busy road. Just pull in.
💡 Read the Signs
Background info on the discovery enhances the visit.
⏳ Quick Stop Gem
Perfect for a short detour if you have an hour to spare.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Dinosaur Footprints Reservation as a unique, free, and 'legit' historical stop. While some prints require imagination, the easy walk and the sheer number of tracks make it a worthwhile detour for those exploring Western Massachusetts. Some question the authenticity, but most find it a fascinating glimpse into the past.
"So glad we stopped- we enjoyed our visit. It’s a quick stop that is “legit”. But you could miss it. And it’s on a busy road so heads up. Parking is easy- pull in. Then walk way is right there.
Make sure you read the sign it gives you back ground information on the discovery.
We enjoyed the quick stop - you have to look for the prints it takes some focus but you will find them."
Rita Loeding
"We stopped by today with low expectations and thinking it would be some gimmick roadside attraction. You could make out some of the footprints and some you had to use your imagination. We could t believe they just let people walk around all over it. It’s a very short easy hike down."
Wendy Harmon
"I wouldn't expect that - but I really got excited finding footprints and walking over those.
Thousands of years and these are still visible! Fantastic!"
Evija Ozola - Ozoliņa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dinosaur Footprints Reservation is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, right off a busy road. Parking is available and easy to access. It's a straightforward drive, making it a convenient stop for those exploring Western Massachusetts.
Yes, there is easy parking available directly at the site, right off the main road.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic addition to a Western Massachusetts day trip, especially when combined with nearby attractions like the Springfield Museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Dinosaur Footprints Reservation is completely free!
The reservation is open year-round, and since it's an outdoor site, you can visit anytime. However, visibility of the prints is best during dry weather.
There is no entrance fee; the Dinosaur Footprints Reservation is a free attraction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see hundreds of preserved dinosaur footprints left behind by Jurassic giants. 
Most visitors find it to be a quick stop. You can see the main attractions in about an hour, making it perfect for a brief detour.
The walk is a short, easy hike slightly downhill from the parking area. It's generally considered very accessible.
Visibility varies; some prints are very clear, while others require careful observation and imagination. Looking closely is key to spotting them all.
Yes, visitors are allowed to walk around and over the trackway.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient tracks themselves, the scenic riverside path, and the informational signage.
It can be challenging as some prints are subtle. Getting down low and focusing on the texture of the rock can help capture the details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's easily accessible from the road with convenient parking, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs and experience something unique. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Dinosaur Footprints
While the preservation is remarkable, some visitors note that not all prints are immediately obvious. It requires a keen eye to spot the smaller or more eroded tracks.
For those interested in a deeper dive, the nearby Springfield Museums offer additional exhibits on paleontology and dinosaurs, providing context to the experience at the reservation.
This combination can turn a quick stop into a more comprehensive educational outing.Making the Most of Your Visit
Visitors often recommend reading the informational signs near the parking area to fully appreciate the historical and geological significance of the site. The walk down to the trackway is described as pleasant and easy, with the path following the water.
Given its location on a busy road, it's a perfect spot for a spontaneous detour or a brief break during a longer road trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit