Dinosaur Explorer Exhibition Roars into Kalamazoo Valley Museum

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is bringing prehistoric creatures to life with its new "Dinosaur Explorer" exhibition, running now through September 6. This family-friendly attraction offers Battle Creek families a perfect summer outing just a short drive away.

Created and produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc., the exhibition explores how dinosaurs adapted to survive on Earth and draws fascinating connections between those adaptations and human biology.

What You Will See

The Dinosaur Explorer exhibition features an impressive collection of displays that will captivate visitors of all ages:

• Advanced animatronic dinosaurs designed to create lifelike movement
• Interactive activities exploring dinosaur adaptations
• Authentic fossils and casts for hands-on learning
• Information about the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods
• Opportunities to interpret paleontological and biological evidence

The scientific content was developed with guidance from Gregory M. Erickson, a full-time professional dinosaur paleontologist, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.

Educational Focus

Beyond just viewing dinosaurs, visitors are invited to compare dinosaur characteristics with human features. The exhibition examines how changes in traits such as teeth and brain size have influenced scientific understanding of prehistoric life.

Guests will learn what paleontologists know about the different prehistoric periods while discovering questions that remain unanswered in the field.

Ticket Information

While general admission to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is free, separate timed-entry reservations are required for the Dinosaur Explorer exhibition.

Important details:

• Reserve tickets in advance at oltp.kvm.kvcc.edu
• Tickets not picked up will be released to walk-up groups five minutes after the admission time
• Advanced registration is encouraged to secure your preferred entry time

Additional Resources

The museum offers several helpful resources for planning your visit:

• 360-degree virtual tour: Preview the exhibit at realsee.ai
• Social story guide: Download at kalamazoomuseum.org to help prepare children for the visit

Visit Information

Location: 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo

Exhibition Dates: Through September 6, 2026

Contact:

• Phone: 800-772-3370 or 269-373-7990

• Email: museumstaff@kvcc.edu

The exhibition is located on the museum's third floor. Plan your visit soon before these prehistoric guests go extinct from the museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much are tickets to Dinosaur Explorer?

A: The exhibition is free, but timed-entry reservations are required. General admission to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is always free.

Q: How long will the Dinosaur Explorer exhibition be at the museum?

A: The exhibition runs through September 6, 2026.

Q: Is the exhibition suitable for young children?

A: Yes, the exhibition is designed for all ages with hands-on activities and educational content appropriate for children. A social story guide is available online to help prepare kids for the visit.