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About the Museum

The Morrison Natural History Museum stands as the leading paleontological museum in Jefferson County. Each admission includes personalized tours, offering visitors the distinctive experience of a knowledgeable guide who tailors the programming to foster understanding and relevance.

Explore Jeffco's Natural Heritage

Visitors are invited to delve into the rich natural heritage of Jefferson County through engaging, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. These exhibits introduce the extinct life and landscapes from the Jurassic Morrison, Cretaceous Colorado, and the Ice Age Front Range. To enrich their visit, guests are encouraged to explore these displays with a guide, who can provide deeper insights into the past.

Unique and Research-Driven Exhibits

The museum's unique displays are continually refreshed by ongoing research initiatives. Noteworthy exhibits include the first Stegosaurus fossils and other remarkable Jurassic giants. During the program, visitors can encounter the formidable T. rex and Triceratops from Colorado’s Cretaceous past, as well as Ice Age creatures that once roamed the region. Hands-on demonstrations provide the exhilarating experience of contributing to a real paleontology lab, where visitors can assist in cleaning fossils.

Dedicated Research and Education

Curators at MNHM are deeply involved in local paleontological research projects, which inform and enrich the museum's programming. Exhibits are crafted in-house to meet specific programming needs, embodying a model where research directly leads to personalized visitor experiences. This approach has earned the museum international media attention, as curators have participated in science education on various media platforms, including documentaries.

Exceptional Visitor Experience

Visitor reviews consistently rank MNHM as a top local institution, thanks to its highly effective methodology. In 2024, the museum plans to offer over 2,000 informal programs to approximately 15,000 visitors, along with outreach programs that have served nearly 4,000 individuals. Additionally, about 80 specialized programs are conducted for schools and related groups, all aligned with state educational standards.

Location and Area Attractions

Morrison Natural History Museum is located 25 minutes west of downtown Denver in historic Morrison, Colorado at 501 Colorado Highway 8 in south Morrison, one and a half miles north of The Fort restaurant. When visiting, make it a day trip and visit Red Rocks Park, Dinosaur Ridge, and Bear Creek Lake Park. Take a break and linger in the shops and restaurants of the Town of Morrison.

"The museum is the perfect size for young, inquisitive minds - not overwhelming or time consuming."

-Becky J., from our guestbook.