Montana Dinosaur Trail
TheMontana Dinosaur Trailis a series of fourteendinosaur-themedmuseums,state parksand other attractions in twelve communities located in the central and eastern regions of the state ofMontanain theUnited States of America.[1]The trail, a plan to increase attendance at the region's museums and drive tourism in general, was established via the work of a number of museums as well as community and state officials.[2]The idea for a trail uniting the museums and promotingtourismin eastern Montana came from a meeting of theMissouri RiverCountryboard of directorsat the Dinosaur Field Station inMalta, Montanaand the trail was officially launched via the efforts of the tourism groups of:CusterCountry,Missouri RiverCountry,RussellCountry andYellowstoneCountry; two state agencies: Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Travel Montana; and two federal agencies: theArmy Corps of Engineersand theBureau of Land Management.[3]
The Dinosaur Trail opened in May 2005 and drew more than 196,000 visitors its first year.[4]Since its opening, the trail facilities have hosted between 236,000 and 302,000 visitors each year.[5]Promotion of the Trail includes a "PrehistoricPassport"on which visitors collect dinosaur icon stamps from each museum they visit.[2]In addition to the participating museums, the trail has helped increase visitors to other small businesses along the route.[6]
Participating organizations[edit]
The fourteen organizations that make up the Montana Dinosaur Trail are the following:
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References[edit]
- ^Montana Office of Tourism
- ^abKaren Ogden (2004-06-27)."Jurassic Journey: Follow the Dinosaur Trail".The Great Falls Tribune.Retrieved2008-05-27.
- ^Bill Schneider (2007-07-28)."Dino Trail is Tourism Home Run".The New West Magazine.Retrieved2008-05-27.
- ^What Happened Along the MT Dinosaur Trail in 2005,annual trail report produced by MT Office of Tourism
- ^MT Office of Tourism statistics from MT Dino Trail Annual Reports
- ^"Dinosaur Trail Helping Attract More Tourists".USA Today.2005-08-01.Retrieved2008-05-27.
