Hours and Admission

The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

PARK GROUNDS

The grounds open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however the trails close at 4 p.m.

Note: Pets are NOT allowed on the park's hiking trails. They are only allowed in the picnic and open areas.

EXHIBIT CENTER

NOTE: The Exhibit Center has reopened after renovations. The Center is now open Tuesday through Sunday.

The tracks are enclosed within the Exhibit Center which has more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space. Be sure to visit the Exhibit Center that is now open again.  Check the program and activities schedule for outdoor activities. You may want to spend time visiting our nature trails, display gardens, and Arboretum. The Track Casting area is open in the spring, summer and fall until October 31.   Mining at the gem and fossil sluice is closed until May 1.

EXHIBIT CENTER ADMISSION

MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are taken for admission charges over $10. We do not take American Express or debit cards.

FEES

$6 Adults and Teens (Youth 13 and over)
$2 Youth (Ages 6 -12) 
FREE Children (5 years and under) 
FREE Charter Oak Pass Holders* 
$67 Heritage Pass for two adults and 4 youth provides unlimited admission to Dinosaur, Fort Trumbull, and Gillette Castle during the calendar year.

* Connecticut residents who are age 65 or older can obtain a pass at the park.

Directions

The park is located one mile east of Exit 23 (West Street, Rocky Hill) on Interstate Highway 91, a few miles south of Hartford, Connecticut.
Click here to  View Larger Map  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Charter Oak pass?
You must be 65 years old and a Connecticut resident. You must present a valid driver’s license or photo I.D.

Do you have birthday parties at the Park?
No. No food or drink is allowed in the Exhibit Center. Visitors may use the picnic area for their parties and then bring the children into the building. Regular admission is charged.

Can you buy tickets in advance?
No. We must account for our admissions on a daily basis. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance.

Do you give donations of tickets or other items?
No. We are a state park and we are not allowed to give donations.

Do you have programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts?
We do offer a Webelos program in the fall and spring on specific Saturdays. Other scouts may schedule a program on weekdays during the time allotted to school groups. Please call the Park for information on these programs.

Are there any discounts for admission?
No. There are no military, AAA or Big Y discounts.

Are you open year round?
Yes. Hours are subject to change. Please check the days and hours we are open on our Home Page.

Where can I see the tracks?
The tracks are inside the Exhibit Center. There are no tracks on the trails.

Is there a playground area at the Park?
No. There is no playground equipment on the ground.

Is there a place to buy food at the Park?
No. There are many restaurants in the area. A list of them is available at the Admission Desk.