November 8, 2023
One of the greatest joys in life, for me at least, is discovering something awe-inspiring in a place you least expect it to be. Such was the case with Dinosaur Treadway, a National Natural Landmark within Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT, just south of Hartford.
The collection of preserved dino tracks is the largest in North America and one of the largest in the world. One section can be observed inside the Exhibit Center. The other is buried under the metal dino figures outside, to be uncovered and protected when a new outdoor building is erected over them.
Facts about the dinosaurs themselves, as well as info about the excavation and the area’s geology, are also showcased within the Exhibit Center. Outside, a long rectangular geological time representation adorns the sidewalk so you can see, among other things, just how little time we puny humans have been here on Earth.
There are a few well-marked and fairly short trails behind the Center, each with info signs here and there about geological features. To my delight, along one of the trails, I found a Bigleaf Magnolia, a tree not native in my part of the Northeast. Its fallen leaves were big indeed.
I felt like a happy little kid wandering about this place. I previously had no idea CT boasted such a massive dino find. I felt awe when I contemplated the very different life forms that walked here a gazillion years ago. Highly recommend a visit if you’re in the Hartford area.
