Get out of the House! University of Wyoming Geological Museum

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
The Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming recently reopened its doors to the public this year.

While some renovations are still under way, much of the exhibits are now available for public viewing at no charge.

The museum focuses on the geological history of Wyoming, displaying both mineral and fossil samples.

In 1902 the museums current location was established and the collection and displays have continued to grow over time.

Among the most prominent displays are dinosaur fossils, including an Allosaurus, Apatosaurus and the skulls of a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.

The Apatosaurus and Allosaurus are displayed in the center of the museum with the Apatosaurus dominating the room by its size alone.

Belonging to an herbivorous group of dinosaurs called sauropods, the Apatosaurus was among the largest animals that ever lived on land.

The skeleton on display is also the only skeletal finding of the animal that has a complete foot intact. The front right foot on this Apatosaurus gave researchers a better understanding of how the animals bone structure was actually constructed.

The Allosaurus, nicknamed "Big Al" could be mistaken for a Velocoraptor from Jurassic Park though it is actually a smaller predecessor to the Tyrannosaurus. It was the most common large carnivore in North America during the late Jurassic period.

"Big Al" has received a lot of attention, most notably, being featured in a BBC documentary called "The Ballad of Big Al."

National Geographic, CNN and NBC Nightly News have also featured the University of Wyoming Geological Museum.

Admission to the museum is free to the public and hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday.

The museum is attached to the Earth Sciences Building on the corner of 9th and Lewis in Laramie, Wyo., on the campus of the University of Wyoming.

For more information on visits and tours at the museum call 766-2646 or visit www.uwyo.edu/geomuseum/visit.