Rare Dinosaur Fossil Discovered Beneath Denver Museum Parking Lot

DENVER, CO - In an unexpected turn of events, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has unearthed a 67.5 million-year-old dinosaur fossil during geothermal drilling conducted in its own parking lot. The discovery, made on July 9, 2025, involved drilling over 750 feet (approximately 230 meters) deep as part of an initiative to explore geothermal heating potential for the museum.

The fossil, identified as a vertebra from a small herbivorous dinosaur, is believed to have lived during the late Cretaceous period—just before the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. Curator of Geology James Hagadorn described the find as remarkably rare, likening it to “hitting a hole in one from the moon.” He emphasized the odds of discovering a dinosaur bone through a borehole measuring only a couple of inches in diameter, stating, “It's incredible, it's super rare.”

This fossil is the museum's deepest and oldest find to date, surpassing previous discoveries that included portions of well-known species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. The museum's findings were supported by fossilized vegetation also recovered from the drilling site, suggesting that the area was once a swampy environment rich in plant life.

According to Dr. Patrick O’Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the museum, the fossil indicates an ecosystem that was likely heavily vegetated at the time. “This animal was living in what was probably a swampy environment,” O’Connor stated.

Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, reactions within the paleontological community have been mixed. Dr. Thomas Williamson, curator of paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, acknowledged the find’s significance but tempered expectations about its scientific value. “It’s a surprise, I guess. Scientifically, it’s not that exciting,” Williamson noted, pointing out the challenges in determining the specific species of the dinosaur based solely on the vertebra.

In contrast, Erin LaCount, director of education programs at Dinosaur Ridge, expressed enthusiasm about the find. “It’s absolutely legit and VERY COOL!” she remarked, suggesting that the fossil may belong to a duck-billed dinosaur or a species closely related, such as Thescelosaurus.

The fossilized vertebra is currently on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, but there are no immediate plans to conduct further drilling in the parking lot, as museum officials emphasize the importance of maintaining parking space for visitors. “I would love to dig a 763-foot hole in the parking lot to excavate that dinosaur,” Hagadorn said, “but I don't think that's going to fly because we really need parking.”

This discovery is not only a testament to the rich paleontological history of the Denver area but also highlights the unexpected intersections between urban development and scientific exploration. As Dr. O’Connor aptly noted, the find serves as a reminder of the prehistoric life that once thrived in what is now a bustling city. The museum's ongoing research and public engagement efforts continue to shed light on the ancient ecosystems that once existed in Colorado, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the distant past.