Our History

The South Dakota Dinosaur Park (SDDP) Inc. (ID #NS049193) is a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation in cooperation with the City of Chamberlain’s 501(3) C . SD. and the Chamberlain's Chamber of Commerce.

In 1992, two geologists passing through Chamberlain, S.D., noticed bone fragments on a hillside within the community. A 12 ft Mosasaurus was unearthed within Chamberlain and would later be named “Lucky Mo.” The Dakota Territory is well known for its wealth of dinosaur fossils, including the famous T Rexs: Sue, Stan, and Maximum. However, in most South Dakota locations, the lack of resources and community infrastructure means these paleontological treasures and subsequent learning opportunities are not easily accessible to community members and visitors. Free opportunities to engage in dinosaur education are relegated to very few locations in our state that are rich in dinosaur history. In response to this concern, Chamberlain residents came up with the idea of creating a “free” outdoor Dinosaur Park.

SDDP's board members have focused on supporting community beautification, paleontology education, and economic development. SDDP presently has two dinosaur sculptures, a Mosasaur and Triceratops, and a dinosaur bones playground area. In 2023, SDDP hired the South Dakota State University School of Landscaping Design, which developed an initial dinosaur park design. With this design, Houston Engineering of Sioux Falls was hired to complete the landscape architectural design.

Phase One: South Dakota Dinosaur Park

Project location in the city’s recreational area

Project Goals:

Community Beautification

Chamberlain/Oacoma communities are beautifully nestled in the heart of South Dakota, next to I-90 along the Missouri River. With the busiest rest area in the state, Chamberlain is the perfect location for travelers to take a break and discover South Dakota’s rich dinosaur history.

SDDP will contribute to the aesthetic and recreational value for community members and visitors. The park lies in an underdeveloped space currently zoned for recreational use.

The nearby pool, picnic area, and tennis/pickleball courts also draw visitors. This space currently has two dinosaurs (triceratops and mosasaurs) and a dinosaur bone playground.

The SDDP seeks funding to purchase authentic life-size dinosaur sculptures, appropriate landscaping, and informational signage,

including QR codes for each featured dinosaur.

Paleontology Education

Tourism may be a luxury for some, but education should be an opportunity for all. South Dakota Dinosaur Park will be a physically and financially accessible location for paleontological education in the region, which facilitates and allows easy access for school youth to engage in STEM education, including using this space for spring and fall school field trips. The online content of the signage can be curated and updated to provide current and accurate education on each dinosaur in the park. The park will provide education regarding the various dinosaurs of the Dakotas. It will serve as a one-of-a-kind draw, freely displaying realistic dinosaurs in structure and size.

Economic development

Dinosaur-related tourism has a track record of success. A 2019 report from the National Park Service reported that visitors to Dinosaur National Monument in 2018 spent $18.3 mil. in nearby towns.

Local spending contributed to jobs, impacting over $20 mil.SD has positioned itself as a dinosaur destination. The proposed dinosaur park fits the state's current tourism efforts in the Discover Prehistoric South Dakota campaign.

https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/road-journal/discover-prehistoric-south-dakota

Visitors to SDDP can also visit other local attractions surrounding the Chamberlain/Oacoma. Visit the Local Attractions tab to learn more.