Step back in time when Dinosaurs roamed this region.
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BYU Museum of Paleontology

4.6
·507 reviews·Provo, United States

Discover ancient life at BYU's free museum, featuring North American fossils and a glimpse into active paleontological research.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Step back in time when Dinosaurs roamed this region.

BYU Museum of Paleontology

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient life at BYU's free museum, featuring North American fossils and a glimpse into active paleontological research.

4.6
(507 reviews)

"A well-curated, free museum with a unique focus on North American fossils and active research."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this gem without spending a dime! Donations are welcome and appreciated.

🤗 Say Hello to Utahraptor

Don't miss the impressive Utahraptor mount; it's a visitor favorite for photos!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Utahraptor Hug

Utahraptor Hug

Main Hall

Get up close and personal with a towering Utahraptor skeleton that feels like it's ready for a hug!

North American Focus

North American Focus

Exhibition Halls

Discover fossils primarily found in North America, many from right here in Utah, making ancient life feel more relatable.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse

Viewing Window

Watch paleontologists in action through a special window, offering a rare look at ongoing scientific research.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Hours

Enjoy the wonders of prehistoric life without breaking the bank! The BYU Museum of Paleontology offers free admission, making it an accessible adventure for everyone. Check their hours before you go, as they typically close around 5 PM on weekdays and Saturdays.

Research in Action

This isn't just a display; it's a working research lab! You might catch paleontologists at work through a special viewing window, offering a unique glimpse into scientific discovery. Plan your visit to coincide with potential research hours for an extra special experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Family-friendly atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The important paleontology questions come out as we get close to Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and drop your answer in the comments below! 🦃🦖🦕 #byugeology #byumuseumofpaleontology #thanksgiving
byumuseumofpaleontology
39 likes • 1.7K views

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this gem without spending a dime! Donations are welcome and appreciated. Reddit

🤗 Say Hello to Utahraptor

Don't miss the impressive Utahraptor mount; it's a visitor favorite for photos! Instagram

Hug!!! I love this #Utahraptor mount at the Brigham Young University Museum of Paleontology in Provo, Utah. #byumuseumofpaleontology The fact that one can stand directly in front of it and get the feeling that this animal is either excited to see you and wants to give you a hug or is hungry and wants to give you a hug makes me smile. Utahraptor is the largest known #dromaeosaurid (the term #pa...
fossilcrates
2.6K likes • 37.3K views
Take a behind the scenes look at one of our amazing fossils! Shout out to @tylerluckau for starring in this series. Come down to the museum and check it out! #byu #byugeology #fossils #byumuseumofpaleontology
byugeology
36 likes • 1.7K views

🔬 Peek at Paleontologists

Look for the viewing window to see researchers at work – a truly unique experience. Reddit

🗺️ Focus on Local Finds

Appreciate the collection's emphasis on fossils from North America, especially Utah. Reddit

The BYU Museum of Paleontology x 1976 x HISTORY SNUFF #history #museum #museumlover #museums #museumart #russianart #utah #utahmuseums #provo #provoutah #museumwalkthrough #museumdisplay #arthistory #arthistorian #artlover #dinosaur #dinosaurskeleton #dinosaurbones #excavation #fossil #fossils #dinosaurfossil #dinosaurhistory #paleantology #byu #brighamyoung
historysnuff
3 likes • 61 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this gem without spending a dime! Donations are welcome and appreciated. Reddit

🤗 Say Hello to Utahraptor

Don't miss the impressive Utahraptor mount; it's a visitor favorite for photos! Instagram

🔬 Peek at Paleontologists

Look for the viewing window to see researchers at work – a truly unique experience. Reddit

🗺️ Focus on Local Finds

Appreciate the collection's emphasis on fossils from North America, especially Utah. Reddit

💡 Interactive Displays

Seek out the clearly marked 'touchable' items for a hands-on experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(507 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the BYU Museum of Paleontology for its free admission and well-curated exhibits, particularly the North American fossil focus. The chance to see paleontologists at work is a unique highlight. Some note it's on the smaller side and might have fewer hands-on activities for very young children, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and educational stop.

"Free admission is a great perk, but my kids definitely had lots of fun putting coins in the donation glass box and watching them fall too. It was lovely on a Tuesday afternoon! Barely anyone else there and toddlers and young children had such a good time learning about dinosaurs!
At the end of our visit, around 3:30 a group of paleontologists came in and there’s a glass window with a step so you can watch them work! Very very cool."

Olivia Burd

"The Museum of Paleontology at Brigham Young University is a very well curated museum. Great lighting, display angles, groupings and decor all create an enjoyable experience for patrons. The staff here should be proud of this show-piece, as well as the ongoing commitment to research here at BYU. Well done, KUDOS!!!"

Jim Hopton

"This museum is curated very well and is well worth the visit. It is unique in the fact that it focuses on fossils and ancient life found specifically in North America, and many are from Utah. I only saw two or three fossils that weren't found in North America, so I felt it made it more real for me knowing what dinosaurs actually lived where I "roam."
I gave it 4 stars because it was rather small, which I wasn't expecting because the building itself is quite large. Having said that, it is a research laboratory, as well, which I assume is what the extra space is used for.
Also, be forewarned that there are not a lot of hands-on things for little children, to be fair their are things for them to touch it is just not as easy to find those things as you would hope. So although my 4-5 year old really enjoyed looking, it wasn't as easy to not touch it. 😉"

Anna Lyman Dalpias

What People Like

Free admission
North American fossil focus
Research viewing window

What People Dislike

Smaller than expected
Limited hands-on for toddlers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options also serve the campus area. Instagram

Parking availability can vary on campus. It's best to check BYU's parking regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding visitor parking near the museum. Instagram

While not always a formal stop, the museum is a significant attraction on campus. Many campus tours will pass by or mention its location. Instagram

The museum is part of the larger BYU campus. Look for signs directing you to the various museums, or use a campus map. Instagram

Yes, BYU has several other museums, including the Museum of Art and the Bean Life Science Museum, all offering free admission and located on campus. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the BYU Museum of Paleontology is completely free! This makes it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers and families. InstagramReddit

The museum is typically open Monday through Saturday. Hours can vary, but generally, it's open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official BYU Museum of Paleontology website for the most current hours. Instagram

Since admission is free, no advance booking is required. You can typically walk in during operating hours. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts special programs and events. Following their social media or website can keep you updated on these opportunities. TikTok

As a university facility, the museum is generally designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors often rave about the impressive Utahraptor skeleton, the focus on North American fossils (especially from Utah), and the unique opportunity to see paleontologists at work through a viewing window. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often enjoy the dinosaur exhibits. While there are some 'touchable' items, it's not heavily focused on hands-on activities for very young children, but they can still have a great time looking. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions, especially for flash photography. Instagram

A visit can range from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend observing the exhibits and the research area. Reddit

While not a primary focus, there are some clearly marked 'touchable' items, and the viewing window into the research lab offers an interactive element of observation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, there are dining facilities available elsewhere on the BYU campus or in the surrounding Provo area. Instagram

It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks outside of exhibit areas to protect the fossils and displays. Check for designated eating areas if available. Instagram

Provo offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to sit-down dining, located just a short drive or walk from the BYU campus. Instagram

The BYU campus has green spaces that may be suitable for picnics. It's a good idea to check campus maps for designated picnic spots. Instagram

While there isn't a dedicated cafe, sometimes there are vending machines available for quick snacks or drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is generally permitted inside the museum. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography or specific exhibit restrictions. Instagram

The towering Utahraptor skeleton is a popular subject for photos. The well-lit displays of various fossils also make for great photographic opportunities. Instagram

Similar to photos, personal video recording is usually allowed. Be considerate of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited inside university buildings and on campus grounds for safety and privacy reasons. Instagram

Weekday afternoons often have fewer visitors, allowing for more unobstructed shots. The museum's lighting is generally good throughout the day. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The BYU Museum of Paleontology is a fantastic, free outing for families! Kids are often captivated by the large dinosaur skeletons, especially the impressive Utahraptor. While there aren't extensive hands-on exhibits for very young children, the visual displays and the chance to see paleontologists at work can be incredibly engaging. InstagramReddit

Consider bringing a few coins for the donation box, as watching the coins fall can be a fun interactive element for toddlers. The museum's manageable size also means it's not overwhelming for little ones. Plan your visit for weekday afternoons to potentially avoid larger crowds and give your children ample space to explore and marvel at the ancient creatures. Reddit

🤓 Budding Paleontologists & Students

For students and anyone with a keen interest in paleontology, the BYU Museum of Paleontology offers a unique educational experience. The focus on North American fossils, many from Utah, provides a strong regional context for learning. InstagramReddit

The opportunity to observe active research through the viewing window is invaluable. Seeing how fossils are prepared and studied firsthand can be inspiring and provide a realistic look into the field. Engaging with graduate students or researchers, if possible, can offer deeper insights into their work and the academic path in paleontology. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science Behind the Skeletons

The BYU Museum of Paleontology is more than just a collection of bones; it's a hub for active paleontological research. Many of the specimens on display are the result of ongoing fieldwork and study by BYU faculty and students. This dedication to research means the exhibits are often updated with new discoveries and insights. Instagram+1

Visitors can get a unique perspective by observing the paleontologists at work through a dedicated viewing window. This allows a glimpse into the meticulous process of fossil preparation, analysis, and research. It's a fantastic opportunity to see science in action and understand the dedication involved in uncovering Earth's ancient past. Reddit

Graduate students like Colin Boisvert contribute significantly to this research, focusing on specific dinosaur species like Apatosaurus. Their work involves analyzing fossilized remains to understand ancient environments, dinosaur behavior, and even the ecosystems they inhabited. This commitment to scientific inquiry makes the museum a dynamic and educational destination. Instagram

A Focus on North American Fossils

One of the distinguishing features of the BYU Museum of Paleontology is its strong emphasis on fossils discovered in North America, with a particular concentration on specimens from Utah. This regional focus provides visitors with a tangible connection to the ancient life that once roamed their own landscapes. Reddit

This curated collection allows for a more grounded understanding of local prehistoric history. Instead of a broad overview of global paleontology, you can explore the specific dinosaurs and ancient creatures that inhabited the very ground you walk on. This makes the experience feel more personal and relevant, especially for those living in or visiting Utah. Reddit

While the majority of the collection is North American, the museum may occasionally feature a few international specimens to provide broader context. However, the core strength lies in its dedication to showcasing the rich paleontological heritage of the continent, making it a valuable resource for understanding regional prehistory. Reddit

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