More than 800 prehistoric tracks, the first dinosaur prints ever to be scientifically described, were revealed in slabs of sandstone. See and touch real dinosaur footprint fossils at Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke. This Trustees of Reservations property features 800+ fossils.

Dinosaur tracks are Massachusetts’ state fossils. Paleontologists believe the prints were left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs, from small plant-eaters to large meat-eaters up to 20 feet long. The entire Connecticut River Valley region once existed as a mix of subtropical wetlands and shallow lakes about 200 million years ago. Since their discovery in 1802, this region has been recognized for its wealth of prehistoric footprints.

Catch glimpses of the trace fossils visible on site, including four distinct dinosaurs, stromatolites, fish, and alligator ancestors, plants, and other ancient beings. The larger “Eubrontes” prints were likely made by ancestors of the great Tyrannosaurus rex, standing 15 feet tall and 20 feet long. Look for the 20-plus trackways, which formed the basis for the novel theory that dinosaurs traveled in packs or groups.

This site is open from April 1 to November 30, daily, from sunrise to sunset. It is closed in winter due to icy, slippery conditions.