Dino Trail Summer Vacation Packages
3-Day Weekend for the Paleo-Curious
This is the perfect itinerary for families and those who are looking for introductory dino themed fun. Your dino-curious adventures will span from Friday, July 17th- Sunday, July 19th. You’ll visit Turners Falls, Greenfield and Holyoke.
Begin your journey at the Great Falls Discovery Center on Friday, July 17th. Experience fun, hands-on dinosaur activities and make sure to see the Jurassic Armored Mudballs on the grounds outside!
Next, get a good night’s sleep because Greenfield’s Dino Fest is tomorrow! Join in the interactive Piti Theater performances, see the fossil exhibits, and enjoy educational activities centered around citizen-scientist Dexter Marsh's 1835 discovery.
Sleep late and head to brunch because Sunday you’ll follow the river to Wistariahurst in Holyoke. Stomp alongside real dinosaur tracks, and fall in love with history with an interactive dino scavenger hunt. Join in the dino dance party and make yourself a souvenir to take home! This event is tailored to those with sensory sensitivities and young dino lovers.
Adult 3-Day Paleo Weekend
This is the perfect itinerary for adult dinosaur enthusiasts. Your in depth paleo weekend will span from Friday, July 17th- Sunday, July 19th. You’ll visit Springfield, Holyoke, and Amherst.
**Pending Partnership - Kick off your weekend with a pint of Velociraptor Stout at the White Lion Brewery on Thursday night!
Friday morning you’ll begin your trip with one admission to five museums at Springfield Museums! Designed by world-renowned Louis Paul Jonas Studios, Tyra II rules the Springfield Science Museum! Visit the latest new permanent exhibit, Dinosaurs Still Live to learn about evolution and other animals that were contemporary to dinosaurs. While you’re there visit the oldest American-made planetarium and maybe stop by a Monet and visit Seussville as well.
On Saturday head out to enjoy the groups of the beautiful historic mansion, Wistariahurst. Stomp along dinosaur footprints as you approach its authentic Victorian garden. Join in on the house tour of the historic mansion- get your tickets on Wistariahurst’s Eventbrite page. Later, trek down near the Connecticut Riverbank to see hundreds of Triassic-era dinosaur tracks, maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. Round your day out with a bite from Nick’s Nest, a Holyoke institution. Try their paleontological ice cream treat, only being served during Dino Trail Week!
Get ready for one of your main events on Sunday, a visit to the Beneski Museum at Amherst College. The world’s finest collection of dinosaur tracks awaits! Visit tracks researched by local hero Edward Hitchcock including the first ever dinosaur track identified as such! Continue through multiple levels of exhibits including massive dinosaur skeletons and in-depth geology displays.
End your trip with a delicious dinner in downtown Amherst! Choose from seafood, pasta, burgers, Mexican food, and more!
Deeply Committed Dinosaur Lovers
This is the perfect itinerary for dinosaur lovers small and tall. Don’t miss out on any of the offerings of Dino Trail Week. You’ll walk the whole trail from Tuesday, July 13th, to Sunday, July 19th traveling to Holyoke, Amherst, Springfield, Turners Falls and Greenfield.
Avoid FOMO (fear of missing out!) and leave your tracks at every stop on the Dino Trail! Beginning at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, explore the grounds to learn how the Victorian elite used dinosaur tracks as garden ornaments. Join the excitement on the Mesozoic Shuttle to visit Holyoke’s fantastic collection of outdoor tracks, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Enjoy scenic views of the Connecticut River before you hop back on the shuttle.
On Wednesday, head to the premier site for dinosaur tracks in Massachusetts, the Beneski Museum at Amherst College! Walk beside dinosaur bones articulated to illustrate some of the largest creatures on Earth! Time permitting, seek out some local flavor and visit some of our region's most iconic Carnegie Libraries. With nine in Western Massachusetts, many are participating in Dinosaur Week including Granby, South Hadley and Springfield! I also contact The Odyssey to partner – we’ve had success working with them in the past.
Thursday morning wake up early for your trip to Springfield Museums. From a model of our state dinosaur, Podokesaurus Holyokensis to Anchisaurus, found right up the road, visit models of the only dinosaur skeletons found in Massachusetts! Be ready for a day chock full of fun and educational adventure.
Friday it’s time to head North to the Great Falls Discovery Center. Home to dozens of dinosaur tracks and in close proximity to the rare Jurassic Armored Mudballs, take part in a fun family-friendly dinosaur activity too! Enjoy the village of Turners Falls with lovely downtown shopping and restaurants.
Saturday is Dino Fest Day! Get to Greenfield to enjoy the festivities which will include interactive performances by Piti Theater, learn more about early paleontologist, Dexter Marsh, and take part in other educational activities!
On Sunday you have one more stop before this whirlwind of paleontology comes to an end! Visit the interior of Wistariahurst, Holyoke’s gorgeous Victorian mansion. Take part in hands-on dinosaur activities during their Dino Day event and make a souvenir to take home.