Uncovering an Ancient Relic: 67.5-Million-Year-Old Fossil unearthed beneath Denver Museum's Parking Area
In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has made an exceptional discovery - a 67.5 million-year-old dinosaur fossil. This partial vertebra of an herbivorous dinosaur, likely from the very end of the Cretaceous period, offers a unique glimpse into the ecosystem existing right beneath modern-day Denver just before the mass extinction that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.
The Discovery
The fossil was found in January 2025, approximately 763 feet (or roughly 800 feet) below the surface, during a geothermal test drilling project. The museum aimed to assess whether it could switch from natural gas to geothermal energy. Along with the geothermal test, scientists conducted scientific coring to study the geology of the Denver Basin, which led to the accidental discovery of the fossil.
The Find's Significance
This find is scientifically significant as it provides a rare opportunity to study deep geological layers with precision, connecting paleontology with geology in an urban area. It is the oldest and deepest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver city limits. The specific dinosaur is thought to be an herbivore, possibly a Thescelosaurus or Edmontosaurus, based on the partial vertebra.
The discovery adds to the region's paleontological record and enhances the educational context for the museum’s visitors. The fossil is now displayed in the museum's "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibit.
Scholarly Attention
The find has attracted scholarly attention, with a peer-reviewed article titled “Denver’s deepest dinosaur” published in the University of Wyoming’s journal Rocky Mountain Geology, highlighting its importance in regional scientific research.
Remarkable Discovery
Bob Reynolds, an earth sciences research associate at the museum, called the fossil discovery "magical." The director of Earth and space sciences at the institution, Patrick O'Connor, described it as "the most unusual dinosaur discovery" he has ever been a part of. In his 35 years at the Museum, we've never had an opportunity quite like this-to study the deep geologic layers beneath our feet with such precision.
This discovery underlines the scientific richness beneath Denver itself, proving that even in an urban setting, unexpected treasures can be found. The fossil serves as a testament to the museum's commitment to advancing scientific understanding and enriching the educational experience for its visitors.
[1] Denver Museum of Nature & Science press release, 2025. [2] University of Wyoming's Rocky Mountain Geology, June 2025. [3] Colorado State Grant Program for Clean Energy, 2024. [4] Denver Museum of Nature & Science, "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibit, 2025.
[1] In the contemporary setting of urban Denver, the museum's unexpected discovery of a 67.5 million-year-old dinosaur fossil, now displayed in the "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibit, offers a captivating blending of art and science.
[2] The fossil's discovery during a geothermal test drilling project, intended to transition from natural gas to geothermal energy, underscores the intersection of museum exhibition and technology innovation.
[3] The scholarly community, comprising researchers in environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and beyond, has shown keen interest in this remarkable find, echoing its importance not only to paleontology but also to the broader realm of scientific exploration.
