Press Releases
08/01/2025
MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP Celebrates Dinosaur Day-A Journey Back in Time on Saturday, August 2
ParkConneCT Program to Provide Free Bus Transportation from East Hartford For a Limited Number of Pre-Registered Guests
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will celebrate Dinosaur Day on Saturday, August 2, at Dinosaur State Park. The annual event marks the 1966 discovery of dinosaur footprints in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, with free admission, a full day of science activities, live animals, food (for purchase), games, and more.
Dinosaur Day also is one of DEEP's new ParkConneCT excursions. Free transportation is provided in an ADA accessible, air conditioned DATTCO charter bus departing from the East Hartford Park & Ride (Route 5 & Main Street, accessible via CT Transit Routes 87 and 95). Pre-registration is required online, and seats are limited.
Who: General public and families
What: Free, family-friendly event
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Dinosaur State Park and Visitor Center, 400 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT
More about the dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur State Park:
Fifty-nine years ago, over 2,000 fossilized dinosaur tracks were unearthed by heavy equipment operator Ed McCarthy, who immediately called for assistance to preserve the footprints. The Connecticut General Assembly funded construction of a geodesic dome Visitor Center and created Dinosaur State Park.
Today, the 200-million-year-old fossilized footprint trackway, nature trails, arboretum, and interactive exhibits bring the Mesozoic era to life. Visitors explore a paleontological museum and enjoy the outdoors. The Park features over 750 early Jurassic dinosaur footprints — one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America — preserved in place viewable inside the museum alongside exhibits about dinosaurs, fossils, Connecticut geology, and modern live animals.
ParkConneCT provides free transportation to select special events at State Parks in partnership with the Department of Transportation, building on the Lamont Administration’s ongoing efforts to increase access and remove barriers to help residents enjoy Connecticut’s State Parks.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110