The Quarry Visitor Center has experienced continuing problems with foundation movement since its construction on expansive soils in 1957. The building was closed in July 2006 due to the serious life and safety hazards caused by this movement. The National Park Service (NPS) is working to re-open the famous cliff face of dinosaur bones as quickly as possible.

The Quarry Visitor Center is closed – can I still see fossils?
Yes! There is a Temporary Visitor Center near the Quarry Visitor Center that contains real fossils and exhibits. You can take the Fossil Discovery Hike (approx. 1.5 miles round trip) and see a variety of fossils still embedded in rock.

The Plan Your Visit and Things to Do pages have more information on activities within Dinosaur National Monument, including ranger-led programs, hiking, petroglyph viewing, and river rafting.

Project Status
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released in spring 2007. Public comments were taken through August 10, 2007. The preferred alternative, according to Monument Superintendent Mary Risser, would:
"…provide for a shelter and interpretive area at the fossil wall, either by rehabilitating the existing exhibit hall or constructing a new structure. The existing administrative wing, south wing, and serpentine entry ramp would be demolished and their functions relocated to new interpretive and administrative structures constructed at the shuttle staging area. The existing exhibit hall would be incorporated into the design to the extent practicable."

The EIS can be reviewed by visiting http://parkplanning.nps.gov and searching for Dinosaur National Monument. EIS finalization is anticipated in July 2008. Funding has been allocated for design development and construction drawings so that construction can begin as soon as funds are made available.

When will the Quarry Visitor Center re-open?
Many factors influence the project, which make it impossible to have an exact re-opening date. We currently anticipate opening in approximately three to four years.