Thanksgiving Point’s Recent Upgrades at the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life
Thanksgiving Point has recently undergone enhancements, notably at the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi. The dinosaur museum has introduced six new exhibits to enrich the experience for both members and visitors, offering insights into the fascinating world of paleontology.
Highlights of the New Area, Unveiled on Feb. 8, Include:
- Lab Live: This interactive exhibit allows guests to engage directly with Thanksgiving Point’s paleontology and collections team as they work on excavating and preserving a 150-million-year-old Barosaurus. Visitors can pose questions to the excavation team, who will be equipped with microphones to provide real-time responses and insights into the process. The excavation process is also live-streamed via camera. Lab Live admission is inclusive.
- Paleo Studio: At the Paleo Studio, individuals of all ages can experience hands-on paleontology by using authentic tools to unearth fossils from the Eocene Era. Participants will have the unique opportunity to handle the fossils and even take a specimen home. Please note that access to the Paleo Studio is priced at $10 per person and is not included in the general admission.
- Erosion Expedition: Adjacent to the popular Erosion Table exhibit, the Erosion Expedition offers a virtual reality excavation experience where participants can discover hidden artifacts. Admission to the Erosion Expedition is complimentary.
- Alligator Gar Display: Explore the world of the Alligator Gar, a species with a history spanning over 100 million years. This exhibit features live Alligator Gar swimming in their natural habitat and includes the engaging Bubbles and Bites program. Educators will provide insights into the Gar species and ecosystem diversity. The Alligator Gar Display is part of the general admission.
- Field Site Cabin: Designed with younger audiences in mind, the Field Site Cabin provides a playful setting with a campfire and exploration tools like pots and pans. Children can immerse themselves in imaginative play at a simulated “dig site.” The Field Site Cabin experience is included in the admission fee.
Thanksgiving Point’s Communications Director, Abby Allard, expressed enthusiasm about the new exhibits, emphasizing the focus on interactive learning opportunities in paleontology. The redesigned and additional exhibits aim to involve visitors in every stage of the paleontological process, making it an engaging and educational experience for all guests at the Museum of Ancient Life.