Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation

A close encounter with T. rex.

Small Museum with Big Discoveries

Don't underestimate the power of being small. In fact, it's an asset. The museum's diminutive size allows for a focused and nimble approach, resulting in an unparalleled experience for both visitors and volunteers. 

By choosing to support our museum, you're not only supporting a local institution, but you're also gaining access to a unique and tailored experience that you won't find anywhere else. 

Come see for yourself why being small is a big advantage.

About Morrison Natural History Museum

The Morrison Natural History Museum stands as the leading paleontological museum in Jefferson County. Each admission includes personalized tours, offering visitors the distinctive experience of a knowledgeable guide who tailors the programming to foster understanding and relevance.

Explore Jeffco's Natural Heritage

Visitors are invited to delve into the rich natural heritage of Jefferson County through engaging, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. These exhibits introduce the extinct life and landscapes from the Jurassic Morrison, Cretaceous Colorado, and the Ice Age Front Range. To enrich their visit, guests are encouraged to explore these displays with a guide, who can provide deeper insights into the past.

Unique and Research-Driven Exhibits

The museum's unique displays are continually refreshed by ongoing research initiatives. Noteworthy exhibits include the first Stegosaurus fossils and other remarkable Jurassic giants. During the program, visitors can encounter the formidable T. rex and Triceratops from Colorado’s Cretaceous past, as well as Ice Age creatures that once roamed the region. Hands-on demonstrations provide the exhilarating experience of contributing to a real paleontology lab, where visitors can assist in cleaning fossils.

Dedicated Research and Education

Curators at MNHM are deeply involved in local paleontological research projects, which inform and enrich the museum's programming. Exhibits are crafted in-house to meet specific programming needs, embodying a model where research directly leads to personalized visitor experiences. This approach has earned the museum international media attention, as curators have participated in science education on various media platforms, including documentaries.

Exceptional Visitor Experience

Visitor reviews consistently rank MNHM as a top local institution, thanks to its highly effective methodology. In 2024, the museum plans to offer over 2,000 informal programs to approximately 15,000 visitors, along with outreach programs that have served nearly 4,000 individuals. 

Community and Support

MNHM is a department of the Town of Morrison, Colorado, and a permanent community asset supported by the Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation, a nonprofit that champions mission enrichment.

Your Gifts

At the Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation, we're proud to be volunteer organized and led. This means that every donation we receive goes directly towards supporting the museum's mission of acquiring, preserving, and displaying objects related to local paleontology. With no overhead costs, you can trust that your contribution is making a real difference.

So whether you're a long-time supporter of the museum or a first-time donor, we invite you to join us in our efforts to preserve and promote the rich history of our region. With your help, we can continue to provide engaging exhibits and educational programs for generations to come.