A new dinosaur fossil has been discovered at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, buried hundreds of feet beneath its parking lot. The herbivorous dinosaur’s remains are estimated to be 67.5 million years old, making them the oldest and deepest dinosaur fossil ever found in the city.
The discovery was made during a geothermal drilling test, which aimed to switch from natural gas to geothermal energy. While conducting the test, a research team found a partial-bone fossil among the rocks taken from 763 feet below the surface.
According to Curator of Geology James Hagadorn, this fossil is “scientifically and historically thrilling” as it provides a rare glimpse into the ecosystem that existed beneath modern-day Denver during the Cretaceous period. The fossil is similar to the thescelosaurus, an animal that lived around 10-12 feet tall and roamed the region alongside predators like the Tyrannosaurus rex.
The discovery is significant not only for the museum but also for the broader Denver community, as it sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of the city’s geological history. The fossil is now on display at the “Discovering Teen Rex” exhibit, showcasing scientists preparing a juvenile T. rex fossil for public display.
Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/09/denver-dinosaur-fossil-museum-nature-science