Plan a road trip north and explore the strange facts around the dinosaurs of Holbrook Arizona. The concrete and steel replicas of impressive dinosaurs span several acres around the Holbrook area. Learn why these dinosaurs stand along the roadsides in remembrance of a time long ago.
Approximately 225 million years ago this area was a spacious floodplain. Small dinosaurs, large reptiles and amphibians made this area their home during the Triassic Period. As this period came to a close the area sank and sea waters flooded the land. The dinosaurs and vegetation died and was replaced by freshwater sediment. The progression of time changed the contours of the land and sea waters. Today, the changes have given us the Petrified Forest and dinosaur fossils, located just off Interstate 40 approximately 25 miles east of Holbrook.
In 1984 paleontologists uncovered bones of a prehistoric creature about 2 meters long. The creature created a genealogical debate of sorts. It resembles a dinosaur but also a lizard. It was named Gertie and in time identified as a dinosaur – Chindesaurus bryansmalli. Casts of the bones can be seen at the Rainbow Forest Museum.
Many travelers enjoy this stop while exploring the famous Route 66. A few of these concrete and steel dinosaurs can be seen while driving Interstate 40. Be sure to plan a stop at the Rainbow Rock Shop. The most recognized collection of these roadside dinosaurs is on display on the grounds around the shop. T-Rex is located inside the shop, which presents an eclectic array of memorabilia. Children will be in awe at the massive size of some of the dinosaurs – this is an excellent photo opportunity. The dinosaurs range in size from a 29 foot tall brontosaurus to 4 foot long baby dinosaurs. Watch for the young hatchling emerging from an egg.
These amazing dinosaurs were handmade by Adam Luna, shop owner. He began his collection in 1987 and continued building the creatures for eight years. Mr. Luna’s creations can be identified by his signature friendly expression on most of the dinosaurs. His belief is that children have enough negative influences in their lives and he wanted to bring them joy. Although some dinosaurs are friendly the T-Rex is holding a lizard in its mouth, therefore no smile. This area presents seven dinosaurs patterned after vegetarians. For the more ferocious creatures take the drive around Dinosaur Park and see the carnivores.
is located at 101 North Navajo Blvd
Travel along Interstate 40 to Exit 292 and drive through Dinosaur Park . The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Admission is $5.00 per car. This display is an intricate blend of Dinosaur Park, International Petrified Forest and Museum of the Americas. As you drive along the dusty road, you will see as assortment of concrete dinosaurs crafted by local artisans. The park owners are planning to add more creatures to the display. Visitors are invited to stop their vehicles, get up close to the unique displays and take many photographs.
Additional creatures can be seen if you take Interstate 40 to Exit 286 head south, on west side of Navajo Blvd (Hwy 77) just south of Hopi Drive (US 180). For more information phone : 928-524-2384
More dinosaurs can be seen outside Stewart’s Petrified Wood, approximately 15 miles east of Holbrook. This tourist shop is located off Interstate 40 at Exit 303 and provides the following items for sale: petrified wood, meteorites and a variety of toys, pottery and jewelry. Visitors to the shop can also spend time in the museum viewing Indian artifacts and fossils
Another strange dinosaur fact:
The Holbrook community acquired a dinosaur from Fountain Hills? “How?” you ask. Well, several years ago Jack and Joanna Lundeen purchased a dinosaur sculpture for their daughter, Jeni. The sculpture was purchased in New York and destined to be converted into a poolside shower. When the house in Fountain Hills was completed the 5 ton dinosaur was to be put in place in the backyard. But the 5 ton dinosaur was too much and the crane could not do the job. The Lundeen family had visited Holbrook and decided that their dinosaur should join the Dinosaurs of Holbrook. The family generously donated their dinosaur to the City of Holbrook. Visitors can see the ferocious Lundeenodon one block north on Hopi Drive.
How to get to the dinosaurs
Holbrook is located about 190 miles northeast of Phoenix. You can take Interstate 17 north the Flagstaff, then east to Holbrook on Hwy 40. For a more scenic drive take Arizona 87 north to Payson AZ, then 260 east to Heber and Arizona 277 north to Arizona 377, which goes north to Holbrook.
Read about more Arizona dinosaurs presented at the Museum of Natural History in Mesa - dinosaurs
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